Farewell to a Barstool Legend: George Wendt Remembered
George Wendt, best known as the affable barfly Norm Peterson on the legendary sitcom Cheers, has passed away at age 76. A Chicago native and comedy mainstay, Wendt’s understated brilliance and everyman charm made Norm a household name across Cheers’ 11-season run.
Launching his career at The Second City in the mid-1970s, Wendt honed his craft on stage before hitting Hollywood, eventually securing six consecutive Emmy nominations for Cheers. Known for his impeccable timing and subtle wit, he was one of just three actors to appear in every episode of the series, earning the love of audiences with each well-timed “Norm!” entrance.
Beyond Cheers, Wendt’s career spanned decades of film and television appearances — from Seinfeld and SNL to The Larry Sanders Show. He even headlined his own short-lived sitcom, The George Wendt Show.
Beloved by colleagues, remembered by fans, and admired by family — including his nephew, Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis — Wendt leaves behind a legacy of laughter. As his Cheers castmate Rhea Perlman said: “It was impossible not to like him.” And for TV fans everywhere, it was impossible not to cheer for Norm.
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