Never forget sitting at the edge of the bar holding a beer every episode. George Wendt, the beloved actor who played Norm Peterson on the iconic TV series “Cheers,” has passed away at 76, leaving behind a legacy that forever changed television comedy. Wendt was best known for his role as the beer-loving barfly Norm Peterson on “Cheers,” which ran from 1982 to 1993. His portrayal of Norm earned him six Emmy nominations throughout the series’ 11-season run.
A Star of Television’s Golden Age
“George Wendt, the comedian and actor known for his beloved role as Norm on “Cheers,” has died, a family representative told CBS News. He was 76.” Wendt’s portrayal of the affable accountant who made the Boston bar his second home resonated with millions of Americans during the show’s 11-season run from 1982 to 1993. As Norm Peterson, Wendt crafted a character that embodied the essence of the show’s theme song – a place where “everybody knows your name.” His regular entrance to the bar, met with patrons shouting “Norm!” in unison, became one of television’s most recognizable moments and cemented his place in pop culture history.
Born in Chicago in 1948, Wendt got his start with the legendary Second City comedy troupe before landing his career-defining role on “Cheers.” The character of Norm Peterson earned Wendt six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series from 1983 to 1988. Though he never took home the award, his portrayal created one of television’s most enduring characters – a good-natured regular who delivered razor-sharp one-liners about his troubled marriage, career struggles, and devotion to beer with impeccable comedic timing.
#RIP actor George Wendt who passed away today at the age of 76. Best known for his role as Norm on CHEERS, Wendt was the son of WWII veteran Captain George R. Wendt, USNR, who made an appearance on the sitcom as a bar patron. pic.twitter.com/WKEvMZs9wv
— U.S. Naval Institute (@NavalInstitute) May 20, 2025
More Than Just Norm
While “Cheers” made Wendt a household name, his versatility as an actor extended far beyond the confines of that Boston bar. After the series ended, he appeared in numerous television shows, including “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” and “Hot in Cleveland,” and even reunited with his “Cheers” co-star Kelsey Grammer on episodes of “Frasier.” Wendt also found success on the big screen with roles in films like “Forever Young” alongside Mel Gibson and “Man of the House” with Chevy Chase. His trademark humor and everyman appeal made him a sought-after character actor throughout his extensive career.
Wendt’s talents extended to the stage as well, where he appeared in productions of “Hairspray” and “Elf” on Broadway. He even played the role of Edna Turnblad in the Broadway production of “Hairspray” in 2008, showcasing his range beyond the character that made him famous. Throughout his career, Wendt maintained ties to his improvisational comedy roots, occasionally returning to perform with Second City and appearing in projects that highlighted his quick wit and perfect comedic timing that had first caught the attention of “Cheers” producers.
With the passing of George Wendt, time to revisit one of the many iconic scenes from Cheers pic.twitter.com/bPaEdsRza2
— OldTimeHardball (@OleTimeHardball) May 21, 2025
A Lasting Legacy
In the hours after news of Wendt’s death broke, tributes poured in from former castmates, industry colleagues, and generations of fans who grew up watching his performances. Ted Danson, who played Sam Malone on “Cheers,” described Wendt as “kind, funny, and a total professional” in statements to the press. Other co-stars like Rhea Perlman and Woody Harrelson shared similar sentiments about Wendt’s impact both on screen and behind the scenes, highlighting his generosity and humility despite his enormous success.
The character of Norm Peterson remains a blueprint for the “lovable regular” archetype seen throughout television comedies in the decades since “Cheers” first aired. Wendt’s ability to deliver memorable one-liners and create a fully realized character who felt like someone viewers might know in their own lives helped establish the modern sitcom format. His contribution to American television and comedy is immeasurable, with his catchphrases and expressions remaining part of the cultural lexicon nearly three decades after the show’s final episode aired.
For generations of Americans who came home to watch “Cheers” during its original run or discovered it through syndication and streaming services, George Wendt wasn’t just an actor – he was Norm, a familiar face who brought comfort and laughs into their living rooms. His legacy as one of television’s most beloved characters ensures that even as fans mourn his passing, the joy he created will live on through his performances that continue to entertain new audiences discovering “Cheers” for the first time.