Actor George Wendt, best known for portraying Norm Peterson on the long-running NBC sitcom Cheers, has died at the age of 76.

His publicist confirmed his death on Tuesday in a statement released to the press.

“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.”

RIP George Wendt pic.twitter.com/G7viF24lLa

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Wendt’s passing comes just six months after he was photographed leaving a California dialysis clinic in a wheelchair.

The actor had kept a relatively low profile in recent years but remained beloved by fans of the classic television series.

Wendt starred as Norm Peterson throughout the entire 11-season run of Cheers, from 1982 until the series concluded in May 1993.

His performance earned him six consecutive Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

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Initially facing low ratings during its first season, Cheers went on to become one of the most popular shows on American television, spending eight of its final ten seasons in the Nielsen top 10.

In its ninth season, it was the most-watched show in the country.

The series earned 28 Emmy Awards from 117 nominations and was nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series in all 11 seasons, winning four times.

Wendt appeared in every episode of Cheers during its original run, making his character a fixture in American pop culture.

Known for his entrance line “Afternoon, everybody!”—to which the entire bar responded in unison, “Norm!”—Wendt’s character was a central figure in the show’s ensemble cast.

In honor of the legendary George Wendt, here is every time Norm Peterson walks into Cheers pic.twitter.com/5qkPUNgFRU

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Over the course of the series, Norm held various occupations, including accountant, painter, and even a brief stint in the Coast Guard.

Born in Chicago, Wendt’s path to acting was not direct. He was expelled from the University of Notre Dame for academic reasons before finding work sweeping floors at a local theater.

His early television roles included guest appearances on Taxi and MASH*, before landing his breakout role on Cheers.

Wendt later headlined his own self-titled sitcom on CBS in 1995, though it was canceled after just eight episodes.

He went on to appear in numerous other television shows, including Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Columbo, and Wings.

He was also a frequent guest on Saturday Night Live, most notably in the recurring “Bill Swerski's Superfans” sketch, which celebrated Chicago sports culture.

Wendt was married to actress Bernadette Birkett since 1978. Birkett voiced Norm’s wife Vera on Cheers, though the character never appeared on screen.

The couple had three children together—one daughter and two sons.

In 2023, Wendt made a surprise appearance as a contestant on The Masked Singer and reunited with former Cheers cast members Ted Danson, Kelsey Grammer, Rhea Perlman, and John Ratzenberger during a tribute segment at the Emmy Awards.

The reunion took place on a recreated version of the show’s iconic bar set. Cast members Shelley Long and Woody Harrelson were not present at the event.

George Wendt leaves behind a legacy as one of television’s most recognizable and enduring comedic performers, with a role that continues to resonate with audiences decades after Cheers first aired.

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