George Wendt, the actor and comedian best known for playing Norm Peterson on the classic NBC sitcom Cheers, has died at the age of 76. His death was confirmed by publicist Melissa Nathan, who said Wendt passed away peacefully at his home. His family described him as a devoted husband, father, and friend, and asked for privacy during this difficult time.
Wendt became a television icon through his role as the friendly bar regular Norm on Cheers. His character’s famous greeting, “Afternoon everybody,” became one of the show’s most memorable moments. During the show’s 11-season run, Wendt appeared in all 273 episodes and earned six consecutive Emmy nominations for supporting actor in a comedy series.
Before his success on television, Wendt was part of Chicago’s famous improv group The Second City in the 1970s. After Cheers, he continued acting in film and television, with roles in movies such as Fletch, Gung Ho, and Spice World, along with appearances on shows like Saturday Night Live, Columbo, and Fresh Off the Boat.
Later in his career, Wendt also appeared in theater productions, including Hairspray and Elf the Musical. He is survived by his wife, Bernadette Birkett, and their three children.