Did Bernadette Birkett voice Norm’s wife on Cheers? All about George Wendt’s wife as actor dies at 76

Bernadette Birkett, voiced the character of Vera Krietzer, Norm Peterson's wife on the hit 1980s show, "Cheers". Birkett is mourning the loss of her husband, actor George Wendt.

The role of Norm Peterson was, in fact, played by her real life husband, George Wendt, who rose to fame with this iconic portrayal. The comedic actor, who recieved six Emmy nominations for his portrayal, passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of seventy six, surrounded by his extended family.

More about Bernadette Birkett, as husband George Wendt passed away

Bernadette Birkett, who was married to actor George Wendt, for forty seven years, was born on 8 July 1946, according to her IMDB profile. She has acted in a range of movies and shows, including "St Elmo's Fire," "Heartbreakers," "Mr Mom," and "It's Gary Shandling's Show," among others.

Before her voice role on "Cheers" as the never seen wife of Norm Peterson, Birkett made an appearance on the show as Sharon O'Hare, a woman who goes on a date with Cliff, played by John Ratzenberger.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Birkett married George Wendt on 8 July 1978. The couple welcomed their first child, Joe Wendt in the same year. They met two years prior, in 1976, while working at The Second City Theatre company in Chicago. The couple had two more children, Hilary (born 1985), and Daniel (born 1990).

George Wendt's publicist, Melissa Nathan released a statement on behalf of his family, announcing the news of his death. It reads:

"Beloved actor and comedian, George Wendt, best known for starring in the NBC hit comedy Cheers, has passed away. George’s family confirmed the news of his death early Tuesday morning, announcing he died peacefully in his sleep while at home.

The statement further continues:

"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."

Bernadette Birkett had previously shared in a 1993 interview with People Magazine how the "Cheers" cast members got along, saying:

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"They do get along like siblings. To somebody peeking in from the outside, they look like they’re having the greatest time in the world.

George Wendt is survived by his wife, Bernadette Birkett, and their three children. The couple also shared two other sons, Andrew and Joshua, from Birkett's previous relationship.

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