Cheers icon George Wendt has died aged 76.

The legendary actor played the beloved Norm Peterson on the hit NBC show from 1982-1993 and earned six consecutive Emmy nominations for the role.

The announcement of Wendt’s passing came from his publicist in a heartfelt statement that described him as a devoted family man and a cherished friend to all who had the privilege of crossing paths with him.

‘He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.’

His shock passing also came exactly 32 years after the final episode of the show aired. 

Wendt’s iconic sitcom Cheers ran for 11 seasons from 1982 to 1993, though the show was almost canceled after its first season due to low ratings.

Cheers icon George Wendt has died aged 76 – he is pictured as Norm Peterson on the show 

Known for his role as Norm Peterson on the popular NBC series from 1982 to 1993, Wendt received acclaim with six consecutive Emmy nominations for his portrayal. In the image, he is seen amongst the show’s ensemble cast in the 1980s, a group that included Rhea Perlman, Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson, John Ratzenberger, Kelsey Grammer, and Kirstie Alley.

However, it spent eight of its remaining 10 seasons in the top 10, becoming the most-watched show in Season 9.

It earned 28 Emmy Awards from 117 nominations, earning Outstanding Comedy Series nominations all 11 seasons, winning four.  

Wendt – who is also the uncle of Ted Lasso actor Jason Sudeikis – impressively appeared in every episode until it went off air in May 1993.

The character of Norm, a jovial and easygoing regular at the bar, captured the hearts of viewers with his various job titles including accountant, painter, decorator, and coast guard. His memorable entrance into the bar became a signature moment that endeared him to fans.

Norm would arrive and yell ‘Afternoon/evening everybody!’ with the bar crowd shouting his name back. 

Hailing from Chicago, prior to acting Wendt was expelled from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana over poor grades before moving into showbusiness, where his first job was sweeping a theatre floor. 

Guest roles in Taxi and M*A*S*H were followed by his big break on Cheers, and two years after it finished he launched a self-titled sitcom on CBS, but it was canceled after eight episodes. 

Other than his success in the hit sitcom, the popular entertainer has appeared in shows such as Sabrina The Teenage Witch, Columbo and Wings. 

Norm – whose occupations included accountant, painter and decorator and coast guard – quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to his iconic entrance into the bar

Wendt had not been seen in public much in recent years – he reunitedwith the Cheers cast at the Emmy Awards in January 2024

Wendt had been married to Bernadette Birkett – who played the voice of the mysterious Vera on Cheers – since 1978 and they have one daughter and two son 

He also had a recurring sketch on SNL’s Bill Swerski’s Superfans, which was dedicated to sports fans from Chicago. 

Wendt had been married to Bernadette Birkett – who played the voice of the mysterious Vera on Cheers – since 1978 and they have one daughter and two sons. 

Wendt had kept a low profile in recent years, making only a handful of small appearances on screen, including his stint as a contestant in The Masked Singer in 2023.

More recently, he made a surprise appearance on stage when he reunited with the Cheers cast at the Emmy Awards in January 2023.

Wendt was joined by former co-stars Ted Danson, Kelsey Grammer, Rhea Perlman, and John Ratzenberger around a recreated set of the show’s iconic bar. 

Cast members Shelley Long and Woody Harrelson did not attend the reunion.