George Wendt, actor who played Norm on 'Cheers,' dies at 76
George Wendt, the actor best known for playing Norm Peterson on the long-running sitcom "Cheers," has died. He was 76.
A family representative confirmed the news to ABC News on Tuesday and said that Wendt "died peacefully in his sleep while at home."
"George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him," the rep said in a statement. "He will be missed forever."
Wendt earned six Emmy nominations for his role on the NBC comedy series.
Born on Oct. 17, 1948, in Chicago, Wendt began his career in comedy at The Second City theater.
Prior to "Cheers," he starred in a few roles on television, including "M*A*S*H," "Taxi" and "Soap" before his big break in "Cheers."
Wendt starred in all 275 episodes of "Cheers" from when the show first aired in 1982 to its final episode in 1993.
In a 2021 interview with Chicago Magazine, Wendt recalled the first time he auditioned for "Cheers."
"I needed to look like a guy who wanted to have another beer," he said.
The actor added that he was exactly like Norm, with the character having "better writing."
Following the success of "Cheers," Wendt starred in the short-lived sitcom "The George Wendt Show" in 1995.
Wendt also appeared in several episodes of "Saturday Night Live," "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" and "George Lopez." He reprised his role as Norm in an episode of the "Cheers" spinoff "Frasier."
On "SNL," he starred in the popular recurring sketch "Bill Swerski's Superfans," alongside Chris Farley, Mike Myers and Robert Smigel, which lampooned Chicago sports fans.
His film credits included the 1985 Chevy Chase comedy "Fletch," the 1991 period drama "Guilt by Suspicion," alongside Robert De Niro, and the 1992 romantic drama "Forever Young" with Mel Gibson. He also notched cameo appearances in "The Little Rascals" and "Spice World."
He starred in several television films, including "Alice in Wonderland" in 1999, "Strange Relations" in 2001, "Santa Baby" in 2006 and more.
Wendt married his wife, Bernadette Birkett in 1978. The duo met while working at Second City.
They shared a daughter named Hilary and two sons, Joe and Daniel.
Wendt was also the uncle and godparent of actor Jason Sudeikis.
