George Wendt, the actor who brought the iconic Norm Peterson to life in the long-running sitcom Cheers, passed away at the age of 76. While he was celebrated for his comedic timing and affable persona, Wendt's life, like many in the entertainment industry, faced its share of challenges, including a battle with weight.
A Beloved Barfly: Wendt's Rise to Fame on Cheers
George Wendt, an actor with an Everyman charm, became a household name through his portrayal of Norm Peterson, the beer-loving barfly on Cheers. The series, centered on the regulars of a Boston bar, premiered in September 1982. Despite initial low ratings, NBC President Brandon Tartikoff championed the show, leading to an Emmy nomination for best comedy series in its first season.
Wendt's character quickly became a fan favorite, with audiences cheering his entrances with a resounding "Norm!" His witty remarks and relatable persona made him a beloved figure both inside and outside the bar.
According to Wendt, landing the role of Norm initially seemed unlikely. His agent told him, "It’s a small role, honey. It’s one line. Actually, it’s one word." The word was "beer." Wendt was having a hard time believing he was right for the role of "the guy who looked like he wanted a beer."
In August, Wendt reunited with his "Cheers" co-stars Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson for their podcast, SiriusXM's "Where Everybody Knows Your Name." During their conversation, he looked back on how he nearly missed out on the role that would define his career, all because of a scheduling conflict.
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"My agent called and said, ‘You know, honey, they want you to do this "Cheers." Now you’re not available,' because I had this other show ['Making the Grade'] at Paramount for CBS," Wendt remembered at the time.
"Then they go, ‘But they want you to come in anyway, and it’s really small, though.' I go, ‘Oh, OK.’"
The "really small" role was originally just one line in the pilot episode of "Cheers." Wendt recalled asking his agent, "How small?" to which she replied, "Well, it's really just one line… actually… it's just one word… come to think of it, it's one syllable."
Wendt was asked to walk into the bar and say "beer" to Shelley Long’s character, Diane Chambers.
After the initial reading, the team behind "Cheers" realized Wendt had something more to offer. They expanded the role and gave him a second shot, as he auditioned for another character altogether.
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"I read it," Wendt said. "And then they decided they were going to try to make it work out where I could do both shows, and then the other show got canceled."
Wendt starred as Norm in all 275 episodes of Cheers, which aired from 1982-93 on NBC. The show garnered an astounding 117 Emmy Awards nominations, winning 28. In 2021, AARP ranked Cheers No.
Beyond the Bar: Wendt's Career After Cheers
After Cheers, Wendt continued to work in television and theater. He starred in his own short-lived sitcom, The George Wendt Show, and had guest spots on TV shows like The Ghost Whisperer, Harry’s Law, and Portlandia. He also starred in the national tour of 12 Angry Men and appeared in a production of David Mamet’s Lakeboat.
Wendt also embraced the role of Santa Claus in various productions, including the stage musical Elf on Broadway in 2017, the TV movie Santa Baby with Jenny McCarthy in 2006, and the Disney video Santa Buddies in 2009.
Personal Life and Tributes
Born in Chicago, Wendt attended Campion High School, a Catholic boarding school in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and then Notre Dame, where he rarely went to class and was kicked out.
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George Wendt's "Cheers" costars released statements and tributes to their beloved friend after his death.
Ted Danson, Wendt’s costar in “Cheers” who portrayed Sam Malone, told People he is “devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. “I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children,” he said. “It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.”
John Ratzenberger, who played Cliff Clavin in “Cheers,” told ABC News he and Wendt shared many laughs during their time on the beloved show. “George brought Norm to life with a subtle brilliance - the kind that made it look easy. That was his gift," he told ABC News.
Comedian Jeff Ross shared words on Instagram with a picture of himself with Wendt at the Big Slick Kansas City annual event last year which benefits Children’s Mercy Hospital Kansas. “He wasn’t feeling his best, but he still rose to the occasion and made thousands of people laugh a lot for a great cause,” Ross wrote.
"I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children," Danson wrote in a statement given to The Hollywood Reporter. "It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie."
Kelsey Grammer, who portrayed Frasier Crane on "Cheers" before he starred in his own spinoff, said, "I believe mourning is a private matter. But I liked George a lot. He was beloved by millions."
"I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend George Wendt," said co-star John Ratzenberger in a statement of his own. "He was a true craftsman - humble, hilarious and full of heart. What you saw on screen was exactly who he was off screen with impeccable comedic timing and a deep loyalty to those he loved. I’ll miss our conversations and the quiet moments of friendship that meant the most. My thoughts are with his wife Bernadette, their children, and everyone who loved him."
"Cheers" co-star Rhea Perlman echoed a similar sentiment, saying, "George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met." Perlman, who portrayed waitress Carla Tortelli on the series, continued, "It was impossible not to like him. As Carla, I was often standing next to him, as Norm always took the same seat at the end of the bar, which made it easy to grab him and beat the crap out of him at least once a week. I loved doing it and he loved pretending it didn’t hurt. What a guy! I’ll miss him more than words can say."
Wendt died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday morning, according to a statement from a family representative shared with Fox News Digital.
“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,” the statement read. “He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.”
Wendt’s nephew, comedian and actor Jason Sudeikis, recently spoke out about his uncle, calling him an “incredible influence.”
Wendt's Health Struggles
Though the official cause of death remains unclear, Wendt had long battled with his weight, with friends reportedly pleading with him to cut back as he seemed to be "eating himself to death."
George Wendt, the actor who played Norm Peterson for 11 seasons on "Cheers," had been battling heart disease, hypertension and end-stage kidney failure before his death.
George Wendt, the iconic actor best known for his role as Norm Peterson on the classic sitcom “Cheers,” died from cardiac arrest with other underlying causes and contributing conditions, People Magazine reported. A death certificate from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health lists the underlying causes for Wendt’s death include congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease and hypertension, People reported. Additionally, Wendt had significant contributing conditions like end-stage kidney failure and hyperlipidemia. These chronic conditions had impacted his health in recent years, though Wendt continued to make occasional public appearances and remained a beloved figure in the entertainment world, Deadline reported.
The Darker Side of Cheers: Struggles Behind the Laughter
While Cheers brought laughter to millions, the cast also faced personal struggles.
- Kirstie Alley: Alley, who played Rebecca Howe, battled a cocaine addiction early in her career. She later struggled with a miscarriage in 1990. Alley was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in May 2022 and passed away on December 5, 2022, at the age of 71.
- Kelsey Grammer: Grammer, known for playing Dr. Frasier Crane, faced legal and personal issues in the late 80s and early 90s, including arrests for DUI and cocaine possession. He has been open about how personal tragedies, including the murder of his sister, fueled his substance abuse struggles.
- Nicholas Colasanto: Colasanto, who played Coach Ernie Pantusso, died of a heart attack in 1985 at the age of 61. He had been battling heart disease, worsened by his previous battle with alcoholism.
- Ted Danson: Danson, who played Sam Malone, was involved in a public scandal when his affair with Whoopi Goldberg became public. At the time, Danson was married to Casey Coates. The affair led to a divorce that cost Danson a significant amount of money.