BREAKING NEWS: George Wendt, Cheers’ Iconic Norm Peterson Who Starred in All 275 Episodes and Earned Six Emmy Nominations, Dies at 76, ABC News Announces on May 20, 2025, Leaving Fans in Mourning

George Wendt, Beloved Cheers Star Known as Norm Peterson, Dies at 76: A Legacy of Laughter and Heart

Published: May 20, 2025, 9:04 PM WAT

The world of television lost a true icon today as George Wendt, the actor best known for his role as the lovable barfly Norm Peterson on the groundbreaking sitcom Cheers, passed away at the age of 76. ABC News broke the news at 8:00 PM UTC (9:00 PM WAT) on May 20, 2025, sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry and prompting an immediate outpouring of grief from fans across the globe.

Wendt, born George Robert Wendt Jr. on October 17, 1948, in Chicago, became a household name through his portrayal of Norm Peterson, the everyman accountant who found solace in the cozy Boston bar where “everybody knows your name.” Over the course of Cheers’ 11-season run from 1982 to 1993, Wendt appeared in all 275 episodes, cementing Norm as one of the most enduring characters in sitcom history. His performance earned him six consecutive Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, a testament to his comedic timing and emotional depth.

A Career That Defined an Era

Wendt’s journey to stardom began at Chicago’s famed Second City, the improvisational comedy troupe where he honed his craft and met his future wife, Bernadette Birkett. Birkett would later play the voice of Norm’s never-seen wife, Vera, on Cheers, as well as Cliff Clavin’s Halloween date in the show’s third season. Before Cheers, Wendt had small roles in TV series like Taxi, Soap, and MASH*, and appeared in the 1980 film My Bodyguard. His first role as a series regular came in 1982 with the short-lived CBS sitcom Making the Grade, which was canceled after six episodes. But it was his casting as Norm Peterson later that year that would change his life—and television history—forever.

Cheers, which centered on a neighborhood pub in Boston, became one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, winning multiple Emmys and pioneering serialized storytelling in comedy. As noted by co-creator Les Charles in a 2016 reflection, the show’s use of multi-episode arcs influenced modern TV, laying the groundwork for today’s narrative-driven comedies. At the heart of the show was Wendt’s Norm, whose dry wit and unwavering loyalty to his barstool made him a fan favorite. Lines like “What’s going down, Normie? My butt on that seat,” as recalled by X user @lundimardium in a tribute post, captured the character’s endearing humor.

Beyond Cheers, Wendt showcased his versatility across television, film, and theater. He reprised Norm Peterson in guest appearances on The Simpsons (in the 1994 episode “Fear of Flying”), Family Guy (in “Road to Rupert” and “Three Kings”), and Frasier (in the 2002 episode “Cheerful Goodbyes”).