George Wendt, the beloved actor who played the iconic character Norm Peterson on the long-running NBC sitcom “Cheers,” died peacefully in his sleep at his home on Tuesday morning, May 20, 2025. He was 76 years old.
Wendt’s family confirmed his death through a representative from The Agency Group. The family stated that Wendt was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all those lucky enough to have known him, and that he will be missed forever. The official cause of death has not been disclosed, and the family has requested privacy during this time.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 17, 1948, Wendt attended Campion High School, a Catholic boarding school in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, graduating in 1966. He initially attended the University of Notre Dame but was kicked out after achieving a 0.0 GPA during a brutal winter semester. Wendt attributed his academic struggles to living off campus without a car, which left him unable to get to class during the harsh weather.
After transferring to Rockhurst University in Kansas City, where he graduated with a degree in economics, Wendt found his calling in comedy. In the mid-1970s, he joined Chicago’s renowned improvisational troupe Second City, where he performed for five years on both the touring company and the mainstage. During his time there, he portrayed various characters ranging from Mayor Richard Daley to a hip priest.
Wendt’s breakthrough came through an unlikely audition for “Cheers” in 1982. Initially called in for what his agent described as a minimal role requiring just one word – “beer” – the audition expanded when producers recognized his potential. Wendt recalled in one of his final interviews: “It’s too small a role. Why don’t you read this other one?” The alternative role was for a character who never left the bar, which became the foundation for Norm Peterson.
The role of Norm Peterson transformed Wendt into a household name and television icon. “Cheers” premiered on September 30, 1982, and despite initially low ratings during its first season, the show grew to become one of television’s most beloved sitcoms. Wendt appeared in all 275 episodes throughout the show’s 11-season run, which concluded on May 20, 1993.
Wendt’s portrayal of the affable, beer-loving barfly earned him six consecutive Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series from 1984 to 1989. His character became synonymous with the show’s warm atmosphere, with his entrance consistently greeted by the enthusiastic call of “Norm!” from fellow patrons. His regular greeting of “afternoon everybody” became one of the show’s most recognizable catchphrases.
“Cheers” featured an ensemble cast including Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman, Kelsey Grammer, John Ratzenberger, Kirstie Alley, and Woody Harrelson. The series was nominated for 117 Emmy Awards during its run, winning 28 of them, and spawned the successful spinoff “Frasier.”
Following “Cheers,” Wendt starred in his own short-lived CBS sitcom “The George Wendt Show,” where he played a radio host car mechanic. The program was canceled after one month. He also made guest appearances on various television shows including “The Ghost Whisperer,” “Harry’s Law,” and “Portlandia,” and competed on “The Masked Singer” in 2023.
Wendt found considerable success on Broadway, making his debut in “Art” in 1998. He later starred as Edna Turnblad in “Hairspray” from 2007 to 2008 and appeared in the stage musical “Elf” in 2017. His theater work extended to national tours of “12 Angry Men” and regional productions of “Death of a Salesman,” “The Odd Couple,” and David Mamet’s “Lakeboat.”
The actor also became associated with portraying Santa Claus in various productions, including the TV movie “Santa Baby” with Jenny McCarthy in 2006 and the Disney video “Santa Buddies” in 2009. He joked about these roles, suggesting that staying overweight and aging brought such opportunities.
Wendt’s co-stars from “Cheers” paid tribute following news of his death. Ted Danson expressed devastation at losing Wendt and sent love to his family. John Ratzenberger described Wendt as bringing Norm to life with subtle brilliance and characterized him as a true craftsman who was humble, hilarious, and full of heart. Rhea Perlman called him the sweetest and kindest man she ever met, noting it was impossible not to like him.
Wendt is survived by his wife of 46 years, actress Bernadette Birkett, who voiced Norm’s never-seen wife Vera on “Cheers.” He is also survived by their children Hilary, Joe, and Daniel, as well as stepchildren Joshua and Andrew. His nephew is actor Jason Sudeikis, known for his work on “Saturday Night Live” and “Ted Lasso.”