Remembering George Wendt: The Beloved Actor Who Played Norm on ‘Cheers’
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of George Wendt, the talented actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Norm Peterson on the beloved sitcom Cheers. Wendt passed away at the age of 76, peacefully in his sleep at home, as confirmed by a family representative to ABC News.
George Wendt rose to fame for his role on NBC’s Cheers, which aired from 1982 to 1993. His warm and affable portrayal of bar regular Norm endeared him to audiences across the country, earning him six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Wendt appeared in all 275 episodes of the Emmy-winning show, becoming a staple of American television.
Born in Chicago on October 17, 1948, George Wendt began his comedy career at the renowned Second City theatre. It was there that he met his wife, actress Bernadette Birkett, whom he married in 1978. The couple shared three children: a daughter, Hilary, and two sons, Joe and Daniel.
Before his breakout role on Cheers, Wendt had small roles on popular TV shows like M*A*S*H, Taxi, and Soap. Reflecting on his audition for Cheers in a 2021 interview with Chicago Magazine, Wendt joked that he simply needed to “look like a guy who wanted to have another beer.” He often saw similarities between himself and his character Norm, except Norm had the benefit of better writing.
Following his time on Cheers, George Wendt starred in the short-lived The George Wendt Show in 1995 and made memorable guest appearances on shows like Saturday Night Live and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. He even reprised his role as Norm in an episode of Frasier, the Cheers spinoff.
Wendt’s film career included roles in movies like “Fletch” (1985), “Guilt by Suspicion” (1991), and “Forever Young” (1992). He also made cameo appearances in “The Little Rascals” and “Spice World.” Additionally, Wendt appeared in several television movies, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
With his trademark warmth and everyman charm, George Wendt left an enduring mark on pop culture as a television legend. While he may have been greeted with a cheerful “Norm!” every episode on Cheers, fans now bid him a heartfelt goodbye as they remember the actor who brought joy to millions.
It is worth noting that George Wendt was also the uncle and godparent of actor Jason Sudeikis, further solidifying his impact on the entertainment industry and those around him.
