George Wendt, Beloved ‘Cheers’ Star Known as Norm, Dies Peacefully at 77

George Wendt, the actor whose warm, beer-loving persona as Norm Peterson became a defining staple of American television, has died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 77. Known to millions simply as “Norm,” Wendt’s legacy as a comedic powerhouse and cultural icon lives on through one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time—Cheers.

Born on October 17, 1948, in Chicago, Wendt’s journey into comedy began at Second City, the legendary improv theatre where he sharpened his timing and developed the deadpan charm that would become his signature. From there, he carved out a long and fruitful career, but nothing came close to the role that would define him in pop culture history.

From the very first time he walked into Cheers and the bar erupted with a collective “Norm!” Wendt became television royalty. His character, the everyday accountant who turned into a lovable barfly, was relatable and refreshingly unpretentious. He was the guy who didn’t need the spotlight to shine—he just needed his usual stool and a cold beer.

Appearing in all 275 episodes of Cheers from 1982 to 1993, Wendt gave life to a character whose jokes were understated but sharp, whose presence was constant, and whose humanity grounded the ensemble. For his work, he earned six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, solidifying his place in TV history.

But George Wendt was more than Norm.

He guest-starred in multiple television shows, often playing himself or Norm to the delight of audiences. His voice graced animated hits like The Simpsons and Family Guy, and he even participated in The Masked Singer under the costume name “Moose,” showing a new generation of fans that he could still command a stage.

He also held his own on Broadway, performing in stage productions of Hairspray and Elf, proving he was far more than a one-role actor. Still, no matter what he did, fans never stopped associating him with Norm—and Wendt never ran from it. He embraced it with humility and humor.

Wendt was a private man, but he made no secret of his pride in his work and his love for his family. He is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Bernadette Birkett—who voiced Norm’s never-seen wife, Vera, on Cheers—and their three children. His nephew, Jason Sudeikis, continues the family tradition in comedy and acting.

His passing leaves behind more than a hole in the Hollywood landscape—it leaves a missing seat at the bar for anyone who ever saw themselves in Norm: the working-class everyman, the loyal friend, the guy with a quiet wit and a kind soul.

In an era of overproduced television and disposable fame, George Wendt stood out by doing something rare—he made people feel at home. He reminded us that sometimes, the best stories are the simplest ones, told over a drink, with friends who always know your name.

Rest easy, Norm. You’ll always have your stool.