Cheers Icon George Wendt Dead at 76

George Wendt, the beloved actor who portrayed beer-loving barfly Norm Peterson on the iconic sitcom “Cheers,” died peacefully in his sleep at his Los Angeles home on Tuesday morning. He was 76. The Chicago native’s family confirmed his death, stating he passed away from natural causes.

Wendt earned six consecutive Emmy nominations for his portrayal of the lovable accountant who became synonymous with the phrase “Norm!” shouted by fellow patrons whenever he entered the Boston bar. His character appeared in every episode of the show’s 11-season run from 1982 to 1993, according to Legacy.

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Ted Danson and Cast Honor TV Legend

Ted Danson, who played bar owner Sam Malone, shared a moving tribute describing Wendt as “the sweetest, kindest man” he had ever worked with. “For 11 years, we shared a stage, a lot of laughs, and a front-row seat to one of television’s most beloved friendships,” Danson said in a statement.

Rhea Perlman, who played waitress Carla Tortelli, told reporters that Wendt “was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met. It was impossible not to like him.” She recalled how her character would frequently “grab him and beat the crap out of him at least once a week” during the show’s run, highlighting their on-screen chemistry.

Second City Roots and Early Career

Born on Chicago’s South Side, Wendt got his start in comedy with the prestigious Second City improv troupe in the 1970s, where he spent six years honing his craft. Despite later admitting he was “probably the worst improviser of all time,” his training at Second City laid the foundation for his natural comedic timing that would serve him throughout his career.

Before landing his breakthrough role, Wendt appeared in small parts on television shows including “Taxi,” “M*A*S*H,” “Hart to Hart,” and “Soap.” His connection to “Cheers” came through a 1981 episode of “Taxi” written by Glen and Les Charles and directed by James Burrows, the future creators of the hit sitcom, according to People.

Cultural Impact of Norm Peterson

Wendt’s portrayal of Norm Peterson became a cultural touchstone, with the character’s entrance into the bar consistently greeting by a chorus of “Norm!” from other patrons. His quick-witted responses to Sam’s questions became legendary, often delivered with perfect comedic timing that made the mundane seem hilarious.

“They probably were looking for somebody with my gut,” Wendt once joked about his casting. “They thought I looked like I belonged in a bar.” His self-deprecating humor and everyman appeal made Norm one of television’s most relatable characters, earning him recognition as the heart of the show’s ensemble cast.

Post-Cheers Career and Legacy

Following “Cheers,” Wendt starred in “The George Wendt Show” in 1995, though the series lasted only one season. He continued acting in films including “Fletch,” “Forever Young,” and “Spice World,” while making numerous television guest appearances on shows such as “Seinfeld,” “The Simpsons,” and “Portlandia.”

Wendt also embraced theater later in his career, notably playing Edna Turnblad in the Broadway production of “Hairspray” in 2008 and Santa Claus in “Elf the Musical” in 2010. His recurring role as Bob Swerski, one of the Chicago Bears “superfans” on “Saturday Night Live,” drew on his South Side roots and love for his hometown teams, according to People.

Personal Life and Family

Wendt married actress Bernadette Birkett in 1978, whom he met during his Second City days. Birkett provided the voice of Norm’s off-screen wife Vera on “Cheers,” though she never appeared on camera. The couple had three children together, and Wendt also had two stepchildren.

Actor Jason Sudeikis, star of “Ted Lasso,” is Wendt’s nephew and organized a 2017 roast in his uncle’s honor at Second City’s Chicago theater. The event raised $200,000 for Gilda’s Club Chicago and The Second City Alumni Fund, demonstrating the lasting affection for Wendt within the comedy community and his commitment to giving back to the institutions that shaped his career.

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