George Wendt, the actor best known for his role as Norm Peterson on the long-running sitcom Cheers, died early Tuesday morning at the age of 76. According to a family statement, Wendt passed away in his sleep at his home in Chicago on May 20, 2025 — 32 years to the day after the airing of the Cheers series finale.
Wendt was born George Robert Wendt Jr. on Oct. 17, 1948, in Chicago. He built a career in entertainment that spanned decades, but it was his role as the barstool mainstay Norm on Cheers that brought him national recognition. His performance earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Wendt had a diverse résumé beyond the fictional Boston bar he frequented for 11 seasons. He appeared in a range of films, including Fletch, House, and The Little Rascals, and took on guest roles in television staples such as Frasier, The Simpsons, and Family Guy. He was also active in theater, performing in stage productions like Hairspray and 12 Angry Men.
Wendt is survived by his wife, actress Bernadette Birkett, and their three children. He was also the uncle of actor and Saturday Night Live alum Jason Sudeikis.
In a statement, the Wendt family called him “a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him.”
Wendt’s portrayal of Norm became a cultural fixture of 1980s sitcom television. His passing marks the loss of one of the most recognizable faces from a defining era in television comedy.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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