George Wendt, who played the beer-loving Norm on “Cheers”, dies at 76

Actor and comedian George Wendt passed away in his home on Tuesday morning at 76 years old. Wendt was a beloved actor best known for his role as the beer-loving Norm Peterson on the NBC comedy series “Cheers”.

Wendt’s publicist Melissa Nathan confirmed his passing in a statement:

“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. The family has requested privacy during this time.”

His family said that Wendt passed away peacefully in his sleep.

Wendt’s legacy

Before becoming a television actor, Wendt was a comedian at The Second City in the 1970s. After several guest spots, he landed the role as Norm on “Cheers”, a character he played for all 11 seasons the series ran, from 1982-1993. He earned six consecutive Emmy nominations for the role. His character became one of the most beloved on the show and fans would famously shout “Norm!” anytime he entered the bar.

He was in much more than just “Cheers” though. He also made appearances on “The Simpsons”, “Frasier”, and “Seinfeld” and in films like “Fletch” and “House”. He was the voice of Ham in “Toy Story”, and even played Edna Turnblad in “Hairspray” on Broadway.

Wendt was also actor Jason Sudeikis’ uncle and his wife in real life, Bernadette Birkett, voiced Norm’s offscreen wife, Vera, on “Cheers”. He was known for his deep love of beer and his self-deprecating humor.

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