George Wendt, the actor immortalized as beer-loving barfly Norm Peterson on the iconic sitcom “Cheers,” died on May 20, 2025, at the age of 76.
Wendt passed peacefully in his sleep at his home, according to a family representative.
The beloved actor, who received six consecutive Emmy nominations for his role as Norm, was known for his impeccable comedic timing and everyman charm that resonated with television audiences for decades.
The family’s statement indicated that Wendt was “a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant” to those who knew him personally.
Though Wendt’s official cause of death has not been disclosed, the actor had experienced health challenges in recent years. In 2012, he underwent coronary bypass surgery after doctors discovered a constricted artery, forcing him to withdraw from a Chicago theater production. In more recent months, Wendt had been spotted using mobility assistance, including a cane.
Born on October 17, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, Wendt was the eighth of nine children in a large family with strong ties to his hometown. After a brief and unsuccessful stint at the University of Notre Dame (where he famously earned a 0.0 GPA before being expelled), Wendt found his true calling in comedy at Chicago’s influential Second City theater during the 1970s. It was there he met his future wife, actress Bernadette Birkett, whom he married in 1978. Their union would span 46 years, producing three children: Hilary, Joe, and Daniel. Wendt also helped raise Birkett’s two sons from a previous relationship, Joshua and Andrew.
After leaving Second City, Wendt appeared in small roles on television shows like “Taxi” and “M*A*S*H” before landing his breakout role on “Cheers” in 1982. His character became an instant fan favorite, known for his entrance catchphrase “Afternoon, everybody,” which would be met with the unanimous bar patron response: “NORM!” Wendt appeared in all 275 episodes of the series, which ran for 11 seasons until 1993, becoming one of only three cast members with perfect attendance throughout the show’s run, alongside Ted Danson and Rhea Perlman.
Ted Danson, who portrayed bar owner Sam Malone on “Cheers,” expressed profound grief at the loss of his longtime colleague, saying he was “devastated” by the news.
John Ratzenberger, who played mailman Cliff Clavin, described Wendt as “a true craftsman — humble, hilarious, and full of heart.”
Fellow co-star Rhea Perlman remarked on Wendt’s kind nature, noting that “it was impossible not to like him.”
Following the conclusion of “Cheers,” Wendt starred in his own sitcom, “The George Wendt Show,” which featured him as a garage mechanic with a radio show. Despite the promising concept, the show was canceled after just six episodes in 1995.
Throughout his career, Wendt demonstrated remarkable versatility, appearing in numerous films including “Dreamscape” (1984), “House” (1985), “Fletch” (1985), “Gung Ho” (1986), “Forever Young” (1992), and “Spice World” (1997).
The actor’s talents extended beyond television and film to the stage. Wendt performed on Broadway multiple times, most notably as Edna Turnblad in “Hairspray” from 2007 to 2008 and as Santa Claus in “Elf the Musical” in 2010. In regional theater, he took on a variety of challenging roles, including Willy Loman in a 2017 Ontario production of “Death of a Salesman.” When reflecting on his stage performance in “Hairspray,” Wendt once joked about the experience of performing in high heels, telling Chicago Magazine it was “absolute utter joy and entirely different from anything in my world.”
Wendt’s comedic legacy continued through family, as he was the maternal uncle of Emmy-winning actor and comedian Jason Sudeikis. The “Ted Lasso” star is the son of Wendt’s sister, Kathryn. In a June 2024 podcast appearance, Wendt spoke proudly of Sudeikis, describing him as “such a great kid” and expressing admiration for his nephew’s success and character.
Wendt’s final public appearances showcased his enduring connection to the “Cheers” family. In January 2025, he reunited with his former co-stars at the 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, where the cast gathered around a replica of the series’ famous Boston bar. He appeared on the “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” podcast with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson in August 2024, reminiscing about their time on the beloved series. Another public appearance occurred on June 1, 2024, at the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend charity event in Kansas City, Missouri, where he performed alongside NFL star Travis Kelce despite reportedly not feeling his best.
When discussing his iconic role as Norm Peterson, Wendt maintained a characteristically humble perspective. “Norm is just me with better writing,” he told Chicago Magazine in 2021. “There were hundreds, if not thousands, of actors who could have delivered on the absolute gems that I was handed on a silver platter every Wednesday morning.” This self-effacing attitude belied the distinctive talent and charisma that made Norm Peterson an enduring cultural touchstone.
The National Comedy Center honored Wendt’s contributions to American humor, with Executive Director Journey Gunderson noting how the actor’s work “showcased how comedy can create indelible characters that feel like family.” Indeed, for millions of viewers who welcomed Wendt into their homes each week, Norm Peterson became exactly that—a familiar friend whose warmth and humor transcended the screen.
In a poignant coincidence, Wendt died exactly 32 years to the day after the “Cheers” series finale aired on May 20, a symmetrical bookend to his most celebrated professional achievement. He is survived by his wife Bernadette Birkett, their children Hilary, Joe, and Daniel, his stepsons Joshua and Andrew, and his extensive family, including nephew Jason Sudeikis.
