George Wendt, the actor who made Norm Peterson—the friendly, beer-loving regular at the bar on Cheers—a household name, has died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 76. His family shared the news early Tuesday, asking for privacy as they remember a man who touched many lives both on and off screen.
For more than a decade, George brought to life a character that felt like a good friend you’d want to grab a drink with. Norm wasn’t just comic relief; he was a part of the fabric of one of TV’s most cherished shows. Wendt’s journey started long before Cheers, at Chicago’s famed Second City, where he developed the wit and warmth that became his trademark.

He earned several Emmy nominations for his work, but beyond the awards, what truly stood out was his kindness, his humor, and his genuine nature. Those who knew him remember a devoted family man and a loyal friend.
If you want to learn more about George Wendt’s career and legacy, you can find heartfelt tributes from NBC News, a full filmography on IMDb, a touching obituary by The Hollywood Reporter, and reflections on his life at Variety.
George Wendt’s Norm will always feel like that familiar face at the bar—easy to talk to, quick with a joke, and impossible to forget.
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