George Robert Wendt Jr., the beloved actor and comedian best known for portraying Norm Peterson on the long-running sitcom Cheers, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 20, 2025, at the age of 76. His death, which came on the 32nd anniversary of the Cheers series finale, marks the end of an era for fans of classic television comedy.
Early Life and Training
Born on October 17, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, Wendt was raised in a large Irish-American family. He attended Gordon Technical High School and later Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where he studied theater. His comedic chops were honed at the renowned Second City improv troupe, where he performed alongside Bill Murray and Harold Ramis.
Breakthrough: Cheers and the Role of Norm Peterson
In 1982, George Wendt joined the ensemble cast of Cheers as Norm Peterson, the witty and endearing bar regular known for his iconic entrance and sharp quips. His portrayal spanned 275 episodes over 11 seasons and earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations. Norm became a cultural mainstay, and Wendt’s performance helped define the role of the lovable sitcom sidekick.
Career Beyond the Barstool
While Norm Peterson defined his career, Wendt displayed impressive versatility across film, television, and stage:
- Film: Roles in Fletch (1985), The Great Outdoors (1988), Scrooged (1988), and Forever Young (1992). View filmography
- Television: Appearances on The Simpsons, Frasier, Fargo, and voice work on Family Guy.
- Stage: Broadway roles in productions like Hairspray, Elf, The Boys Next Door, and Honeymoon in Vegas. Broadway credits
Awards and Recognition
Here are the awards and honors bestowed on George Wendt in his career:
- Six Emmy nominations for Cheers (1983–1988)
- TV Land Icon Award (2012)
- Induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame (2015, with Cheers cast)
Personal Life and Final Days
Wendt was married for 47 years to actress Bernadette Birkett, who voiced his on-screen wife Vera on Cheers. Together, they raised three children and remained a staple in the Los Angeles entertainment community. In his final years, Wendt stayed active with occasional guest appearances, independent films, and charity work supporting the Alzheimer’s Association and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones.
Funeral Arrangements
The Wendt family has requested privacy during this time. As of now, no public funeral details have been announced. Friends and fans have begun sharing memories and tributes online, and a memorial event is reportedly in the planning stages.
Tributes and Legacy
The news of Wendt’s death has prompted tributes from across the entertainment industry. His Cheers co-stars, including Ted Danson and Rhea Perlman, praised his kindness, generosity, and comedic brilliance. Jason Sudeikis, Wendt’s nephew, posted a touching message describing him as both a personal hero and professional inspiration.
Wendt’s legacy endures in reruns, streaming platforms, and the hearts of countless viewers. Norm’s presence at the bar—reliable, funny, and full of quiet wisdom—epitomized the power of a well-drawn supporting character. His approachable style influenced generations of comedians and helped solidify Cheers as one of the greatest sitcoms in television history. Learn more about Cheers.
Books and Memoir
George Wendt co-authored a humorous memoir titled Drinking with George: A Barstool Professional’s Guide to Beer (2009). Written with writer Jonathan Grotenstein, the book blends personal anecdotes, beer history, and Wendt’s own reflections on life, fame, and his iconic role on Cheers. Though not a traditional autobiography, it offers fans a unique, personal look at his experiences in Hollywood and his love of beer culture.
Frequently Asked Questions About George Wendt
Here are common questions about George Wendt’s life and death.
Yes. George Wendt was married to Bernadette Birkett, who voiced the offscreen character of Vera, Norm Peterson’s wife, on Cheer.
He received six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series from 1983 to 1988.
Yes. He reprised his role as Norm Peterson in an episode of Frasier, continuing the legacy of his Cheers character.
He appeared in popular films such as Fletch, The Great Outdoors, Scrooged, and Forever Young.
Yes. Jason Sudeikis is Wendt’s nephew.
Yes, he performed in several Broadway productions, including Hairspray, Elf, and The Boys Next Door.
He died on May 20, 2025, at the age of 76.
His family said he died peacefully in his sleep at his home early on Tuesday May 20,.2025.