George Wendt, widely recognized for his role as Norm Peterson, a beer enthusiast on the television show “Cheers,” passed away on May 20, 2025, at 76 years old.
According to a family representative, Wendt died peacefully in his sleep at his home.
Wendt was celebrated for his comedic skills and relatable persona, receiving six consecutive Emmy nominations for his portrayal of Norm. His charm resonated with audiences over many years.
In a statement to the media, the family described Wendt as “a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant” to those who knew him closely.
While the cause of death has not been revealed, Wendt had experienced health issues in recent times. In 2012, he underwent coronary bypass surgery due to a constricted artery, which led him to leave a theater production in Chicago, Illinois. More recently, he had been seen using a cane for mobility support.
Born on October 17, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, Wendt was the eighth of nine children. His early academic career included an unsuccessful period at the University of Notre Dame, where he was expelled. He found his passion in comedy at Chicago’s Second City theater in the 1970s, where he met actress Bernadette Birkett, whom he married in 1978. They had three children together: Hilary, Joe, and Daniel, and he helped raise Birkett’s two sons from a previous relationship, Joshua and Andrew.
After leaving Second City, Wendt appeared in various television roles, including on “Taxi” and “M*A*S*H,” before securing his notable role on “Cheers” in 1982. His character was a fan favorite with the catchphrase “Afternoon, everybody,” to which patrons would respond, “NORM!” Wendt appeared in all 275 episodes across 11 seasons until 1993, one of three cast members with a perfect attendance record, alongside Ted Danson and Rhea Perlman.
Ted Danson, who played Sam Malone, expressed deep sorrow at the loss of his colleague, stating he was “devastated” by the news.
John Ratzenberger, who played Cliff Clavin, praised Wendt as “a true craftsman — humble, hilarious, and full of heart.”
Rhea Perlman commented on Wendt’s amiable personality, saying “it was impossible not to like him.”
After “Cheers,” Wendt starred in “The George Wendt Show,” portraying a garage mechanic with a radio show. However, the series was canceled after six episodes in 1995.
Wendt’s versatility was evident in his film roles, including appearances in “Dreamscape” (1984), “House” (1985), “Fletch” (1985), “Gung Ho” (1986), “Forever Young” (1992), and “Spice World” (1997).
On stage, Wendt performed on Broadway, notably as Edna Turnblad in “Hairspray” from 2007 to 2008 and as Santa Claus in “Elf the Musical” in 2010. He also played Willy Loman in “Death of a Salesman” in 2017 in Ontario, Canada. Reflecting on his role in “Hairspray,” Wendt remarked about performing in high heels as “absolute utter joy” to Chicago Magazine.
Wendt’s legacy continued through family, as he was uncle to actor Jason Sudeikis. In a podcast in June 2024, Wendt expressed pride in Sudeikis, calling him “such a great kid.”
Wendt maintained connections with the “Cheers” cast, reuniting with them at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards in January 2025. He also appeared on the “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” podcast in August 2024 with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson. He attended the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend in Kansas City, Missouri, in June 2024, performing with NFL player Travis Kelce.
Discussing his role as Norm Peterson, Wendt said, “Norm is just me with better writing,” emphasizing the script’s quality in a 2021 Chicago Magazine interview.
The National Comedy Center recognized Wendt’s impact on American humor, with Executive Director Journey Gunderson acknowledging how his work “showcased how comedy can create indelible characters.”
Wendt passed away exactly 32 years after the “Cheers” series finale. He is survived by his wife, Bernadette Birkett, their children, Hilary, Joe, and Daniel, stepsons Joshua and Andrew, and a large extended family, including nephew Jason Sudeikis.
