‘Cheers’ Stars Honor George Wendt, the Iconic Face Behind ‘Norm’

Tributes Pour In from Cheers Cast Following the Death of George Wendt, Beloved ‘Norm’ Actor

The cast of the iconic U.S. sitcom Cheers is paying heartfelt tribute to George Wendt, who played fan-favorite Norm Peterson, following his death at the age of 76.

Ted Danson, who portrayed bartender and bar owner Sam Malone, expressed his sorrow: “I’m devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us.”

Kelsey Grammer, known for his role as Frasier Crane on Cheers and its long-running spin-off, shared a brief but poignant statement with Deadline: “I believe mourning is a private matter. But I liked George a lot. He was beloved by millions.”

Wendt appeared in all 275 episodes of Cheers, which aired from 1982 to 1993, earning six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. His portrayal of the lovable, beer-loving Norm made him one of the show’s most enduring and recognizable characters.

Wendt passed away peacefully in his sleep at home early Tuesday morning, according to his 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,” a representative said in a statement to the BBC.

Fans and friends alike have remembered Wendt as the “sweetest, kindest man,” both on and off screen — a legacy that mirrors the warmth he brought to audiences for more than a decade.

"I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children," Danson added. "It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie."

Wendt had reunited with some of the cast, including Danson, Grammer, Rhea Perlman and John Ratzenberger, at the Emmy Awards in 2024.

Perlman described Wendt as "the sweetest, kindest man I ever met", adding that she would "miss him more than words can say".

And Ratzenberger said he was "heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend", noting how they had "shared a stage, a lot of laughs, and a front-row seat to one of television's most beloved friendships".

Actress Melissa Joan Hart reflected on the handful of times they had worked together on the show Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

"He was warm, professional and kind and our cast and crew were gifted with his presence every time. Rest in peace!" she wrote on Instagram.

"Heaven just got a little funnier."