George Wendt, the comedian-turned-actor best known for his role as “Norm Peterson” on the classic sitcom Cheers, died Tuesday at the age of 76.
Wendt died peacefully in his sleep at home, according to The Hollywood Reporter, who received the following statement from a family representative:
“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.”
The Chicago native began his career as a standup comic in the 1970s with the improv troupe Second City. As an actor, Wendt found fame – and earned six consecutive Emmy nominations for best supporting actor in a comedy series – during his 11 seasons on Cheers.
Wendt’s everyman character Norm was a regular at the Boston bar whose entrance (“Norm!!”) became a fan favorite moment of every episode. Along with co-stars Ted Danson and Rhea Perlman, Wendt is the only cast member to have appeared in every episode of Cheers during its 1982-1993 run.
Beyond Cheers, Wendt appeared on Saturday Night Live as Chicago Bears mega-fan Bob Swerski in the show’s “Da Bears” skits. (Decades later Wendt’s nephew, Jason Sudeikis, would become a regular on SNL before starring in Ted Lasso.)
Wendt also guest-starred on everything from Becker (starring his Cheers pal Danson) to Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Hot in Cleveland.
Wendt’s feature film credits include Dreamscape (1984), Fletch (1985), Gung Ho (1986), Guilty by Suspicion (1991), Forever Young (1992) and Spice World (1997).
