George Wendt – who was best known for his role as Norm Peterson in the iconic sitcom Cheers – has died at the age of 76, his family has confirmed
Actor George Wendt, famed for his role as Norm Peterson in Cheers, has sadly passed away at the age of 76. The sitcom legend, who was the uncle of Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis, died peacefully in his sleep at his home earlier today.
His family confirmed the sad news in a statement. A representative told the Hollywood Reporter: ‘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 announcement of George’s death falls on a particularly poignant date, with the final episode of Cheers airing on television 32 years ago today. George appeared in all 275 episodes of the long-running sitcom and earned six Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his portrayal of beer-loving Norm.
Paying tribute on Twitter (X), one fan of the late star wrote: “George Wendt, beloved for his role as Norm on Cheers, has died at 77. With a beer in hand and a heart of gold, he made millions feel like regulars. A true legend of TV comfort and comedy.”
Hailing from Chicago and brought up on the South Side, George first made waves in the 1970s with Second City, the renowned improv comedy group from his neck of the woods.
He later became a familiar face on Saturday Night Live as Bob Swerski, one of the “superfans” who would congregate at Coach Mike Ditka’s eatery in the Windy City to cheer on “Da Bears.”
The late actor’s filmography includes roles in Dreamscape (1984), House (1985), Fletch (1985), Gung Ho (1986), Plain Clothes (1987), Never Say Die (1988), Guilty by Suspicion (1991), Forever Young (1992) and Spice World (1997).
Additionally, he portrayed the cantankerous dad of a son (played by Macaulay Culkin) with a penchant for blaring music in Michael Jackson’s iconic 1991 “Black or White” music video, directed by Jon Landis.
One of his final appearances on the small screen came about in 2023, when the late dad-of-three appeared on competed in season nine of The Masked Singer US.
George sung as “Moose”, where he was mostly sitting during the performance, and was eliminated on “’80s Night” alongside Christine Quinn of Selling Sunset fame as “Scorpio. He also made a surprise appearance on stage when he reunited with the Cheers cast at the Emmy Awards in 2024.
George sparked health concerns earlier this year as he was pictured during a rare outing after keeping a low profile for several months. The actor was spotted on Wednesday, Jan. 29, stepping out of a car with his wife, Bernadette Birkett. He was dressed in a red and green flannel shirt, black shorts and white New Balance trainers.
As George exited the vehicle, he used a cane for support and also held onto part of the car. He was also photographed sitting in a wheelchair, donning a face mask, while Bernadette pushed him around. She was dressed in all black with a plaid scarf.
The couple shared a tender moment as they were seen holding hands. The specifics of George’s health issues remained private, but it was known that the late actor had a health scare in 2012. He was hospitalised with chest pains and was due to perform in a local production in Chicago when it was later reported that he had undergone coronary bypass surgery after doctors discovered a constricted artery.
George is survived by his wife Bernadette Birkett and their three children: Hilary, Joe, and Daniel.
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