George Wendt, comedian and actor who played Norm on Cheers, passed away at 76
Wendt was a standout comedy actor, beginning his career on Second City and Saturday Night Live, before becoming an endearing figure on Cheers.
George Wendt, who played the beloved Norm on the 11 seasons of the iconic NBC sitcom Cheers, has died at 76 years old. According to his family, the actor died peacefully in his sleep at home.
“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend, and a confidant to all those lucky enough to have known him,” said a representative of Wendt in a public statement. “He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.”
George Wendt's Career
Wendt was born in Chicago and was raised on the South Side. His first steps in comedy were at Second City, a famed improvisational group in the city. Later, he became a recurring actor on Saturday Night Live, playing Bob Swerski, one of the superfans in the iconic “Da Bears” sketch. The actor also played the furious father of Macaulay Culkin on Michael Jackson's video clip "Black or White" on 1991.
However, Wendt is best known for portraying Norm Peterson on Cheers. Peterson was an accountant by trade and a central character on the show. He was one of only three characters to appear in all 275 episodes. He also reprised his role in all three Cheers spin-offs: Frasier, Wings, and The Tortellis.
Wendt next to John Ratzenberger, his Cheers co-star, during a live presentation during the last 2024 Emmys. (Photo: AFP News)
Heart Issues and Life-Threatening Obesity: Wendt's Secret Battles
Wendt was last seen in early January. The actor was struggling to get out of his car, using a cane for support and holding onto part of the vehicle. He suffered from mobility issues due to his weight, which were reportedly the result of a 2012 surgery, according to Newsbreak.
The actor had been cast in a local production in Chicago but later revealed he had undergone bypass surgery after doctors discovered a constricted artery. Wendt was very private about his health issues, but he was seen being wheeled into a clinic by a caretaker last November, according to The Daily Mail.
