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TV fans around the world are in mourning today following the heartbreaking news that Cheers star George Wendt has died at the age of 76, in a poignant twist, exactly 32 years to the day since the iconic sitcom aired its final episode.
Wendt, who became a household name as the lovable barfly Norm Peterson on the hit NBC series, passed away peacefully, his publicist confirmed in a statement released late last night.
“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 statement read.
The actor earned six consecutive Emmy nominations for his portrayal of Norm, whose memorable entrance to the bar, always greeted with a chorus of "Norm!", became one of the show’s most enduring trademarks. The role turned Wendt into a television legend, adored by millions for his deadpan delivery, warmth, and impeccable comic timing.
Born and raised in Chicago, Wendt’s journey to stardom was anything but traditional. He was expelled from the University of Notre Dame for poor grades, and his first taste of showbiz came not on stage, but sweeping theatre floors. Determined to make it, he eventually began picking up guest roles in cult classics such as Taxi and MASH before landing his career-defining role on Cheers in 1982.
The beloved sitcom ran for 11 seasons and remains one of the most successful American television shows of all time. Wendt’s Norm was the everyman, the bar regular with a bottomless pint and a one-liner for every occasion, becoming a character fans genuinely felt was part of their own lives.
After Cheers wrapped in 1993, Wendt launched his own short-lived CBS sitcom, The George Wendt Show, which sadly lasted only eight episodes. Still, he continued to work steadily in TV and film over the years, appearing in a variety of projects and maintaining a loyal fanbase.
In 2023, he delighted audiences once more with a surprise appearance on The Masked Singer, proving he still had the ability to charm and surprise even decades after his heyday.
Wendt is survived by his wife of 47 years, Bernadette Birkett, who provided the voice of Norm’s never-seen wife Vera on Cheers. The couple shared three children, one daughter and two sons, and had long been regarded as one of Hollywood’s more grounded, private couples.
Tributes have already begun flooding in from fans and former co-stars, many recalling his warmth, humour, and unforgettable contribution to one of television’s greatest eras.
As one fan poignantly wrote online: “You always knew the bar was going to be OK when Norm walked in. Rest easy, George – the next round’s on us.”
