When George Wendt entered a room, laughter usually followed, unless, of course, it was a barroom entrance followed by a thunderous “Norm!” The beloved television icon, best known for portraying the beer-loving barfly Norman Peterson on the classic sitcom Cheers, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 76. The actor died on May 20, 2025, at his residence in the Studio City neighborhood of Los Angeles. The event has stirred an outpouring of emotion and reflection from his Cheers co-stars.

Several of George Wendt’s fellow cast members from the iconic series have offered heartfelt tributes, remembering Wendt's legacy.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the cast of Cheers shared emotional tributes in memory of George Wendt, a dear friend who passed away. The heartfelt statements came from co-stars who had worked alongside him for over a decade, including Ted Danson, John Ratzenberger, and Rhea Perlman. “I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us,” Ted Danson stated, sending love to Wendt’s wife Bernadette and their children. “I love you, Georgie,” he added.

John Ratzenberger remembered Wendt’s performance as Norm Peterson as “subtle brilliance,” praising his humility and impeccable comedic timing. Rhea Perlman described Wendt as “the sweetest, kindest man I ever met,” recalling their frequent scenes at the bar with warmth. NBC Entertainment also honored Wendt, saying, “George Wendt was an essential part of the genius of Cheers’” and calling him “a true comedy legend” beloved by millions.

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George Wendt may have passed away quietly and in peace, but his comedy leaves behind a legacy that cannot be hushed.

George Wendt’s comedic legacy is anchored in his role as Norm Peterson on Cheers, where his deadpan wit and impeccable timing won six Emmy nominations. Over eleven seasons, he made Norm an everyman icon. Beyond television, Wendt’s stage work and guest roles showed his range. In the same year Broadway legend Priscilla Pointer died at 100, Wendt’s influence on comedy remains profound and lasting.

George Wendt's gift for combining subtlety with warmth reshaped sitcom humor, inspiring countless actors and audiences alike. Wendt’s talent transcended comedy, showcasing a rare ability to bring humanity to even the most comedic roles. His passing marks the end of an era, but his work endures as a benchmark for brilliance in television comedy, reminding us why Norm’s barstool will forever be reserved in television history.

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