The entertainment industry is grieving the loss of George Wendt, best known for playing Norm Peterson on the classic sitcom Cheers. The actor passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 76.
Heartfelt messages have flooded in from his former co-stars. Ted Danson, who portrayed the charming bartender Sam Malone, shared his sorrow: “Losing Georgie is incredibly difficult. I’m struggling to accept it. I love you, Georgie.”
Kelsey Grammer, famous for his role as Dr. Frasier Crane, offered a simple yet sincere statement: “Mourning is a deeply personal experience. But George was someone I admired. He meant a great deal to so many.”
Wendt brought the character of Norm to life across all 275 episodes of Cheers, which aired from 1982 until 1993. Known for his humorous one-liners and signature bar entrance—always greeted with a resounding “Norm!”—Wendt became a cultural icon. His work on the series earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
His family confirmed that Wendt died in his sleep early Tuesday morning. In a statement, they described him as “a devoted family man, a loyal friend, and someone whose kindness touched everyone around him.”
Rhea Perlman, who played Carla, fondly remembered Wendt: “He was the kindest and sweetest person I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. I will miss him more than words can say.”
John Ratzenberger, who portrayed Norm’s close friend Cliff Clavin on the show, added: “I’m heartbroken. George and I shared unforgettable moments, endless laughter, and one of TV’s most beloved on-screen friendships.”
Actress Melissa Joan Hart, who worked alongside Wendt on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, also offered her condolences. “George was a joy to work with—always kind, always professional. We were lucky to have him,” she wrote on social media.
Beyond Cheers, Wendt’s acting career included roles in films like Dreamscape, Gung Ho, and Forever Young. He also appeared in Michael Jackson’s 1991 “Black or White” music video, playing the father of a character portrayed by Macaulay Culkin. He was the uncle of actor and comedian Jason Sudeikis, known for Ted Lasso.
Married to actress Bernadette Birkett since 1978, Wendt was a devoted husband and father to their three children.
In a memorable moment in 2024, Wendt reunited with his Cheers castmates at the Emmy Awards—now a cherished final public appearance.
Cheers Boston, the bar that inspired the show’s setting, paid tribute by sharing an image of Norm’s signature barstool. Their message read, “George represented more than a character—he was a symbol of comfort, humor, and that warm feeling of being truly known. Thank you, George, for the unforgettable memories. Your stool will always be waiting.”
Reflecting on Cheers years after it ended, Wendt once remarked that the show’s impact never faded. “People still recognize me and shout ‘Norm!’ as if the show aired yesterday,” he said.
Now, that iconic greeting echoes in remembrance. George Wendt’s legacy endures—in the laughter he inspired, the memories he created, and the barstool that will forever be his.