George Wendt, the cherished actor renowned for his role as Norm Peterson on the iconic sitcom Cheers, has passed away at the age of 76. His family confirmed that he died peacefully in his sleep at his home early Tuesday morning. A representative expressed their sorrow, stating, "George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever."
Wendt became a household name during his tenure on Cheers, which aired from 1982 to 1993 and amassed a total of 275 episodes. His character, Norm, was a beloved fixture at the Cheers bar—his entrance often igniting a joyous chant from the regular patrons. During his illustrious career, Wendt received six consecutive Emmy nominations for his outstanding supporting role in a comedy series.
Beyond the sitcom, Wendt enjoyed a successful career in film, appearing in movies such as Dreamscape, Forever Young, and Gung Ho. He also made a memorable appearance as the father of a boy in Michael Jackson's famous music video for "Black or White" in 1991.
Wendt's personal life was marked by a long-lasting marriage to fellow actor Bernadette Birkett, which began in 1978 and produced three children. He was also the proud uncle of actor and comedian Jason Sudeikis, known for his leading role in the popular series Ted Lasso. The entertainment world is mourning the loss of a genuinely wonderful actor whose contributions and legacy will live on through his characters and performances.
