George Wendt, Cheers Star, Dies at 76

George Wendt, the actor famously known for his role as Norm on Cheers, has died at age 76. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at home. Wendt’s family shared a touching statement reflecting on his gentle nature and requested privacy. Celebrated for his iconic portrayal, Wendt had a varied career on stage and screen, remaining a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

George Wendt, best known for his role as Norm on the much-loved 1980s sitcom Cheers, has sadly passed away at the age of 76. His family confirmed that he died peacefully in his sleep at home early Tuesday morning. The tribute from his family said it all: “He will be missed forever,” and they have requested for some privacy during this tough time.

It’s wild to think that despite a career filled with roles on stage and TV, it was the iconic Norm Peterson character on Cheers that solidified Wendt’s legacy. Over 11 seasons, he made audiences chuckle, earning six consecutive Emmy nominations for supporting actor in a comedy series from 1984 to 1989. The show featured Ted Danson, Shelley Long, and Rhea Perlman, and managed to rocket into the stratosphere of success, spinning off Frasier as well.

Before sitting on that famous barstool, Wendt honed his craft as a member of Chicago’s Second City improv troupe. When he first auditioned for Cheers, he wasn’t too optimistic. “My agent said, ‘It’s a small role, honey. It’s one line. Actually, it’s one word.’ The word? Beer! I thought to myself, how could I be right for that?” He went in for another audition and ended up winning the part of the guy who just wouldn’t leave the bar.

Following Cheers, Wendt tried his hand at his own sitcom, The George Wendt Show, although it didn’t exactly set the world on fire. He also had guest appearances on several shows, including The Ghost Whisperer and Portlandia. In a surprising twist of reality TV fate, Wendt popped up on The Masked Singer in 2023.

This loveable bear of a man wasn’t just a barfly; he was also a stage regular. He donned Edna Turnblad’s frilly housecoat in Hairspray on Broadway and starred in the Tony-winning play Art. In his own words, after realizing he may have overstayed his television welcome, he quipped, “A, it’s by far the most fun, but B, I seem to have been kicked out of television. Theatre suits me.”

Wendt also had a knack for playing Santa Claus, donning the jolly red suit in productions ranging from Elf to the TV movie Santa Baby and beyond. His jovial spirit shone through in his response to being typecast: “If you stay fat enough and get old enough, the offers start rolling in.” That right there just might be the secret to an acting career, folks!

Born in Chicago, Wendt had a rather colourful educational journey, attending Campion High School and eventually Notre Dame, where classes apparently weren’t his thing. He found his true calling at Second City, where he really began to blossom. “Comedy is my long suit, for sure,” he explained. He preferred a subtler style, steering away from loud showboating antics that others excelled at.

Wendt leaves behind his beloved wife, Bernadette Birkett, who voiced his character’s infamous off-screen wife Vera on Cheers, along with their three children and two stepchildren. “From his early days with The Second City to his iconic role as Norm on Cheers, George Wendt’s work showed how comedy can create characters that feel like family,” remarked Journey Gunderson from the National Comedy Centre. R.I.P. George, you’ll be missed by many!

George Wendt’s passing marks the end of an era for fans of Cheers and theatre alike. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter and beloved characters, particularly as Norm, who resonated with audiences as the quintessential barfly. Wendt’s journey from Second City to iconic sitcom fame illustrates his remarkable versatility and enduring spirit in the world of comedy. While his family grieves, fans everywhere will surely hold onto the joy he brought to the screen.

Original Source: www.independent.ie