Who Was George Wendt? All About Star of Long-Running Sitcom Cheers As He Passes Away at 76

Trigger Warning: Mention of death.

George Wendt, who was most famous for his role as Norm Peterson on Cheers, passed away on Tuesday. He was 76.

Wendt died in his sleep at home on May 20, 2025. His publicist, Melissa Nathan, had confirmed the news in a statement, per People. 

Wendt was born in 1948 in Chicago. He was the eighth of nine children. Actor Jason Sudeikis is his sister Kathryn's son. Wendt was expelled from the University of Notre Dame. He later worked for his dad's real estate business. He then graduated from Rockhurst College.

He trained at Chicago's Second City theater in 1974. There, he met and married actress Bernadette Birkett. They wed in 1978. They had three kids: Hilary, Joe, and Daniel.

Wendt faced difficulties early on in his career as a comedian. He was even fired and quit Second City as well. Despite adversity, he made appearances on television and movie screens. He guest-starred on Taxi, Hart to Hart, and more.

Some of his early film roles include Airplane II: The Sequel, My Bodyguard, and Jekyll and Hyde... Together Again. These roles paved the way for him. In 1982, he was hired for Making the Grade. It was canceled after six shows.

Later that year, he appeared on Cheers as Norm Peterson. The series turned out to be a huge hit. His character made a total of 275 shows. Norm turned out to be one of the show's most memorable parts.

Wendt won six Emmy nominations for the role. He became a household name with the performance. Following Cheers, Wendt worked on numerous productions such as Seinfeld, The Simpsons, and Portlandia.

He also made a brief star appearance in The George Wendt Show. Although it was only for one season, it was a show of his comedy background.

Wendt trod the stage of Broadway and regional theater. Some of his character appearances were Edna Turnblad in Hairspray and Santa Claus in Elf. In 2023, he appeared on The Masked Singer. He also joined his Cheers co-stars at the Emmy Awards.

In the wake of his passing, the actor is remembered as a loving family man and cherished friend. His family has requested privacy at this time.

Nathan told the outlet, "George’s family confirmed the news of his death early Tuesday morning, announcing he died peacefully in his sleep while at home.

Her statement continued, "George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time."

George Wendt is survived by his wife and children.

ALSO READ: George Wendt Death at 76: Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, and More Cheers Stars Are 'Devastated,' Tributes Pour In