Cheers actor George Wendt passed away at age 76

George Wendt, best known for his role as the beer-drinking Norm on the sitcom Cheers, has died.George Wendt died peacefully in his sleep yesterday morning, a family spokesman said. He was 76.

Wendt starred on Cheers for the show’s entire epic run, from 1982 to 1993. In a series filled with beloved characters, his Norm Peterson was perhaps the most beloved, with his entrance in a scene that was announced each time the bar patrons chanted, “Norm!” What followed was usually a set-up by one of his co-stars, followed by a snappy one-liner from Norm.



As a result of that performance, Wendt earned six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, but never won.

“I have a hard time talking about Norm. It’s like he’s too close to me,” Wendt once said of the character. “I think he’s the toughest to write for because he’s not really anything. He’s just funny.”

After Cheers ended in 1993, he got his own sitcom, The George Wendt Show on CBS, but it was canceled after only a few episodes.

Norm's appeal didn't end with Cheers. Wendt also played the character on Frasier, St. Elsewhere, The Tortellis, The Simpsons, Wings, and Family Guy.

Wendt was so recognizable that he played himself on shows like The Larry Sanders Show and The Martin Short Show.

Before Cheers became a hit, Wendt had a memorable role on M*A*S*H, and appeared in comedies like Taxi, Soap, and Alice.