George Wendt Dead at 76

, has died at the age of 76. According to the actor’s publicist, he passed away at home on Tuesday morning. Melissa Nathan confirmed the news in a statement that said, “George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.”

Born in 1948 in Chicago, Wendt made his name as a character actor best known for playing bar regular Norm between 1982 and 1993. As well as becoming Wendt’s most iconic role, his appearance in Cheers also earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Beginning working as a stagehand in 1975, he soon found himself working on the main improv stage at Chicago’s Second City. As his comedic talent grew, Wendt was soon making appearances on TV with bit parts in Taxi and MASH*, which paved the way to Cheers, the 11-season run of which made Norm Peterson a pop culture icon. As well as his appearances in the show, the character of Norm also made appearances in Frasier, The Simpsons, and even in Super Bowl commercials.

His incredible list of TV guest credits outside those as Norm included single appearances in Hot in Cleveland, The Twilight Zone, Columbo, George Lopez and Masters of Horror. He also became one of the many stars to take part in The Masked Singer, starring as part of the 2023 season.

However, he was not tied to comedy roles, appearing in Ron Howard’s Gung Ho (1986), cult horror favorite House (1986), and the romantic drama Forever Young (1992). However, he also made several appearances on Saturday Night Live, and appeared on stage with roles in Hairspray, Elf: The Musical, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s proving the span of his talent as a performer.

Source: Variety