• George Wendt, best known for his role as Norm on Cheers, died at age 76, leaving a legacy of humor and warmth. George Wendt is remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike.
• He had a long career in TV and film, including many guest roles and appearances on Saturday Night Live.
• Wendt stayed connected to his comedy roots and was proud uncle to actor Jason Sudeikis.

George Wendt, the actor famous for his role as Norm Peterson on the TV show Cheers, passed away at age 76. His family shared the news with the public. Fans and colleagues remember him as a warm and funny man. Wendt brought laughter and kindness to many through his work and personal life. His role as Norm became a cultural icon and made him a beloved figure in television history.

Early Acting Career Began in Chicago’s Improv Scene

George Wendt grew up in Chicago, where he discovered his love for acting. In 1975, he joined The Second City Mainstage, a well-known improv comedy group. There, he honed his skills by performing in shows and touring with the troupe. He gained valuable experience in live comedy, which helped him prepare for his future TV career. After five years, Wendt left the group to pursue roles in film and television.

Breakthrough Came with the Role of Norm Peterson on Cheers

Wendt’s big break came in 1982 when he landed the role of Norm Peterson on Cheers. The NBC sitcom became hugely popular and ran for 11 seasons. Norm was the friendly, beer-loving regular at the bar, known for his witty one-liners. Wendt starred alongside Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, Woody Harrelson, and other stars. He received six Emmy nominations for playing Norm, showing how much the role resonated with audiences and critics alike.

Co-stars and Fans Loved Wendt’s Kindness and Humor

Rhea Perlman, who played Carla on Cheers, praised Wendt’s kindness and sense of humor. She recalled how he always joked and took their on-set antics in stride. Perlman said she loved pretending to hit him during scenes because he never acted like it hurt. She called him the “sweetest, kindest man” and said she would miss him deeply. Many fans and colleagues shared similar stories, highlighting Wendt’s warmth off-screen as much as his charm on-screen.

Wendt Was One of the Few to Appear in Every Cheers Episode

Only three actors appeared in all episodes of Cheers: George Wendt, Ted Danson, and Rhea Perlman. This shows how central Wendt’s character was to the show. He was a constant presence at the bar throughout the entire 11-year run. The show ended in 1993, but Wendt’s role as Norm stayed in viewers’ hearts for decades. He often spoke fondly about his time on the show and how much fun he had with the cast.

Fond Memories and Funny Stories from the Cheers Cast

In 2024, Wendt told fans that working on Cheers was a fantastic experience. He joked about how easy and enjoyable the job was. His co-star John Ratzenberger said they felt like they were “stealing money” because they had such a good time. Wendt also revealed that the beer on the show was fake, but they sometimes drank real beer after filming. He embraced his character as the “big guy who always wanted another beer,” which made Norm so relatable and funny.

A Steady TV and Film Career Beyond Cheers

George Wendt acted in several movies, such as Dreamscape, Never Say Die, and Forever Young. He worked with stars like Mel Gibson and Jamie Lee Curtis. Despite his film work, Wendt kept returning to television. He guest-starred on shows like Seinfeld, The Larry Sanders Show, and The Twilight Zone. He even starred in his own sitcom, The George Wendt Show, and appeared regularly on The Naked Truth.

Popular Recurring Role on Saturday Night Live

From 1991 to 2003, Wendt appeared on Saturday Night Live as Bob Swerski, a diehard Chicago sports fan. He acted alongside famous comedians such as Chris Farley and Mike Myers. This role became a fan favorite and showed Wendt’s comedic range outside of Cheers. His appearances kept him in the spotlight long after Cheers ended.

Continued Work in Television Throughout the 2000s and 2010s

Wendt kept acting well into the 2000s and 2010s. He guest-starred on many shows, including Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Portlandia, and Fresh Off the Boat. He stayed active and relevant in TV comedy and drama. His steady work demonstrated his dedication to his craft and ability to adapt to new roles and styles.

Return to Improv and Charity Work in Chicago

In 2017, Wendt returned to his roots by performing at The Second City in Chicago. The event was called I Can’t Believe They Wendt There: The Roast of George Wendt. Jason Sudeikis, his nephew and a star of Ted Lasso, hosted the roast. The show raised $200,000 for charity groups Gilda’s Club Chicago and The Second City Alumni Fund. Wendt stayed connected to the comedy community throughout his life.

Proud Uncle to Jason Sudeikis

George Wendt often spoke proudly about Jason Sudeikis, his sister’s son. On a podcast last year, Wendt described Jason as smart, thoughtful, and talented. He expressed great pride in his nephew’s success. Jason’s family connection kept Wendt close to Hollywood’s younger generation.

Final Acting Credit and Family Left Behind

George Wendt’s last credited role came in 2024 in the TV movie Love’s Second Act. He worked steadily almost until the end of his life. He is survived by his wife, Bernadette Birkett, and their three children: Hilary, Joe, and Daniel. The family asked for privacy during this time of mourning. Fans worldwide remember Wendt for his talent, humor, and kindness.