- George Wendt died on May 20.
- He was 76 years old when he passed away.
- Wendt was known for his Emmy-nominated performance as Norm in ‘Cheers.’
On Tuesday, May 20, actor George Wendt died. He was 76 years old when he passed, and his death was confirmed by his publicist, Melissa Nathan. “George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,” reads Nathan’s statement, “He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.”
George Wendt was best known for his beloved role as Norm Peterson on the long-running sitcom Cheers, where his effortless comic timing and everyman warmth made him a television icon. With his signature entrance—greeted by a bar full of patrons shouting “Norm!”—Wendt became the embodiment of comfort TV in the 1980s. The role earned him six Emmy nominations and secured his place in pop culture history as one of the most recognizable and endearing characters of the era.
A cheerful rise to fame
Born on October 17, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, George Wendt grew up in a large Irish-American family, the youngest of nine children. He attended Campion High School in Wisconsin and later studied economics at the University of Notre Dame, though he was famously expelled for having a GPA just shy of 1.0. Eventually, he found his footing at Rockhurst College in Kansas City, where he graduated with a degree in economics—though his true passion lay elsewhere. That passion began to take shape when he returned to Chicago and enrolled at The Second City, the legendary improv theater that would become his springboard into show business.
Wendt honed his skills in improvisation and sketch comedy at Second City during the 1970s, sharing stages with future stars and developing the timing and charm that would define his acting. His early television work included small roles in series like Taxi and MASH*, as well as appearances on Saturday Night Live, where he briefly worked behind the scenes before stepping in front of the camera. His big break came in 1982 when he was cast as Norm on Cheers, a role originally written as a one-line part that Wendt turned into a fan favorite. His natural likability and comedic instincts quickly earned him regular status on the show, cementing his place in TV history.
After the bar shut down
Following the end of Cheers in 1993, George Wendt remained a familiar face on television and in film, appearing in everything from sitcoms like The George Wendt Show and Sabrina the Teenage Witch to guest spots on Frasier and Modern Family. He also made memorable turns in movies such as Fletch, Gung Ho, and Forever Young, showcasing his knack for supporting roles that brought a grounded, relatable humor. One of his most enduring comedic contributions came from his time on Saturday Night Live, where he portrayed one of the legendary “Da Bears” superfans in the recurring Bill Swerski’s sketch—a Chicago cult classic that paid homage to his Midwestern roots. While he never again reached the cultural height of Cheers, Wendt remained a working actor and comedy mainstay for decades.
Beyond acting, Wendt was known for his easygoing nature, quick wit, and unwavering love for his hometown of Chicago. He was a regular presence in stage productions, including a Broadway run in Art and a national tour of Hairspray, where he played Edna Turnblad. Off-screen, he led a quiet and grounded life, married to actress Bernadette Birkett—who, in a fun twist, voiced Norm’s never-seen wife Vera on Cheers. Whether he was raising a laugh or raising a glass, George Wendt left behind a legacy of warmth, humility, and timeless humor that made him feel like family to millions.
