George Wendt, Who Played Norm on ‘Cheers’, Dies at 76
George Wendt, the actor who played Norm on the long-running sitcom Cheers, died at age 76. His family confirmed the news, sharing that he passed away in his sleep at home on May 20. They described him as a devoted husband, father, and friend. The cause of death has not been released.
Wendt became a household name in the 1980s as Norm Peterson, the quick-witted bar regular who made walking into a pub feel like coming home. He appeared in all 275 episodes of Cheers, from 1982 until the series finale in 1993. His deadpan delivery and warm presence made the character stand out. Every time he entered the bar, a loud “Norm!” echoed from the other characters. It became his signature.
Before Cheers, Wendt built his comedy skills at Chicago’s Second City. He later landed guest roles on shows like MASH*, Taxi, and Soap. As his career expanded, he took on film and theater. He performed on Broadway in productions such as Hairspray, Elf, and Art, where New York audiences got to see his timing up close. On screen, he acted in films like Fletch and Forever Young.
His talent reached beyond television. Wendt lent his voice to animated shows including The Simpsons and Family Guy, often reprising his Norm persona in clever cameos.
Here’s what to know:
- Born October 17, 1948, in Chicago
- Studied acting after college at the Kansas City Art Institute
- Married to actress Bernadette Birkett since 1978; they had three children
- Uncle of actor Jason Sudeikis
- Nominated six years in a row for an Emmy for Cheers
- Continued acting in film, TV, and theater throughout his life
‘Always showed a smile’
Former co-stars shared their grief this week. Rhea Perlman, who played Carla, called him “the sweetest guy” and remembered him as someone who always showed up with a smile. Ted Danson, who played Sam, said, “I loved him. We all did. It’s hard to imagine that voice and that laugh being gone.”
Notably, Wendt passed away on the same date that Cheers aired its final episode—May 20, 1993. Thirty-two years later, his passing brings that circle to a quiet close.
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