George Wendt, best known for playing Norm Peterson on the iconic sitcom “Cheers“, has died at the age of 76, his publicist confirmed Tuesday.
Wendt passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones, as reported by TMZ. His family remembered him as a devoted family man and friend.
“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,” his publicist wrote in a statement.
Wendt rose to fame as the barstool regular Norm, earning six Emmy nominations during his 11-season run on “Cheers“. He later headlined “The George Wendt Show“, a short-lived spinoff.
Before television fame, Wendt began his career in improv comedy and appeared in classic shows like “Taxi“, “MASH*”, and “Soap“. His film credits include “Fletch“, “The Little Rascals“, “Spice World“, and “Santa Buddies“.
Born in Chicago and one of nine children, Wendt attended high school in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and studied at the University of Notre Dame before entering the world of comedy and entertainment.
Source: TMZ