Former Cheers star George Wendt died on Tuesday, May 20. He was 76.
“Beloved actor and comedian, George Wendt, best known for starring in the NBC hit comedy Cheers, has passed away,” a rep for his family told Us Weekly in a statement. “George’s family confirmed the news of his death early Tuesday morning, announcing he died peacefully in his sleep while at home. George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever.”
Wendt began his career as a comedian at The Second City in the 1970s before turning his sights on TV acting. He had several guest starring roles on shows like Taxi, Alice and Hart to Hart in the 1980s before landing the role of Norm Peterson on Cheers in 1982.
Wendt portrayed the beloved character — an everyman who liked to drink beer at his local watering hole — for 11 seasons until the series ended in 1993. Throughout its run, he earned six Emmy nominations.
The late actor had his own series, The George Wendt Show, in 1995 and starred on The Naked Truth two years later. Wendt continued to act in both film and television for decades, including roles on Clipped, Fancy Nancy and What the Elf?!
Over the years, Wendt also gained recognition for playing Chicago Bears superfan Bob Sweski on Saturday Night Live. He famously uttered “Da Bears!” over and over in sketches beginning in 1991 and ending in 2003.
Wendt’s last role was in Great American Family’s Love’s Second Act, which premiered in 2024.
Following his death, Wendt and his iconic roles were remembered via social media. “‘It’s a dog eat dog world and I’m wearing Milk Bone underwear’ remains one of the greatest entering jokes for a character ever,” one fan tweeted on Tuesday. “Norm, Da Bears … Sad to hear this. Much love for George and his family. RIP George Wendt.”
Another user wrote via X, “RIP George Wendt. I got to watch Norm sit at the end of the bar from ages 5-16. My bedtime was before Cheers came on in the early years and I was old enough to drive by the time it ended. I’ll never forget that character.”
Wendt is survived by his wife, Bernadette Birkett, whom he wed in 1946, and their three children: Joe, Hilary and Daniel. (Wendt was also the uncle of actor Jason Sudeikis.)
