The television world is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved stars.
George Wendt, best known as Norm Peterson from the classic sitcom Cheers, has sadly passed away at the age of 76.
His passing was confirmed on Tuesday by his publicist, who shared that Wendt was not only a celebrated actor but also a devoted family man and a deeply cherished friend.
“He will be missed forever,” the statement read.
The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time.
Kelsey Grammer, Ted Danson and Co-Stars Share Their Heartfelt Reactions
Those who shared the screen with Wendt are grieving deeply.
Kelsey Grammer, who got his big break as Dr. Frasier Crane on Cheers, offered a simple but emotional statement: “I believe mourning is a private matter.
But I liked George a lot. He was beloved by millions.”
Ted Danson, who played Sam Malone, the suave bartender and lead of Cheers, said he was “devastated” to hear about George’s death.
“It is going to take me a long time to get used to this,” Danson admitted.
He also sent heartfelt condolences to Wendt’s wife Bernadette Birkett and their three children, adding: “I love you, Georgie.”
Fellow Actors Look Back on Special Moments with George
George Wendt’s impact reached far beyond Cheers. Actor Jon Cryer, who worked with him on the 1984 romantic comedy No Small Affair, recalled being starstruck on set.
“Every day we shot together, I kind of couldn’t believe it.
That I was working with one of my favorite actors in television—and he was just such an absolute prince,” Cryer said.
Melissa Joan Hart, who starred in Sabrina The Teenage Witch, shared her joy of working with Wendt during his guest role as her boss.
“He was warm, professional and kind,” she remembered.
“Heaven just got a little funnier with George Wendt.”
From On-Set Laughter to Off-Camera Kindness
Actor Eric Allan Kramer fondly remembered his time with Wendt on Cheers in 1989.
“He was one of the warmest, funniest guys I’ve ever come across,” Kramer said.
He described George as someone who was generous in rehearsal and made sure everyone felt included—right down to handing him a beer at the end of the night.
They even bonded over their mutual connection to the Calgary Stampeders football team.
“We exchanged many stories over the week,” Kramer added. “Cheers, indeed… RIP.”
A Bittersweet Ending for a Sitcom Icon
George Wendt’s final public appearance came six months ago, when he was seen leaving a dialysis clinic in California—coincidentally on the 32nd anniversary of the Cheers series finale.
The show had quite the journey. While Cheers nearly got canceled after its first season due to low ratings, it quickly turned into a hit.
It stayed in the top 10 for eight out of its final 10 seasons and became the most-watched show during Season 9.
The series earned 28 Emmy Awards from a staggering 117 nominations, and Wendt himself appeared in every episode of its 11-season run.
Norm: The Role That Captured America’s Heart
George Wendt’s portrayal of Norm—everybody’s favorite bar regular—became a piece of television history.
Whether he was an accountant, a painter, or even working with the Coast Guard, Norm’s entrance was always the same: he’d stroll into the bar with a cheerful “Afternoon, everybody!” and the crowd would shout back “Norm!”
That warm, familiar ritual became a staple for millions of fans who felt like Norm was part of their own family.
From Humble Beginnings to TV Greatness
Born in Chicago, Wendt’s journey into acting wasn’t a straight path.
He was expelled from the University of Notre Dame due to low grades and later found himself sweeping theater floors before working his way up.
Before Cheers, he had small guest roles in popular shows like Taxi and MASH*.
After Cheers ended, he launched a short-lived sitcom in 1995, which aired just eight episodes.
But he continued to appear in beloved shows like Columbo, Wings, and even had a recurring role on Sabrina The Teenage Witch.
Fans also loved his recurring sketch on SNL called Bill Swerski’s Superfans, a hilarious tribute to die-hard Chicago sports fans.
A Quiet Life and a Close-Knit Family
George Wendt had been married to actress Bernadette Birkett since 1978.
Funnily enough, Birkett provided the voice of Vera, Norm’s never-seen wife on Cheers.
Together, they raised three children—one daughter and two sons—and kept a fairly low profile in recent years.
In 2023, Wendt made a surprise appearance on The Masked Singer, and in early 2024, he reunited with the Cheers cast on stage at the Emmys.
Though some co-stars were absent, the recreated set brought a wave of nostalgia and reminded fans of the warmth the show brought into their homes.
Jason Sudeikis Opens Up About His Famous Uncle’s Influence
Wendt’s legacy also lives on through his nephew—Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis.
In a 2011 interview, Sudeikis shared how Wendt subtly inspired his career.
“There was no Tuesdays with Morrie kind of relationship,” he said jokingly.
“He was just a good example that being an actor was a viable option.”
He recalled that Wendt encouraged him to audition for Saturday Night Live after watching one of his improv shows.
And in June 2024, Wendt couldn’t help but gush about his nephew in a podcast interview. “He’s such a great kid.
Very proud. Not just of the success, but because he’s solid—so smart, so thoughtful.”
Saying Goodbye to a Sitcom Legend
George Wendt may be gone, but the laughs, warmth, and memories he gave us will live on for generations.
Whether you knew him as Norm, saw him on stage, or caught a glimpse of him behind a mask on a reality show, one thing was clear: he made people feel good.
And in the end, that’s what great comedy—and great humanity—is all about.
Rest in peace, George. Cheers to you.