George Wendt, Beloved ‘Cheers’ Actor, Dies at 76

George Wendt the affable actor best known for his role as Norm Peterson on the iconic sitcom Cheers has died at the age of He passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Los Angeles home on May exactly years after the series finale aired George Wendt Beloved Cheers Actor Dies at Wendt s portrayal of Norm the witty bar regular with an unquenchable thirst for beer and a quip for every occasion made him a household name Appearing in all episodes of Cheers from to his character s entrance was consistently met with a resounding Norm from fellow patrons a testament to his beloved status on the show His performance earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series from to Born George Robert Wendt Jr on October in Chicago Illinois he began his career with the Second City improv troupe His initial audition for Cheers was for a one-line role but his talent fleetly secured him a permanent spot as Norm Peterson Beyond Cheers Wendt showcased his versatility across various mediums He appeared in films like Fletch Gung Ho and Forever Young and took to the stage in Broadway productions such as Hairspray and Elf Television audiences also saw him in guest roles on shows like Seinfeld The Simpsons and Family Guy Tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans alike Ted Danson who played Sam Malone on Cheers expressed his devastation remembering Wendt as a dear friend Rhea Perlman described him as the sweetest kindest man while John Ratzenberger praised his comedic brilliance and loyal nature Wendt is survived by his wife of years Bernadette Birkett their three children and his nephew actor Jason Sudeikis His family remembered him as a devoted family man and cherished friend who will be deeply missed In Boston at the bar formerly known as the Bull Finch Pub the inspiration for Cheers patrons raised their glasses in his honor embodying the spirit of camaraderie that Wendt so effortlessly brought to life on screen George Wendt s legacy as Norm Peterson will forever remain etched in television history a symbol of warmth humor and the comfort of familiar faces in a neighborhood bar where everybody knows your name