Actor George Wendt Dies at 76
George Wendt, the veteran actor and comedian best known for his iconic role as Norm Peterson, the lovable barfly on NBC’s long-running sitcom Cheers, has died at the age of 76. Wendt passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday morning, his family confirmed in a statement. No cause of death was immediately released.
Wendt’s portrayal of Norm, the wisecracking everyman who never missed a day at Boston’s favorite neighborhood pub, made him a staple of American television for over a decade. From Cheers’ premiere in 1982 until its emotional farewell in 1993, Wendt appeared in all 275 episodes—making him one of the most enduring and recognizable characters in television history.
As Norm, Wendt delivered some of the show’s most memorable punchlines, often as he entered the bar to a thunderous, unified shout of “Norm!” from the regulars. His dry wit and understated charm embodied the show’s blend of humor and heart, capturing the essence of the series’ theme: a place “where everybody knows your name.”
“George had a way of making you feel like you’d known him your whole life,” said Cheers co-star Ted Danson in a tribute. “As Norm, he was hilarious and humble. As a person, he was exactly the same—genuine, kind, and wonderfully funny.”
From Chicago to Cheers
Born on October 17, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, George Robert Wendt III was one of nine children in a working-class Irish Catholic family. He attended Campion Jesuit High School in Wisconsin before enrolling at the University of Notre Dame. After being expelled for poor grades, Wendt later graduated from Rockhurst College in Kansas City with a degree in economics.
But his true passion was performance. Wendt discovered comedy at the famed Second City improv theater in Chicago, where he studied and performed alongside a generation of future stars. There, he developed his comedic timing and down-to-earth style, which would become his trademark.
In the early 1980s, Wendt made appearances in a variety of television shows and films, including a bit part in WKRP in Cincinnati and a memorable role in the 1980 cult classic My Bodyguard. But it was Cheers that launched him into stardom. Originally a modestly rated show, Cheers grew into a cultural juggernaut and critical darling, winning 28 Emmy Awards over its 11 seasons.
Wendt earned six consecutive Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series from 1984 to 1989. Despite never winning, he remained a fan favorite and a core part of the ensemble’s chemistry.
Life Beyond the Bar
Although Cheers remained his defining role, Wendt’s career extended far beyond Norm Peterson. He reprised the character in several other shows, including Frasier, Wings, and The Simpsons, and even made guest appearances as Norm in TV commercials.
Wendt also appeared in films such as Fletch (1985), Gung Ho (1986), Forever Young (1992), and Man of the House (1995). He was often cast in roles that called for a relatable, blue-collar charm—a testament to the natural warmth he brought to his performances.
In 1995, Wendt tried his hand at leading a sitcom with The George Wendt Show on CBS. Though short-lived, the series further highlighted his versatility and comedic range. He also made a memorable Saturday Night Live appearance in the early 1990s, famously portraying one of the “Superfans” who were die-hard Chicago Bears enthusiasts—a sketch that played off his real-life Midwestern roots.
Beyond television and film, Wendt was also a dedicated stage actor. He starred in several Broadway and touring productions, including Art, Twelve Angry Men, Hairspray (as Edna Turnblad), and Elf: The Musical. He often said that the immediacy and connection of live theater brought him the greatest joy as a performer.
A Legacy of Laughter and Loyalty
Throughout his career, George Wendt remained fiercely loyal to his Chicago roots and his Second City beginnings. Despite his fame, he was known by colleagues and fans alike as approachable, generous, and remarkably humble.
“George never let success change him,” said fellow Second City alum and friend Tim Kazurinsky. “He was a working-class guy who got to live his dream, and he never stopped being grateful for it.”
Wendt’s enduring popularity stemmed not just from his performances, but from the sincerity he brought to every role. Norm Peterson wasn’t just a character—he was a friend to millions, a familiar face at the end of a long day, a source of comfort and laughter.
Wendt is survived by his wife of 47 years, actress Bernadette Birkett, who also had a recurring voice role on Cheers as Norm’s often-mentioned but never-seen wife, Vera. The couple had three children and several grandchildren.
Plans for a memorial service have not yet been announced, though fans and colleagues across the entertainment world are already sharing tributes and memories online.
As the curtain falls on the life of one of television’s most enduring comic actors, fans around the world raise a toast to George Wendt—a man whose legacy will live on in reruns, in laughter, and in that timeless cheer: “Norm!”
