George Wendt, best known for his iconic role as Norm Peterson on the hit sitcom Cheers, has died at the age of 76, Fox News reports.
According to a statement from a family representative, the beloved actor passed away peacefully in his sleep early Tuesday morning.
“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,” the family’s statement read. “He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.”
Wendt appeared in all 275 episodes of Cheers, which aired on NBC from 1982 to 1993. His portrayal of the beer-loving, wisecracking Norm earned him six consecutive Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. The show, set in a cozy Boston bar “where everybody knows your name,” became one of the most acclaimed sitcoms in television history.
After Cheers ended, Wendt starred briefly in The George Wendt Show and continued to build a diverse career with roles in film and television. His film credits include Airplane II: The Sequel, The Little Rascals, Alice in Wonderland, Santa Buddies, and more.
Throughout its 11-season run, Cheers featured a rotating cast of celebrated actors, including Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, and Nicholas Colasanto, with later additions such as Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson, Kirstie Alley, and Bebe Neuwirth. The show was nominated for 117 Emmy Awards and won 28, along with six Golden Globe wins from 31 nominations.
