‘Cheers’ Alum George Wendt Dead at Age 76: ‘He Will Be Missed Forever’
ArchiveFirst published May 20, 2025. It may not reflect later developments.
Beloved actor George Wendt, best known as Norm from the sitcom Cheers, passed away on May 20, 2025, at the age of 76. His publicist confirmed he died peacefully at home.
“George was a doting family man… He will be missed forever,” said Melissa Nathan in a statement.
Wendt rose to fame in 1982 with his role as Norm Peterson, a beer-loving regular at a Boston bar. He starred in Cheers for 11 seasons, earning six Emmy nominations. Before that, he began as a comedian at The Second City and made appearances on shows like Taxi and Hart to Hart.
Outside Cheers, he appeared in The George Wendt Show, The Naked Truth, and voiced roles in Fancy Nancy. He was also iconic as Bob Swerski in SNL’s “Da Bears” sketches.
Wendt’s final role was in 2024’s Love’s Second Act. He is survived by his wife, Bernadette Birkett, and their three children.
Fans mourned online: “RIP George Wendt. Norm, Da Bears … Much love for George and his family.”
