George Wendt, ‘Cheers’ Norm, Dead at 76
- George Wendt, the actor best known for his role as Norm Peterson, the affable barfly on the long-running sitcom "cheers," died Tuesday at his home in studio City,...
- Geoff Cheddy, Wendt's manager, confirmed the death but did not provide a cause.
- Wendt appeared in every episode of "cheers" during its 11-season run on NBC,beginning in 1982.
George Wendt, ‘Cheers’ Star Known as Norm Peterson, Dies at 76
Table of Contents
- George Wendt, ‘Cheers’ Star Known as Norm Peterson, Dies at 76
- George Wendt: Remembering norm peterson of ‘Cheers’ – A Q&A
- Who was George Wendt?
- When did George Wendt die?
- What was the cause of George Wendt’s death?
- How did George Wendt become famous?
- What was George Wendt’s role on “Cheers”?
- What are some of Norm Peterson’s most memorable quotes?
- where did George Wendt start his career?
- Did George Wendt have any acting experience before ‘Cheers’?
- Did George Wendt win any awards for his role as Norm Peterson?
- What was George Wendt’s life like before ‘Cheers’?
- What did George Wendt say was the reason for Norm’s popularity?
- What did George wendt do after “Cheers”?
- What are some of George Wendt’s other notable roles?
- Who is George Wendt survived by?
- What was George Wendt’s personality like?
- Legacy:
- More about George wendt
George Wendt, the actor best known for his role as Norm Peterson, the affable barfly on the long-running sitcom ”cheers,” died Tuesday at his home in studio City, California. He was 76.
Geoff Cheddy, Wendt’s manager, confirmed the death but did not provide a cause.
From Second City to ’Cheers’ Fame
Wendt appeared in every episode of “cheers” during its 11-season run on NBC,beginning in 1982. His portrayal of Norm earned him six consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series, starting in 1984.
Born on Chicago’s South Side, Wendt began his career in the entertainment industry at the Second City, the famed improvisational comedy club. He started by sweeping floors before participating in workshops and eventually joining the company’s resident and touring troupes from the mid-1970s to 1980.
“I had no acting experience in my background, but somthing just clicked,” Wendt told the Rochester, N.Y., newspaper The Democrat and Chronicle in a 2013 interview.
Becoming Norm: A Prototypical slacker
Before “Cheers,” Wendt appeared in television shows such as “Taxi,” “Alice,” and “Hart to Hart.” However, it was his role as norm that cemented his place in television history.
Norm, seemingly unremarkable save for his love of beer and relaxed attitude, resonated with many viewers.
“Norm was the least offensive character — except to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers,” Wendt told The Evening Sun of baltimore in 1991. “The thing was, Norm never really got drunk,” adding that “he was the prototypical slacker — that’s why he was so popular.”
Wendt also joked about the character’s appeal, saying Norm “was terribly overweight, he couldn’t hold down a job, and his marriage was a mess. Still, if more barflies had award-winning Hollywood writers at their beck and call, they’d be popular, too.”
Early Life and Career
George Robert Wendt jr. was born Oct. 17, 1948, in Chicago, to George Sr., a real estate agent and Navy officer, and Loretta (Howard) Wendt. His grandfather was Tom Howard, a photojournalist known for taking a photograph of Ruth Snyder in the electric chair at Sing Sing prison in 1928.
Wendt briefly attended the University of Notre Dame before earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo., in 1971.
“I knew that I didn’t want to do something that I hated,” Wendt told The Evening Sun. “It was a process of elimination.Salesman? No. Doctor? No. Lawyer? No. Acting sounded pretty good.”
At Second City, he met Bernadette Birkett, who later voiced Norm’s wife, Vera, on “cheers.”
‘Cheers’ and Beyond
Wendt recalled in a 2014 interview with The Irish Examiner that “cheers” took time to gain popularity. The show benefited from following “The Cosby Show” in NBC’s lineup.
norm’s entrances into the bar became a signature part of the show, frequently enough punctuated by humorous exchanges.
Sam: “Hey, what’s going on, Normie?”
Norm: “It’s my birthday, Sammy. Give me a beer,stick a candle in it and I’ll blow out my liver.”
Wendt once quipped,”One nice thing about being fat for a living is that you don’t worry about losing weight or dieting…Anyhow,if I lost 100 pounds,peopel would say,‘Oh,no,not another fat comedian wanting to be a leading man!’”
After “Cheers” concluded in 1993,Wendt remained active in film and television. “You always want to leave them begging for more,” he told the British newspaper The Independent in 1998 about the show’s ending.
Wendt’s post-“Cheers” work included the film “Man of the House” and a short-lived series, ”The George Wendt Show.” He also made appearances on “Saturday Night Live” and reprised his role as Norm on shows like “The Simpsons,” “Wings,” “Frasier,” and “Family Guy.”
Wendt is survived by his wife, Bernadette Birkett; his siblings, Kathy Sudeikis, Nancy Healy, Loretta Jolivette, Marti Doherty and paul Wendt; his children, Hilary, Joe and Danny Wendt; his stepchildren, Josh and Andrew Trossman; and one grandchild.
Wendt once said he shared similarities with Norm, but emphasized he was happier and more ambitious. He also admitted to enjoying beer long before “Cheers.”
George Wendt: Remembering norm peterson of ‘Cheers’ – A Q&A
The world has lost a comedic icon.George Wendt, the beloved actor who brought the character of Norm Peterson to life on the hit sitcom “Cheers”, has passed away. Let’s raise a glass to the man who made us laugh, and delve into the life and legacy of George Wendt, the man behind the iconic character.
Who was George Wendt?
George Wendt was an American actor best known for his role as Norm Peterson,the lovable and perpetually beer-loving patron of the bar in the long-running sitcom “Cheers.” He was a master of comedic timing and delivered numerous memorable lines, frequently enough punctuated by his wry sense of humor. Beyond “Cheers,” Wendt was a prolific actor in both film and television.
When did George Wendt die?
George Wendt died on tuesday, with the news being confirmed by his manager, Geoff Cheddy. He was 76 years old.
What was the cause of George Wendt’s death?
The cause of George Wendt’s death was not provided.
How did George Wendt become famous?
Wendt’s breakthrough role came with “Cheers,” were he appeared in every episode of the show’s 11-season run, from 1982. His portrayal as Norm earned him six consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations for outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, solidifying his place in television history. Before ‘Cheers’, he also gained experience with improvisational comedy at Second city.
What was George Wendt’s role on “Cheers”?
George Wendt played Norm Peterson, one of the most recognizable and beloved regulars at the “Cheers” bar. Norm was known for his constant pursuit of beer, his deadpan delivery, and the hilarious repartee with the other characters, especially the bartender, Sam (Ted danson). Norm’s wit and everyman appeal made him a favorite of the show’s audience.
What are some of Norm Peterson’s most memorable quotes?
- “Hey, what’s going on, Normie?” – Sam
- “It’s my birthday, Sammy. Give me a beer, stick a candle in it and I’ll blow out my liver.” – Norm
- (After being asked if he’s had enough to drink) “Pretty much.” - Norm
where did George Wendt start his career?
Wendt began his career at Second City, the renowned improvisational comedy club in Chicago. He honed his comedic skills there and met his future wife, Bernadette Birkett, who later voiced Norm’s unseen wife, Vera, on “Cheers.”
Did George Wendt have any acting experience before ‘Cheers’?
Prior to “Cheers,” Wendt appeared in shows like “Taxi,” “alice,” and “Hart to Hart.” Second City was his main starting point for acting.
Did George Wendt win any awards for his role as Norm Peterson?
While he didn’t win, Wendt was recognized time and time again for his work as Norm.He received six consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in “Cheers.”
What was George Wendt’s life like before ‘Cheers’?
Born in Chicago on October 17, 1948, George Wendt Jr. came from a background that included his father, a real estate agent and Navy officer. He briefly attended the University of Notre Dame before earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1971. He then transitioned to acting.
What did George Wendt say was the reason for Norm’s popularity?
Wendt himself joked about the character’s appeal,saying Norm,”was terribly overweight,he couldn’t hold down a job,and his marriage was a mess. Still, if more barflies had award-winning Hollywood writers at their beck and call, they’d be popular, too.” He also stated, “norm was the least offensive character — except to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. The thing was,Norm never really got drunk. He was the prototypical slacker — that’s why he was so popular.”
What did George wendt do after “Cheers”?
After “Cheers” concluded in 1993,Wendt remained active in film and television.He appeared in the film “Man of the House” and had a short-lived series,”The George Wendt Show.” He also made guest appearances on shows such as “Saturday Night Live” and reprised his role as Norm on shows like “The Simpsons,” “Wings,” “Frasier,” and “Family Guy.”
What are some of George Wendt’s other notable roles?
Beyond “Cheers,” Wendt’s career included appearances in films and television shows. Some of his post-“Cheers” work includes
Who is George Wendt survived by?
George Wendt is survived by his wife, Bernadette Birkett; his siblings, Kathy Sudeikis, Nancy Healy, Loretta Jolivette, Marti Doherty and Paul Wendt; his children, Hilary, Joe and Danny Wendt; his stepchildren, Josh and Andrew Trossman; and one grandchild.
What was George Wendt’s personality like?
Wendt shared similarities with Norm,but emphasized he was happier and more ambitious. He also admitted to enjoying beer long before “Cheers.”
Legacy:
george Wendt’s portrayal of Norm Peterson created a character that is recognized and beloved by many. His work in ”cheers” gave us years of laughter and will continue to bring joy to viewers for many generations to come. He was a true comedy legend, and his absence will be deeply felt by his fans, peers, and all those who were touched by his talent and wit.
More about George wendt
- In 2014, Wendt discussed the slow burn of “Cheers” saying, “Cheers took time to gain popularity.”
- An actor himself, Wendt’s brother-in-law is Saturday Night Live alum, Jason Sudeikis.