George Wendt, the beloved barstool philosopher of “Cheers,” passed away peacefully in his sleep Tuesday morning at the age of 76.
It’s the kind of send-off you’d hope for someone who brought so much warmth, laughter, and deadpan brilliance to television screens for decades. And let’s be honest: for anyone who ever shouted “Norm!” at a bar, this one hits right in the feels.
Wendt “was” Norm Peterson—everyman, beer-in-hand sage, and sitcom icon. Over the course of 275 episodes on NBC’s “Cheers,” he became the soul of that Boston barroom where everybody knew your name.
Six Emmy nominations later, and there was no mistaking it: George wasn’t just playing Norm. He “was” Norm. And yet, there was more to Wendt than his most famous role.
After “Cheers,” Wendt kept the laughs coming with “The George Wendt Show,” and while it didn’t hit the same heights, it was another example of how he kept showing up, giving us that dry wit and familiar warmth.
His filmography reads like a tour of eclectic Hollywood—”Airplane II”, “Fletch”, “The Little Rascals”, “Spice World” (yes, really), and even “Santa Buddies” for the holiday crowd. The man wasn’t just versatile—he was game for anything.
But before the lights, cameras, and cold ones on set, Wendt was a Chicago kid who cut his teeth in improv, grinding through the sketch comedy circuit before landing roles in “Taxi,” “MAS*H,” and “Soap.” The guy “earned” his moment. And when it came? He ran with it.
His family described him as a “doting family man” and a “well-loved friend and confidant.” You know what? That tracks.
Because the characters Wendt played were always more than punchlines. They had heart. They had soul. And they always felt like someone you knew—or wanted to know.
So yeah, we’re pouring one out for George tonight. Maybe even two. Because in a world that can feel a little less friendly, a little more chaotic, guys like George Wendt—guys who made us laugh, made us feel seen, and never tried to be more than who they were—those guys are the real deal. Norm, you’ll always have a seat at the bar.
