George Wendt, the actor cherished for his iconic role as Norm Peterson on the classic sitcom Cheers, has passed away at the age of 76.
Wendt died on the morning of Tuesday, May 20. His publicist, Melissa Nathan, confirmed the news in a statement to PEOPLE.
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“Beloved actor and comedian, George Wendt, best known for starring in the NBC hit comedy Cheers, has passed away.”
“George’s family confirmed the news of his death early Tuesday morning, announcing he died peacefully in his sleep while at home. George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever.”
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“The family has requested privacy during this time.”
George Wendt was known for keeping details about his health private, and no official cause of death has been disclosed. According to The Mirror, he was last seen publicly in January, using a cane and holding onto a car for support while accompanied by his wife, Bernadette Birkett.
Wendt experienced a significant health scare in 2012 when he was hospitalized with chest pains and underwent coronary bypass surgery due to a blocked artery. Following the surgery, he reportedly struggled with mobility issues, in part due to weight gain, and faced difficulty walking for some time.
In a more recent incident in November, Wendt was seen being wheeled into a clinic by a caretaker. According to The Daily Mail, he spent approximately three hours receiving treatment before being helped back to the car by his wife, who has been by his side for over 45 years.
George Robert Wendt Jr. (October 17, 1948 – May 20, 2025) was an American actor and comedian, best known for his role as Norm Peterson on the NBC sitcom Cheers. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Wendt was one of nine children in a family with Irish and German roots. He attended Campion High School and briefly studied at the University of Notre Dame before transferring to Rockhurst University, where he earned a B.A. in economics in 1971.
Wendt began his career in comedy with Chicago’s Second City improv troupe, where he met his future wife, Bernadette Birkett. She later provided the voice for Norm’s unseen wife, Vera, on Cheers. Wendt’s portrayal of Norm Peterson, the pleasant bar regular, spanned all 275 episodes of Cheers from 1982 to 1993, earning him six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Beyond Cheers, Wendt appeared in various television shows and films, including Fletch, The Little Rascals, and Spice World. He also had a presence on stage, performing in Broadway productions such as Hairspray, Art, and Elf. In 1995, he starred in The George Wendt Show, though it was short-lived.
