‘Cheers’ star George Wendt has died, aged 76

Cheers actor Geroge Wendt has died, aged 76.

Wendt’s family confirmed the news yesterday (May 20), saying that he died peacefully in his sleep at home.

As shared by The Hollywood Reporter, a representative for Wendt released a statement that said: “George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky to have known him.

“He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.”

Born in Chicago, Wendt got his start in improvisational comedy, but was best known for his role as bar regular Norm Peterson in iconic sitcom Cheers. He appeared in all 275 episodes of the show’s eleven seasons, aired between 1982 and 1993, and received Emmy nominations for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series six years in a row.

Wendt also appeared in movies including 1984 sci-fi adventure Dreamscape, 1985 horror-comedy House and Jamie Lee Curtis-starring 1992 romance Forever Young. He was married to fellow actor Bernadette Birkett from 1978, and was also the uncle of Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis.

In one of his final public appearances, the actor reunited with his Cheers co-stars Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson on the Where Everybody Knows Your Name podcast, during which they all looked back at their years on the NBC sitcom.

As reported by Deadline, tributes to the star have been pouring in from Danson and other Cheers alumni since the news of his death. In a statement, Danson said: “I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children. It’s going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.”

Rhea Perlman, who played waitress Carla in the show, said: “George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met. It was impossible not to like him. I’ll miss him more than words can say.”

Watching him walk through that door and head to his barstool, America couldn’t wait to say hi to Norm every Thursday night. George Wendt was an essential part of the genius of ‘Cheers’ and he will be missed by the millions who loved him. Norm was all of us. A regular guy who… pic.twitter.com/BcnqCcZ3PM

— NBC Entertainment (@nbc) May 21, 2025

John Ratzenberger, who played Cliff, shared: “I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend George Wendt. For eleven years on Cheers, we shared a stage, a lot of laughs, and a front-row seat to one of television’s most beloved friendships. George brought Norm to life with a subtle brilliance — the kind that made it look easy. That was his gift.

“He was a true craftsman — humble, hilarious, and full of heart. What you saw on screen was exactly who he was off screen with impeccable comedic timing and a deep loyalty to those he loved. I’ll miss our conversations and the quiet moments of friendship that meant the most.”

NBC, the channel that aired Cheers, also shared a statement about Wendt’s passing on social media. It said: “Watching him walk through that door and head to his barstool, America couldn’t wait to say hi to Norm every Thursday night.

“George Wendt was an essential part of the genius of ‘Cheers’ and he will be missed by the millions who loved him. Norm was all of us. A regular guy who finished his hardworking day wanting to be surrounded by friends and a frosty beverage. We’re proud to raise a glass and toast a true comedy legend.”

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