George Wendt was a beloved American actor best known for his role as Norm Peterson on the iconic NBC sitcom Cheers, which aired from 1982 to 1993.

His portrayal of Norm, a friendly bar regular, endeared him to millions of viewers worldwide.

Wendt appeared in all 275 episodes of the series, making him one of the few cast members to have a presence throughout the entire run.

His character’s signature entrance, where he would be greeted by the bar patrons shouting his name, became a memorable and beloved running gag.

Over the course of the show, Wendt’s performance earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, underscoring his talent and popularity.

Beyond Cheers, George Wendt had a diverse acting career that included appearances in several films.

Notable among these were Dreamscape, Forever Young, and Gung Ho, showcasing his versatility beyond television comedy.

Additionally, Wendt appeared in the music video for Michael Jackson’s 1991 hit “Black or White,” playing the father of a boy portrayed by Macaulay Culkin.

This role highlighted Wendt’s ability to engage audiences across different media formats.

His career spanned decades, with roles in television, film, and music videos, reflecting a broad and enduring presence in the entertainment industry.

On a personal note, George Wendt was married to fellow actor Bernadette Birkett since 1978, and together they had three children.

His family life was an important part of who he was, and those close to him often spoke of his dedication as a family man.

Wendt was also the uncle of actor and comedian Jason Sudeikis, known for his recent acclaimed role as the title character in the sports comedy series Ted Lasso.

This connection highlights a family legacy within the entertainment world, linking two generations of successful actors and comedians.

The news of George Wendt’s death at age 76 was met with heartfelt tributes from colleagues, friends, and fans.

Wendt passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home, according to his family.

Ted Danson, Wendt’s co-star on Cheers, expressed deep sorrow at the loss, calling Wendt “Georgie” and sharing that it would take him a long time to adjust to the absence of his close friend.

Danson’s words conveyed the strong bond between the cast members that extended beyond the screen.

The Cheers Boston pub, which inspired the show, also honored Wendt by posting a tribute that emphasized his symbolic role as a source of comfort and laughter, promising him a permanent place at their bar.

Other celebrities also paid their respects.

Actress Melissa Joan Hart, who worked with Wendt on the television series Sabrina the Teenage Witch, described him as warm, professional, and kind.

She noted that his presence was a gift to the cast and crew, and she poignantly remarked, “Heaven just got a little funnier,” capturing the spirit of Wendt’s comedic legacy.

These tributes highlight the positive impact Wendt had on those he worked with and the affection he inspired in the entertainment community.

George Wendt’s legacy is defined by his iconic role as Norm Peterson, a character who became a cultural touchstone for television audiences.

His contributions to the success of Cheers helped shape the landscape of American sitcoms in the 1980s and early 1990s.

The show’s enduring popularity and Wendt’s consistent presence throughout its run ensure that he will be remembered fondly by fans for generations.

His career, family ties, and the outpouring of grief and admiration following his death all attest to the significant mark he left on both the entertainment industry and the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

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In addition to the NBC sitcom, Wendt appeared in several movies such as Dreamscape, Forever Young and Gung Ho.

He also appeared as the father of a boy played by Macaulay Culkin in Michael Jackson’s Black or White music video, which was released in 1991.

He had been married to fellow actor Bernadette Birkett since 1978, with whom he had three children.

He was also the uncle of actor and comedian Jason Sudeikis, who is most recently known for playing the title character in the sports comedy Ted Lasso.

Wendt’s Cheers co-star Ted Danson told People magazine that he was “devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us”.

“I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children,” he said. “It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.”

Cheers Boston, the pub that inspired the hit television show, paid tribute by sharing a picture of Norm’s spot at the bar on Instagram.

“George wasn’t just an actor – he was a symbol of comfort, laughter, and that familiar feeling of walking into a place where everybody knows your name,” they said.

“To George: thank you for the laughs, the memories, and the legacy you leave behind. You’ll always have a stool at our bar.”

Actress Melissa Joan Hart reflected on the handful of times they had worked together on the show Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

“He was warm, professional and kind and our cast and crew were gifted with his presence every time. Rest in peace!” she wrote on Instagram.

“Heaven just got a little funnier”.

George Wendt, who starred as Norm Peterson in the popular comedy series Cheers, has died at the age of 76.

The beloved actor and comedian died peacefully in his sleep at his home early on Tuesday morning, his family said.

“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,” a representative told the BBC.

Wendt starred as Norm in all 275 episodes of Cheers, which ran from 1982-93. He earned six consecutive Emmy nominations for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series.

Wendt’s character Norm was a well-loved bar regular, and was one of the few characters to appear in every episode of Cheers.

His entrance into the bar was a running gag on the show, beginning with him greeting the other patrons followed by the crowd yelling his name.

Wendt reunited with some of the cast at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2024, including Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, Kelsey Grammer and John Ratzenberger.