George Wendt, Chicago native who starred in ‘Cheers’, dies at 76

CHICAGO (WGN)—George Wendt, the Chicago native who starred in the long-running NBC sitcom “Cheers” as Norm Peterson, has died, multiple entertainment reporting outlets have confirmed.

Wendt was 76. The cause of death is unknown, but the Hollywood Reporter reports that the actor died peacefully in his sleep at home, according to family.

“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,” his publicist Melissa Nathan told the outlet in a statement. “The family has requested privacy during this time.”

The comedic actor joined Second City in 1975 and became an alumnus. Kelly Leonard, a former producer for Second City who now runs its creative strategy, reflected on the late actor’s passing, saying that it’s hard to think of George Wendt and not smile, even on a day like today.

“He was the same guy on the screen on the stage as he was off the screen, off the stage,” Leonard said. “Kind and funny and literally the dude you want to have a beer with. The thing that’s so cool about George is he’s so clearly a Chicago guy. On “Cheers,” but also on Saturday Night Live as one of the Da Bears guys. He does represent the city in all of our glory and goofiness.”

Photo courtesy of Second City

With that sketch, Wendt brought Chicago into homes all across the country, alongside comedian Robert Smigel, who shared with WGN News that, “George was already an absolute TV legend by the time I met him. But every time we worked together, he was just a sweet, funny guy who was up for anything. So many of the people I love are from Chicago, good-humored, humble, smart, but unpretentious, and George embodied all of those qualities. He was Chicago and I loved him.”

Wendt’s breakout role as Peterson in “Cheers” earned him national acclaim. He starred in all 275 episodes of the show, which ran from 1982 to 1993. Wendt also earned six consecutive nominations for his role. Wendt’s passing coincides with the “Cheers” series finale date, which originally aired on May 20, 1993.

Following the success of “Cheers,” he had his own sitcom called “The George Wendt Show,” which aired on CBS from March 8 to April 12, 1995.

The Chicago native also starred in “Airplane II: The Sequel,” “No Small Affair,” “Fletch,” “Spice World,” and the 1994 film “The Little Rascals.”

Born in Beverly, Wendt went on to take college courses at the University of Notre Dame before his big break.

Wendt is also the uncle of ‘Ted Lasso’ actor Jason Sudeikis. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Nexstar’s Christine Samra contributed to this report.