George Wendt, who portrayed the character of Norm Peterson on the classic sitcom Cheers, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Los Angeles home on May 20, 2025, a day that marked the 32nd anniversary of the series finale. Originally intended to be a single-line role, Wendt’s portrayal, however, resonated so strongly with fans of the show that he rose quickly to become a central figure on the show, bagging six consecutive Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy.
Before his demise, the actor who reunited with his co-stars in 2023 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the beloved sitcom reflected on his time on the show as well as the relationship between him and his co-stars.
George Wendt shared his happiness at visiting the iconic bar set before it was sold
During the reunion, the cast visited the iconic bar that served as the set of the beloved show. The bar, which drew its inspiration from the Bull and Finch Pub in Boston, was up for auction at the time.
The visit was very emotional for them because the bar was a significant piece of the show’s history and held cherished memories for them. Wendt, while speaking to WHDH 7 about the experience, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to revisit the iconic location before it transitioned to new ownership.
George Wendt reflects on the cordial relationship between ‘Cheers’ cast
After spending eleven years together on the hit series Cheers, Wendt revealed that the cast had developed a deep, lasting bond that extended far beyond the show. He also noted that despite their busy lives and careers, they all remained in touch, even though bringing the entire group together at once was a considerable challenge.
In a 1993 interview with People, Wendt’s wife corroborated the statement, explaining that the camaraderie among the Cheers cast was so strong that most times, it looked like they were all members of one family. She noted that when an outsider witnessed their gathering, the group appeared to be constantly enjoying themselves. Wendt will be remembered for his legacy by both his fans and co-stars.