Actor George Wendt Dies at 76 Norm on Cheers

George Wendt, best known for his role as Norm Peterson on the iconic 1980s sitcom Cheers, died peacefully in his sleep at age 76. Wendt starred in all 275 episodes of Cheers from 1982 to 1993, earning six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. His character Norm was famous for his bar entrances greeted by the crowd shouting his name, and Wendt's portrayal captured the affable, beer-loving everyman that resonated with audiences nationwide. Beyond Cheers, Wendt had a prolific career including Broadway roles in Hairspray and Elf, appearances in films such as Airplane II and Spice World, and guest spots on shows including Saturday Night Live and Portlandia. He began his comedy career with Chicago's Second City troupe and was also known for his role as Bob Swerski, a Chicago Bears superfan on SNL. Wendt was a devoted family man, married to Bernadette Birkett since 1978, and was remembered fondly by family and colleagues alike.