George Wendt, the actor who portrayed Norm Peterson, a key character on the classic sitcom Cheers, has passed away at the age of 76. Wendt apparently passed peacefully in his sleep.
Cheers ran for 11 seasons and was one of the most popular TV shows in the country at its height. The show’s run began in 1982 and ended in 1993, shortly before the advent of the internet.
Norm was known for his grand entrances and his regular spot at the end of the bar where he would sit and enjoy a beer.
The Hollywood Reporter has details:
George Wendt, the Beer-Loving Norm on ‘Cheers,’ Dies at 76
George Wendt, who bellied up to the bar to portray the beer-quaffing everyman Norm Peterson for all 11 seasons of the fabled NBC sitcom Cheers, has died. He was 76.
Wendt died peacefully in his sleep at home, his family confirmed early Tuesday morning.
“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,” a rep for Wendt said in a statement. “He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.”
Born in Chicago and raised on the South Side, Wendt got his start in the 1970s with Second City, the famed improvisational comedy troupe that was based in his hometown.
Later, he popped up on Saturday Night Live as Bob Swerski, one of the “superfans” who gathered at Coach Mike Ditka’s restaurant in the Windy City to watch “Da Bears.”
Rest in peace, George. Thanks for all the laughs.
RIP George Wendt pic.twitter.com/G7viF24lLa
— Fantasy Baseball (@BaseballAdvice) May 20, 2025
This video has some of Norm’s best entrances on Cheers:
(Image:Source)
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