George Wendt, the actor who played Norm Peterson on NBC’s Cheers, died at 76, his family confirmed through a representative on May 20, 2025. The family said he died early Tuesday morning, peacefully in his sleep at home. The reports did not state a medical cause of death.
Who was George Wendt on Cheers?
Wendt was Norm Peterson, the familiar regular whose place at the bar became one of the sitcom’s constants. ABC News reports that he appeared in all 275 episodes, from the show’s 1982 debut through its 1993 finale. The role earned him six consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations for supporting actor in a comedy series, from 1984 through 1989.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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Cheers: The Complete Series | $58.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Cheers: The Complete Series | $149.77 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Cheers: The Complete Series DVD – All 11 Seasons – 270 Episodes – 45-Disc Box Set | $79.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Cheers: The Complte 1st - 11th Seasons: The Complete Series (Checkpoint) | $159.88 | Buy on Amazon |
Wendt’s audition began with a line so small it was nearly just a prop cue. Recalling the story in a GQ oral history, he said his agent told him, “It’s a small role, honey. It’s one line. Actually, it’s one word.” The word was “beer.”
What did Wendt’s family say?
In a statement reported by ABC News, Wendt’s family called him “a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,” adding, “He will be missed forever.”
#1 Best Overall
What else was George Wendt in?
Comedy and television
Born in Chicago on October 17, 1948, Wendt spent six years with the city’s Second City improv troupe before his television breakthrough. ABC lists earlier appearances in M*A*S*H, Taxi and Soap, as well as later work including Saturday Night Live and The George Wendt Show.
Stage and film
His stage career included Broadway productions of Art, Hairspray and Elf, along with touring and regional theater. His film credits included Fletch. Wendt also co-wrote Drinking With George: A Barstool Professional’s Guide to Beer with Jonathan Grotenstein, a book blending autobiography and a beer-drinker’s guide.
Rank #2
- Condition: New
- Format: DVD
- Box set; Color; DVD; Full Screen; NTSC
How many people watched the Cheers finale?
The Associated Press reported in 2025 that 80 million people watched the series finale. AP described the finale as airing 11 years after the show premiered on September 30, 1982.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- COMPLETE SERIES: Includes all 11 seasons and all 270 episodes of the beloved classic sitcom Cheers.
- 45-DISC BOX SET: Every episode is spread across 45 discs, giving you hours of uninterrupted entertainment.
- STAR-STUDDED CAST: Features Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Kirstie Alley, Kelsey Grammer, and more beloved characters.
- ICONIC SHOW: Relive every laugh, every romance, and every memorable moment from the entire run of the series.
- FROM PARAMOUNT: This official box set is released by Paramount, ensuring authentic, high-quality DVD presentation.
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