With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
George Wendt, who played Norm on 'Cheers,' has died
Listen
• 2:28
Norm! George Wendt, seen in 2012, died this week at 76.
(
Allen Berezovsky
/
Getty Images
)
Fans of the classic TV sitcom Cheers are raising a beer stein for one of its beloved cast members, actor George Wendt. He played Norm Peterson, a beer-loving regular at the bar "where everybody knows your name." Wendt's publicist, Melissa Nathan shared a statement from his family who confirmed on Tuesday that the 76-year-old actor died peacefully in his sleep at home.
"George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him," his family wrote. "He will be missed forever."
Wendt was born on the South Side of Chicago, and got his start in the 1970s performing with the prestigious improv comedy troupe the Second City. After that, he began appearing in bit parts on iconic TV shows including Taxi and M*A*S*H.
On Saturday Night Live in 1991, he appeared as a Chicago Bears "superfan" named Bob Swerski who gathered to cheer on "Da Bears." He also played the irritated dad of Macaulay Culkin's character in Michael Jackson's 1991 Black or White music video.
Support for LAist comes from
George Wendt appeared as Norm in every episode of "Cheers," earning six Primetime Emmy nominations.
(
AJ Pics
/
Alamy Stock Photo
)
Wendt also appeared in movies including Dreamscape (1984), House (1985), Fletch (1985), and Spice World (1997).
But the role he was most known for was as Norm, who was in every episode of the NBC show Cheers, which ran from 1982 until 1993. As the lovable barfly, Wendt earned six consecutive Primetime Emmy nominations for supporting actor in a comedy series.
He went on to reprise the role in the show's spinoffs The Tortellis (1987) and Frasier. Wendt also starred in The George Wendt Show (1995), a short-lived sitcom in which he played a car mechanic and radio host.
Among Wendt's survivors are his wife, actress Bernadette Birkett, his three kids and his nephew, actor Jason Sudeikis.
Copyright 2025 NPR
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
Best of LAist