How did George Wendt die? All you need to know as Cheers star dies at 76

Actor and comedian George Wendt, most popularly known for appearing in the NBC sitcom Cheers, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. He was 76 years of age at the time of his death. As of the writing of this article, the exact cause of the actor’s death has not been revealed publicly.

The news of Wendt’s death was broken by his publicist, who released a statement confirming his passing. As per People Magazine, the statement read:

“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. 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.”

More about George Wendt and his role on Cheers

George Robert Wendt Jr., born on October 17, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, was an American actor best known for his role as Norm Peterson on the long-running sitcom Cheers. His career in comedy began with Chicago’s famed Second City improv troupe, where he honed his skills before landing his breakout role in 1982. As Norm, the lovable bar regular known for his sharp wit and ever-present barstool, Wendt became a television icon, earning six Emmy nominations over the show’s 11-season run.

Wendt, who also appeared on Saturday Night Live, portrayed the character of Norm Peterson in Cheers. The sitcom aired on NBC for 11 years, between 1982 and 1993. The sitcom was based on the happenings of a fictional bar named Cheers in Boston. The conversations between the regulars of the bar formed the plot of the comedy series.

Among the host of lovable characters in the show, actors Sam Malone (played by Ted Danson), Carla Tortelli (played by Rhea Perlman), and Norm Peterson (played by George Wendt) appeared in each episode of the sitcom, which ran for 11 consecutive seasons.

As per The New York Times, Wendt, much like his character in Cheers, loved consuming beer. According to The Washington Post, Wendt in 1985 jokingly shared how the show's success helps him score free drinks.

“I get a lot of free beers. It's one of the great perks of employment history.”

Mr. Wendt accrued around 170 film and television credits over more than 40 years.

George Wendt’s co-stars react to the news of his death

CNN published a statement made by George Wendt’s Cheers co-star, Rhea Perlman, upon the news of his death. Perlman, who portrayed the character of Carla Tortelli, expressed her admiration of Wendt’s kind personality. In her statement, Perlam said,

“George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met. It was impossible not to like him…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”

Ted Danson fondly remembered his co-star Wendt. In a statement released to The Hollywood Reporter, Danson said,

“I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. 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.”

Wendt’s wife, Bernadette, knew of the kind of camaraderie that Wendt shared with the co-stars of Cheers. In 1993, when the show Cheers ended after its eleven-season run, Wendt’s wife told People Magazine,

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

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The LA Times noted that George Wendt missed being on the show dearly after it ended. According to the publication, Wendt dreamt about the show in his sleep.

He was married to actress Bernadette Birkett, who provided the voice of Norm’s unseen wife, Vera, on Cheers, and together they have three children.

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