George Wendt, best known for his role as Norm Peterson on the beloved sitcom “Cheers,” has died. He was just 76 years old. Early life and education Wendt was born in Chicago on October 17, 1948. He started his career in comedy at The Second City theater, where he honed his craft and developed an unfiltered comedic style that endeared him to fans all over the world.
television career launched with stints on some of the best series in America. He also guest-starred on classic TV series such as “MAS*H,” “Taxi,” and “Soap.” It was his larger than life character Norm Peterson that really sealed his legacy. From 1982 to 1993, Wendt entranced audiences nationwide by appearing in all 275 episodes of “Cheers.” His performance as the loveable, beer-swilling barfly quickly became a cultural touchstone.
Wendt would go on to be a permanent presence on “Cheers.” He reprised his iconic character in an episode of the successful spinoff series “Frasier.” He starred in his own short-lived sitcom, “The George Wendt Show,” in 1995. For many years, Wendt did not just perform native storytelling. He further demonstrated his brilliance in several television movies like the 1999 adaptation of Alice in Wonderland and the 2001 comedy Strange Relations.
Yet his film career was perhaps the greatest claim to his versatility as an actor. He appeared in the 1985 Chevy Chase comedy “Fletch.” He acted in the 1991 period drama “Guilt by Suspicion” opposite Robert De Niro and the 1992 romantic drama “Forever Young” with Mel Gibson. Wendt’s charm and comedic timing made him more than just the stereotypical sidekick. Most recently, he made the cameo appearances fun in movies like “The Little Rascals” and “Spice World.”
Wendt often spoke about his character Norm Peterson, famously saying, “I needed to look like a guy who wanted to have another beer.” This perception struck a chord with fans who admired his everyman, straightforward demeanor.
Beyond his notable professional success, Wendt was remembered for a congenial nature and devotion to family. A representative shared, “George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him.”
