Cheers Star George Wendt Passes Away at 74

New York, NY – George Wendt, the beloved actor best known for his role as Norm Peterson on the iconic sitcom “Cheers,” has passed away at the age of 74. His family confirmed his passing on Tuesday morning and requested privacy during this difficult time.

Wendt was a significant figure in television history, having captivated audiences for over a decade with his memorable performances on “Cheers,” which aired from 1982 to 1993. He starred alongside noted actors such as Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, and Kelsey Grammer.

Wendt made one of his last public appearances at the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 1, 2024. During the event, he performed a comedy sketch with comedian Robert Smigel and NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Their spoof of the famous “Super Fans” comedy bit marked a nostalgic return for Wendt, who had not played the character since the passing of his friend Chris Farley in 1997.

In January 2024, Wendt appeared alongside his former “Cheers” co-stars at the 75th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. They presented awards while standing around a replica of the show’s iconic bar, celebrating the series’ legacy of 28 Emmy wins during its run. Wendt made a notable appearance with a cane and received assistance from fellow actor Jason Sudeikis.

Throughout his career, Wendt earned six Emmy nominations for Supporting Actor for his role as Norm. He later reprised this popular character in several other series, including the successful spinoff “Frasier.” Wendt also starred in his short-lived sitcom “The George Wendt Show” and made guest appearances on shows like “The Simpsons” and “Seinfeld.”

Wendt is survived by his wife, actress Bernadette Birkett, and their three children, Hilary, Joe, and Daniel, along with his two stepchildren, Joshua and Andrew.

His passing leaves a profound impact on fans and colleagues alike, as reflected in the heartfelt tributes pouring in from around the entertainment community.