George Wendt dead: 'Cheers' star who played Norm dies at 76

George Wendt, famous for playing Norm Peterson in the iconic sitcom “Cheers,” has died at 76.

His family rep confirmed the news to The Post, saying Wendt “died peacefully in his sleep while at home” Tuesday.

“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,” the family rep’s statement read. “He will be missed forever. The family

has requested privacy during this time.”

His “Cheers” co-star Ted Danson told The Post, “I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children. It is going to take me a

long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.” 

The actor earned six consecutive Emmy nominations for his performance as Norm on NBC’s “Cheers” and appeared in all 275 episodes of the program.

Wendt starred in the comedy, which centered around the regulars of the Boston bar “Cheers,” alongside Danson, 77, Rhea Perlman, 77, John Ratzenberger, 78, Kelsey Grammer, 70, Woody

Harrelson, 63, Shelley Long, 75, the late Kirstie Alley, and more. The series ran 11 seasons from 1982 to 1993, and took home 28 Emmys.

Wendt was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1948, and stuck to his roots by starting his career in the city’s booming improv landscape.

The actor began as a comedian at the Second City in the 1970s before becoming a household name.

He appeared in several TV shows until finally landing his big break as Norm.

“Afternoon, everybody” became one of the most recognizable lines on “Cheers” and was Norm’s catchphrase. As one of the fan-favorites, Wendt scored six Emmy nominations for Supporting Actor

in a Comedy Series.

He also reprised the role of Norm in the short-lived “Cheers” spinoff, “The Tortellis,” as well as another spinoff, “Frasier.”

Wendt later scored his own sitcom, “The George Wendt Show.” In the CBS program, he played a radio host car mechanic. It was scrapped after one month.

The National Comedy Center addressed Wendt’s legacy and death in a statement to The Post.

“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. Over the

course of 11 seasons, he brought warmth and humor to one of television’s most beloved roles. His work is proudly featured in the National Comedy Center, and we honor his legacy and the joy

he brought to generations of fans,” said Journey Gunderson, the center’s executive director.

Wendt wasn’t the only one in his family who caught the acting bug.

“Saturday Night Live” alum Jason Sudeikis, 49, is the late star’s nephew.

The “Ted Lasso” star’s mother, Kathryn, is one of Wendt’s sisters.

Wendt once teased that the hardest part of playing Norm was drinking the warm, flat and zero alcohol “beer.”

“There I was slamming those down for a whole day. It not only tastes disgusting, I was afraid of keeling over from high blood pressure,” he told the Washington Post in 1985. “Then I got the

knack. I didn’t have to put all those brews away. It only mattered when the camera was pointing my way. It took a couple of years, but now I watch the camera. That’s how I make my money.

That’s acting.”

He would go on to play Norm in other non-“Cheers” TV projects, including “Wings,” “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy.”

He also starred as himself on “Seinfeld” and “The Larry Sanders Show,” and had recurring roles on “The Naked Truth” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.”

The star made his Broadway debut in “Art” (1998) and played Edna Turnblad in “Hairspray” from 2007 to 2008.

Wendt’s last public appearance was June 1, 2024, at the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend with NFL star Travis Kelce.

The actor reunited with his “Cheers” co-stars for a trip down memory lane in January 2024 at the 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards.

The cast gathered around a replica of the series’ popular Boston bar to present the Best Directing for a Comedy Series and Best Writing in a Comedy Series statuettes. 

Wendt is survived by his wife of 46 years, actress Bernadette Birkett; their children Hilary, Joe and Daniel; and his stepchildren, Joshua and Andrew.