‘Cheers’ star George Wendt dies aged 76

Tributes are pouring in after the passing of actor George Wendt, best known for his portrayal of Norm Peterson on the popular sitcom Cheers.

The TV legend’s family have confirmed that he died peacefully in his sleep at his home early on Tuesday morning, May 20.

“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,” a representative of the comedian’s family told the BBC.

Wendt’s run as the affable Norm Peterson on the smash sitcom Cheers turned him into a star. The actor appeared in all 275 episodes of the production – which ran between 1982 to 93 – earning six consecutive Emmy nominations for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series.

Ted Danson, who starred alongside Wendt on Cheers, shared his grief in a statement to the New York Post.

“I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us,” Danson said. “I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children. It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.”

Speaking to ABC News, John Ratzenberger, who played Cliff Clavin on the show, said: “For eleven years on ‘Cheers,’ we shared a stage, a lot of laughs, and a front-row seat to one of television’s most beloved friendships. George brought Norm to life with a subtle brilliance — the kind that made it look easy. That was his gift.”

As per reports, Wendt was last seen in public in Los Angeles earlier this year in late January. The Mirror reported that he was snapped getting out of a car with his wife while using a cane.

Though his cause of death has not been confirmed at the time of writing, Wendt had reportedly experienced complications related to his weight over the past few years, including a hospitalization for chest pains and coronary bypass surgery.

Concern for the actor’s health had grown in recent times, particularly after a reunion of the Cheers cast reunion at the ATX TV Festival in June 2023. The event was held to mark the 30th anniversary of the show’s finale, but Wendt’s appearance became a talking point, with many fans of the opinion that he looked unwell.

One viewer wrote: “The guy on the right, George Wendt, looks like he needs to go to the doctors for jaundice.”

Another added: “Is George ok 😳 he looks dead.”

A third person said: “Good lord, George Wendt looks absolutely awful 😣.”

In addition to the NBC sitcom, Wendt appeared in a number of other TV shows and films over the course of a career that stretched back to 1978. He will be missed.

Rest in peace, George Wendt.