George Wendt, best known for his Emmy-nominated role as beer-loving bar patron Norm Peterson on the NBC sitcom “Cheers,” died Tuesday at age 76.
Wendt died peacefully in his sleep at home, his family confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. A cause of death hasn’t been released.
“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,” according to a statement released by his publicist, Melissa Nathan.
A Chicago native, Wendt made his first foray into the entertainment field with the Second City comedy troupe. He began making appearances on television in the early 1980s, including guest spots on shows such as “Taxi,” “Soap,” “Alice,” “M*A*S*H,” and “Hart to Hart.”
But he shot to stardom with his role on “Cheers,” portraying the affable Norm Peterson, whose entrances into the fictional Boston tavern would be greeted by others in the room shouting “Norm!” in unison.
Wendt earned six consecutive Emmy nominations for outstanding supporting actor ina comedy, but never won.
He appeared in multiple films over the years, including “Fletch,” “Forever Young,” “Never Say Die,” “Gung Ho,” “Space Truckers,” “Spice World” and “Guilty by Suspicion.”
Channeling his Chicago roots, he also made multiple appearances on “Saturday Night Live,” portraying a member of a small group of superfans who gathered to watch “Da Bears” and praise the exploits of former Bears coach Mike Ditka.
Wendt is an uncle of “SNL” alum and “Ted Lasso” star Jason Sudeikis.
He is survived by his wife Bernadette Birkett, three children and two stepchildren.
Various “Cheers” alums paid tribute to their former co-star.
“I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us,” Ted Danson said in a statement to People magazine. “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.”
Actor John Ratzenberger said in a statement he was “heartbroken” at the news.
“George brought Norm to life with a subtle brilliance — the kind that made it look easy. That was his gift,” he said. “He was a true craftsman — humble, hilarious and full of heart. What you saw on screen was exactly who he was off screen, with impeccable comedic timing and a deep loyalty to those he loved.”
Actress Rhea Perlman called Wendt “the sweetest, kindest man I ever met.”
“It was impossible not to like him,” she said. “As Carla, I was often standing next to him, as Norm always took the same seat at the end of the bar, which made it easy to grab him and beat the crap out of him at least once a week. I loved doing it and he loved pretending it didn’t hurt. What a guy! I’ll miss him more than words can say.”