Remembering George Wendt: Cherished ‘Cheers’ Star Norm Passes Away at 76

George Wendt, the lovable actor best known for playing Norm on "Cheers," has passed away at 76. His family shared the news, describing him as a caring family man and a treasured friend.

Born in Chicago, Wendt began his acting journey at The Second City, one of the most famous improv schools, in 1975. His time there shaped his career. He was part of the revue “One More with Fooling” and also toured with the company before moving to film and television in 1980.

Wendt’s big break came in 1982 when he landed the role of Norm Peterson on NBC’s "Cheers." The show became iconic, running for 11 seasons. Wendt’s charming portrayal of Norm, a regular at the bar, earned him six Emmy nominations between 1984 and 1989.

His co-star Rhea Perlman reflected on their time together, stating, "George was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met." She often stood next to him as Carla, the waitress who would humorously slap him on the back of the head. "I loved doing it and he loved pretending it didn’t hurt," she recalled fondly.

Wendt’s role as Norm was not just memorable for fans; it left a lasting impact on the show. He was one of three cast members who appeared in every episode of "Cheers." The show was celebrated for its humor and strong character dynamics, paving the way for future sitcoms.

In a 2024 interview, Wendt reminisced, “It was a great job. Oh my God, what a great job.” His co-star John Ratzenberger, who played Cliff, chimed in with humor, explaining that during most of the show’s run, it felt like they were “stealing money” because they had so much fun.

In addition to "Cheers," Wendt appeared in various films, including “Dreamscape” and “Forever Young” alongside stars like Mel Gibson. He also guest-starred on popular shows like “Seinfeld” and “SNL,” portraying the enthusiastic Bob Swerski, a passionate Chicago sports fan.

Wendt’s influence in comedy extended to his family as well. His nephew, Jason Sudeikis of "Ted Lasso" fame, also found success in Hollywood. Wendt expressed pride in Sudeikis, calling him "so smart and thoughtful."

Tragically, Wendt’s passing marks the end of an era. He is survived by his wife, Bernadette Birkett, and their three children. As social media reacts, fans share their memories of a man who brought laughter to countless lives.

For more insights into Wendt’s journey and his contributions to comedy, you might explore resources from The Hollywood Reporter.

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