Norm from ‘Cheers,’ Actor George Wendt, Dead at 76 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ George Wendt, best known as Norm from the classic sitcom Cheers, has died peacefully at age 76. A six-time Emmy nominee, he brought warmth and wit to both TV and stage, with memorable roles in Hairspray, Elf, and more. Wendt’s legacy spans generations and genres in comedy and theater.
Quick Looks
- George Wendt passed away at 76, peacefully in his sleep
- Best known as Norm on Cheers, earning six Emmy nominations
- Spent six years in Second City before landing TV success
- Originally auditioned for one word: “beer,” but won the iconic role
- Cheers ran 11 seasons, ending with 80 million viewers
- Wendt’s line “Norm!” became a staple of TV history
- Starred on Broadway in Hairspray, Art, and Elf
- Played Edna Turnblad and Santa Claus in multiple productions
- Wendt authored a humorous beer guide, Drinking with George
- Guest starred in Portlandia, The Masked Singer, and SNL
- Survived by wife Bernadette Birkett, children, and stepchildren
- Remembered as a warm, grounded comedic talent
Deep Look
George Wendt, the Emmy-nominated actor who became a television icon as Norm Peterson on Cheers, has died at 76. Known for his affable presence and beer-loving persona, Wendt passed away peacefully in his sleep at home, his family confirmed in a statement released through The Agency Group.
“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,” the family said, requesting privacy during this difficult time.
Though Wendt maintained a long career in both television and theater, it was his role on Cheers—the Boston bar where “everybody knows your name”—that made him a household name. As Norm, the bar’s witty, ever-present patron, Wendt brought comedic heart to the show for 11 seasons, earning six consecutive Emmy nominations between 1984 and 1989.
From Second City to Sitcom Fame
Born and raised in Chicago, Wendt’s path to comedy stardom began at the legendary Second City improv troupe. Before stepping into Norm’s iconic seat, he spent years honing his timing and charm on the troupe’s mainstage and touring company.
When Wendt auditioned for Cheers, the role was intended to be a minor one. “It’s a small role, honey. It’s one line. Actually, it’s one word,” his agent told him. That word? “Beer.” But after reading for a more developed character, he landed the role that would define his career.
Premiering in 1982 to modest ratings, Cheers grew into a cultural juggernaut, winning 28 Emmy Awards from 117 nominations. The cast—Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman, Kelsey Grammer, Kirstie Alley, John Ratzenberger, Woody Harrelson—became TV royalty, with Wendt’s “Norm!” entrance and one-liners becoming unforgettable staples.
Beyond the Barstool: Stage and Screen
After Cheers ended in 1993 with an estimated 80 million viewers tuning in for the finale, Wendt continued acting, though none of his follow-up TV projects matched Cheers‘ success. His own sitcom, The George Wendt Show, was short-lived, and he made guest appearances on shows like Portlandia, Harry’s Law, and The Ghost Whisperer.
But Wendt thrived onstage, earning acclaim on Broadway in Art, Hairspray (as Edna Turnblad), and the musical Elf, where he portrayed Santa Claus—a character he would revisit in various films and holiday specials, including Santa Buddies and Santa Baby. He also toured nationally in 12 Angry Men and starred in regional productions such as Death of a Salesman, The Odd Couple, and Funnyman.
In 2011, Wendt reflected on his stage work: “A, it’s by far the most fun, but B, I seem to have been kicked out of television. I overstayed my welcome. But theater suits me.”
A Life Poured into Laughter—and Beer
Fittingly, Wendt maintained a personal affinity for beer, which became both a professional calling card and personal interest. In 2009, he co-authored Drinking With George: A Barstool Professional’s Guide to Beer, a humorous blend of memoir and beer lover’s handbook. The book included bar bets, global toasts, and 126 synonyms for being drunk—from “annihilated” to “zozzled.”
“Will Rogers once said he never met a man he didn’t like. I feel the same about beer,” he joked in the book.
Wendt’s humor extended to self-deprecation. Speaking about his recurring role as Santa, he quipped, “It just proves that if you stay fat enough and get old enough, the offers start rolling in.”
Remembered with Warmth
Wendt is survived by his wife, actress Bernadette Birkett—also a Second City alum—who voiced his character’s never-seen wife Vera on Cheers. He also leaves behind three children, Hilary, Joe, and Daniel, and two stepchildren, Joshua and Andrew.
The comedy world and fans worldwide are mourning his loss. “From his early days with The Second City to his iconic role as Norm on Cheers, George Wendt’s work showcased how comedy can create indelible characters that feel like family,” said Journey Gunderson, Executive Director of the National Comedy Center.
His entrance cue—“Norm!”—may be silenced, but his legacy of laughter, warmth, and Everyman relatability will live on for generations.
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