George Wendt, Iconic ‘Norm’ from Cheers, Dies at 76 — A TV Legend Who Made the Whole World Feel Like Regulars at the Bar

Los Angeles, CA — George Wendt, the iconic actor best known for his portrayal of Norm Peterson on the long-running, Emmy-winning sitcom Cheers, has passed away at the age of 76. Wendt’s death marks the end of a remarkable era in television history, as fans and colleagues alike mourn the loss of one of TV’s most beloved barflies.

His family confirmed his passing on [insert date], stating that the actor died peacefully surrounded by loved ones. No official cause of death has been released at this time.

Born on October 17, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, George Robert Wendt III was the quintessential everyman who brought warmth, wit, and depth to every character he played. A proud Midwesterner, Wendt got his start in comedy with Chicago’s legendary Second City troupe, where he honed his improvisational skills and forged lifelong friendships with fellow performers who would go on to become household names.

But it was his role as Norm — the affable, beer-loving bar regular with a sharp one-liner always at the ready — that catapulted Wendt to stardom. Cheers, which aired from 1982 to 1993, quickly became a cultural phenomenon, and Wendt appeared in all 275 episodes over the show’s 11-season run. His portrayal of Norm earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

With his trademark greeting — “Norm!” — shouted joyfully by the bar’s patrons whenever he entered, Wendt became a symbol of familiarity and comfort to millions of viewers. The character’s steady presence and quick wit resonated deeply, especially in an era when television comedies were beginning to explore more nuanced human relationships.

Ted Danson, who played bartender Sam Malone, said in a statement: “George was the heart of Cheers. His warmth was genuine, and his laugh was contagious. He made everyone feel like they belonged, both on screen and off. I’ve lost a dear friend, and the world has lost a legend.”

Outside of Cheers, Wendt’s career was expansive and versatile. He appeared in numerous films including Fletch, Gung Ho, Forever Young, and the cult horror comedy House. He also had memorable guest roles in television shows like The Simpsons, Frasier, Columbo, Family Guy, and Saturday Night Live, where he famously portrayed one of the “Superfans” — Chicago sports-obsessed, mustachioed enthusiasts chanting “Da Bears!”

In theater, Wendt demonstrated his dramatic chops and musical flair. He starred as Edna Turnblad in the Broadway production of Hairspray and took on roles in productions like Art, 12 Angry Men, and The Odd Couple. His stage work proved he was much more than a sitcom staple — he was a deeply talented performer capable of commanding audiences on any platform.

Wendt was known for his humility and grounded nature, despite his fame. Friends often described him as unassuming, generous, and quick to crack a joke. He relished time spent with his family and enjoyed a quiet life away from Hollywood’s spotlight. In interviews, he often deflected attention from his own success, choosing instead to champion his castmates and the writers who crafted the characters fans came to love.

Wendt is survived by his wife of over 45 years, actress Bernadette Birkett, with whom he shared a deep and enduring bond. The couple met while working in improv and had three children together. Birkett herself once played Norm’s unseen wife Vera in a brief voice cameo on Cheers, a fitting nod to their real-life partnership.

In response to the news of his death, tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry and beyond. Fans have flooded social media with heartfelt messages, many recalling their favorite Norm quotes or moments. Bars and breweries across the country have held spontaneous toasts in his honor.

“George Wendt helped define the golden age of television comedy,” said James Burrows, co-creator of Cheers. “He made Norm a household name, but more importantly, he made him human. He’ll be missed in every way.”

As television continues to evolve, the characters of Cheers — and especially Norm Peterson — remain timeless, reminding us of the power of camaraderie, laughter, and belonging. George Wendt’s legacy lives on not just in reruns, but in the enduring spirit of a man who brought joy to countless lives with nothing more than a barstool and a beer.

Plans for a public memorial or celebration of life have not yet been announced. In lieu of flowers, the Wendt family has requested that donations be made to Second City’s scholarship fund, supporting young aspiring comedians in George’s memory.

Rest in peace, George. The bar will never be the same without you.