George Wendt, Beloved ‘Cheers’ Star Known as Norm, Dies at 76
George Wendt, the iconic actor who brought Norm Peterson to life on the hit American sitcom Cheers, has died at the age of 76. Best known for his role as the lovable, beer-loving regular at the Boston bar, Wendt passed away peacefully at his home on May 20, 2025. His death was confirmed by his publicist, Melissa Nathan, who described him as “a doting family man, a well-loved friend, and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him.”
Wendt became a household name through his portrayal of Norm, appearing in all 275 episodes of Cheers from its premiere in 1982 to its finale in 1993. His signature entrance — walking into the bar to a chorus of “Norm!” from fellow patrons — became one of the show’s most beloved trademarks. Although the character was initially written as a one-line cameo named George, Wendt’s natural comedic timing led producers to reimagine the role into the full-fledged fan favorite, Norm Peterson, a down-on-his-luck accountant who later became a painter and decorator.
Born in Chicago on October 17, 1948, George Robert Wendt Jr. was one of nine children in an Irish-American family. His maternal grandfather, Tom Howard, was a photographer who famously captured the 1928 execution of Ruth Snyder, an image that made front-page history. Wendt attended the University of Notre Dame but was expelled, later earning an economics degree from Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Missouri. His real passion was comedy, which led him to the legendary Second City improv troupe in Chicago, where he honed the skills that would catapult him to fame.
Before landing Cheers, Wendt appeared in shows like M A S H, Taxi, and Soap, as well as the film Airplane II: The Sequel. His breakout role as Norm earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He later reprised the character in spin-offs like The Tortellis, Frasier, and animated appearances in The Simpsons and Family Guy.
Outside of Cheers, Wendt took on various roles in television, film, and theater. He starred in The George Wendt Show (1995), though it was short-lived, and made appearances in Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, Saturday Night Live, Columbo, and Hot in Cleveland. His film credits include Gung Ho, Fletch, Spice World, House, and The Climb. In 1991, he appeared as Macaulay Culkin’s father in Michael Jackson’s Black or White music video.
Wendt also found success on stage, starring in Broadway productions such as *Art*, *Elf the Musical*, and *Hairspray*, where he played the iconic role of Edna Turnblad. In 2009, he co-authored *Drinking With George: A Barstool Professional’s Guide to Beer*, showcasing his enduring connection to the bar culture his *Cheers* character so famously embodied.
He is survived by his wife, Bernadette Birkett, whom he met during his Second City days. Birkett, who occasionally voiced Norm’s never-seen wife, Vera, on *Cheers*, married Wendt in 1978. Together, they raised three children — Hilary, Joe, and Daniel — and he also helped parent two stepchildren, Joshua and Andrew. Wendt is also survived by one grandchild and five of his siblings.
Wendt’s passing marks the end of an era for fans of classic television. Through Norm Peterson, he gave audiences a warm, relatable figure who symbolized friendship, humor, and the comfort of familiar places. His legacy will endure not only through reruns of *Cheers* but also in the hearts of those who cherished his work.
RELATED
