What Happened to George Wendt? Cheers Star Passes Away

It is with sadness that we report the passing of George Wendt, who gained fame as Norm Peterson on the popular NBC sitcom “Cheers” for more than a decade. His role as the lovable regular at the bar earned him widespread adoration and cemented his status as a cherished television icon.

Here’s what we know so far about George Wendt’s death.

George Wendt passes away at 76, claims report

George Wendt, famously known for playing Norm Peterson in the NBC sitcom ‘Cheers’, passed away tranquilly in his sleep at home on a Tuesday morning. He was 76 years old.

As a devoted admirer myself, I’d like to share the heartfelt sentiments about George Wendt, the beloved character actor who graced our screens as Norm on the iconic sitcom “Cheers” for an impressive 11 seasons. According to reports from BBC, his family and close friends have confirmed that he was not just a dedicated family man, but also a cherished friend and trusted confidant to many. This poignant statement truly resonates with me, as it captures the warmth and camaraderie George brought to every role he played.

From 1984 to 1989, he was nominated for six consecutive Emmy Awards for his outstanding performance. During this period, he appeared in over 260 episodes of the show. Wendt acted alongside cast members Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, and John Ratzenberger. Danson expressed, “It will take me a while to get accustomed to this. I love you, Georgie,” demonstrating his affection for Wendt.

George Robert Wendt Jr., born on October 17, 1948, in Chicago, kicked off his career with The Second City comedy group following his expulsion from Notre Dame. Subsequently, he obtained an economics degree from Rockhurst College in Kansas City. Early roles on television included Taxi, Hart to Hart, and Making the Grade, and he secured the part of Norm shortly thereafter.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but marvel at the diverse and impressive career of John Ratzenberger, who graced our screens on shows like Frasier, The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Saturday Night Live. He’s also shone in films such as Fletch and Forever Young. On Broadway, he took center stage in Art and Hairspray. In 2009, he even penned a book entitled “Drinking With George: A Barstool Professional’s Guide to Beer.

Among those who endured are his spouse Bernadette Birkett, their offspring Hilary, Joe, and Daniel, in addition to stepchildren Joshua and Andrew. Furthermore, Wendt is the relative by marriage of the famous actor and humorist Jason Sudeikis.

Read More

2025-05-21 07:40