George Wendt of ‘Cheers’ Dies at 76; Cause Revealed

Los Angeles, CA – George Wendt, beloved for his role as Norm Peterson on the classic sitcom “Cheers,” passed away on May 20 at the age of 76. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed that Wendt died from cardiac arrest, with congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension listed as underlying causes.

According to a family representative, Wendt died peacefully in his sleep. “George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all those lucky enough to have known him,” the representative stated. “He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.”

Wendt starred in all 275 episodes of “Cheers,” which aired from 1982 to 1993. His portrayal of Norm earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor. Fellow cast members expressed their sorrow after his passing, with Ted Danson saying, “I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. I love you, Georgie.”

Throughout his time on the show, Wendt became widely recognized for his catchphrase, often greeted by the bar’s patrons with a hearty “Norm!” His character’s humorous commentary and frequent pints endeared him to audiences.

Before his role on “Cheers,” Wendt was involved in improv comedy at Chicago’s The Second City. He appeared in several other TV shows and films, including “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Little Rascals.” Even after “Cheers” ended, Wendt reprised the role of Norm in two spinoffs, “Frasier” and “The Tortellis.”u00a0

Recently, Wendt appeared on the “Dan Aykroyd and Friends” show on Fox Nation, which highlighted the history of beverages and their cultural significance. He made a final public appearance in 2024 alongside his nephew, actor Jason Sudeikis, during a charity event in Kansas City, Missouri.

Wendt is survived by his wife, actress Bernadette Birkett, their three children, and two stepchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter and fond memories for fans of all ages.