The Cheers star had a long career in TV and movies, but he was best known for playing Norm Peterson on Cheers. Sadly, George Wendt passed away in May 2025. His publicist, Melissa Nathan, shared the sad news on May 20.
Wendt became famous for playing Norm, the lovable bar regular on Cheers. The sitcom ran for 11 seasons and made him a household name. However, he had many other roles in both movies and TV shows over the years. George Wendt didn’t just bring laughter to millions; he also built a solid career that paid off financially.
How did George Wendt get into acting?
Wendt began his acting career in the 1970s. He joined The Second City, a popular comedy group in Chicago. From there, he started getting minor roles on TV. He appeared in shows like Taxi, Soap, and Hart to Hart. In 1980, he acted in the movie My Bodyguard. Then, in 1982, he got his big break when he was cast on Cheers.
His role as Norm earned him six Emmy nominations. The character became a fan favorite, and Wendt stayed on the show until it ended in 1993.
What was George Wendt’s net worth at the time of his death?
At the time of his death, George Wendt’s net worth was about $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This wealth came from decades of acting work. While his net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be $10 million, that number mainly reflects liquid assets. When adding in royalties, real estate, and investments, experts believe his actual worth likely passed $25 million.
At the height of Cheers’ success, Wendt reportedly earned $200,000 per episode, which is about $5 million each season in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Besides Cheers, Wendt appeared in many other productions. He acted in The Little Rascals, Man of the House, The George Wendt Show, The Naked Truth, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. He also had roles in Modern Men, Clipped, and the animated series Fancy Nancy. His last credited role was in the 2024 TV movie Love’s Second Act.