Cheers star George Wendt dead at 76

The actor who played Norm on Cheers, one of the most beloved sitcom characters of all time, has died at the age of 76.

American sitcom legend George Wendt has died at the age of 76.

Wendt wrote his name into TV history playing beloved barfly Norm Peterson in the iconic sitcom Cheers, with the entire bar shouting “Norm” every time he entered the bar.

A family representative told The New York Post that Wendt “died peacefully in his sleep while at home” on Tuesday morning, local time.

“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,” the family rep’s statement read. “He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.”

Wendt circa 2010. Picture: Donna Ward/Getty Images

Norm was s breakout star of the show.

Wendt’s official cause of death has not yet been revealed.

While seemingly a supporting character in Cheers at first, Wendt became one of the breakout stars and earned six consecutive Emmy nomination for the role, appearing in all 275 episodes of the show, which ran for 11 years.

Wendt (at left) with the cast of Cheers.

Wendt also reprised the role after the show’s run ended in 1993, playing the role in Frasier, Wings, The Simpsons, Family Guy and The Tortellis.

Although Wendt’s own sitcom The George Wendt Show was cancelled after just eight episodes, the actor had a successful career on stage and screen.

Most recently he appeared on The Masked Singer in 2023 and also reunited with the cast of Cheers at the 2024 Emmys.

Wendt wasn’t the only famous face in his family - his nephew is Saturday Night Live actor Jason Sudeikis.

Wendt is survived by his wife, Bernadette Birkett, who he wed in 1978, and their three children.

Originally published as Cheers star George Wendt dead at 76