George Wendt, the actor and comedian best known for his role as Norm Peterson on NBC’s hit sitcom “Cheers,” died Tuesday in his home. He was 76.
“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,” Wendt’s publicist, Melissa Nathan, said in a statement to press.
Wendt was born on Oct. 17, 1948 in Chicago where he graduated from iconic theater troupe The Second City and met his wife Bernadette Birkett. Before he landed “Cheers,” Wendt worked a bit in film, appearing in “My Bodyguard,” and had smaller TV roles in “Taxi” and CBS’ war comedy-drama “M*A*S*H.” His debut as a series regular was in 1982 when he starred in the CBS sitcom “Making the Grade.”
That same year, Wendt booked his breakout role as Norm Peterson, which earned him six Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Wendt was one of the three actors — including Ted Danson and Rhea Perlman — to star in “Cheers” for all of its 11 seasons.
In a statement provided to TheWrap, Perlman said of her co-star’s passing: “George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met. It was impossible not to like him. As Carla, I was often standing next to him, as Norm always took the same seat at the end of the bar, which made it easy to grab him and beat the crap out of him at least once a week. I loved doing it and he loved pretending it didn’t hurt. What a guy! I’ll miss him more than words can say.”
Coincidentally, Wendt’s death marks the anniversary of the airing of the sitcom’s final episode, 32 years ago.
After the show ended on May 20, 1993, Wendt’s character went on to appear in “Cheers” spinoffs “The Tortellis,” “Frasier” and “Wings.” He also reprised the role in both “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy.”
Aside from his live-action appearances, the longtime Chicago White Sox and Bears fan went on to have roles in several more TV series and films, including “Columbo,” “Becker” and “Outside Providence,” and has appeared as himself on “Seinfeld.” In addition, Wendt also stepped into reality TV, competing in Season 9 of “The Masked Singer.”
Additional tributes began coming in later Tuesday, with “Cheers” co-star Danson saying in a statement: “I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children. It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.”
NBC Entertainment also released a statement on the beloved actor’s passing, writing, “Watching him walk through that door and head to his barstool, America couldn’t wait to say hi to Norm every Thursday night. George Wendt was an essential part of the genius of ‘Cheers’ and he will be missed by the millions who loved him. Norm was all of us. A regular guy who finished his hardworking day wanting to be surrounded by friends and a frosty beverage. We’re proud to raise a glass and toast a true comedy legend.”
Wendt, the uncle of “Ted Lasso” star Jason Sudekis, is survived by his wife Birkett and their three children Joe Wendt, Hilary Wendt and Daniel Wendt.
