George Wendt, Beloved Cheers Star, Passes Away at 76

The entertainment world mourns the loss of George Wendt, who passed away peacefully at 76, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and cherished memories.

George Wendt, famed for his portrayal of the beloved Norm Peterson in the classic sitcom Cheers, has died at the age of 76. His family confirmed that he passed away quietly in his sleep at his home early on Tuesday morning. A representative expressed, "George was a devoted family man, a cherished friend, and a confidant to all fortunate enough to have known him. He will be missed forever."

Wendt, who featured prominently in all 275 episodes of Cheers that aired from 1982 to 1993, received six consecutive Emmy nominations for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series. Norm Peterson, a familiar figure at the Cheers bar, became synonymous with laughter and camaraderie on the show. His entrances, marked by a chorus of patrons yelling his name, remained a beloved running gag throughout the series.

In a nostalgic reunion at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2024, Wendt shared the stage with his fellow cast members, including Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, Kelsey Grammer, and John Ratzenberger. Beyond Cheers, Wendt made memorable appearances in films such as Dreamscape, Forever Young, and Gung Ho. He also played the father of Macaulay Culkin’s character in Michael Jackson's iconic music video “Black or White,” released in 1991.

Wendt was married to fellow actor Bernadette Birkett since 1978, and together they had three children. He was also the uncle of popular actor and comedian Jason Sudeikis, known for his leading role in the hit series Ted Lasso. As fans and fellow actors remember this iconic figure, the impact of his work continues to resonate in the hearts of many.