The actor who played Norm in all 275 episodes of Cheers has died peacefully at home, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and warmth.

George Wendt, the actor immortalised by fans as the beer-loving barfly Norm Peterson in Cheers, has died aged 76. His publicist confirmed he passed away peacefully in his sleep at home.

“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,” his family said in a statement. “He will be missed forever.” They also asked for privacy as they grieve.

Wendt starred in Cheers from its 1982 debut until the finale in 1993, appearing in all 275 episodes of the beloved sitcom. His portrayal of Norm — a character who became synonymous with the warmth, wit and routine of Boston’s favourite bar — earned him six Emmy nominations.

“The Norm you see in Cheers has been years in the making,” Wendt once said. “I have some characteristics in common with him besides our fondness for beer. But I think I’m a lot happier than Norm.”

He brought a unique authenticity to the role. In his usual wry fashion, he once joked: “I was a beer drinker long before Cheers. When I put a couple of six packs on top of my grocery shopping cart, people are pleased. I tell ‘em I’m taking them home to rehearse.”

Norm’s catchphrases and entrances — always met with the bar’s collective cheer of “Norm!” — became cultural touchstones, and Wendt’s down-to-earth charm was central to the show’s enduring appeal. Beyond Cheers, Wendt continued to appear as Norm in spin-offs and guest spots on shows like Frasier, Wings, Family Guy, The Simpsons, and The Tortellis.

Tributes from the Cheers cast poured in following the news. Ted Danson, who played barman Sam Malone, said, “I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.”

Rhea Perlman, who played the no-nonsense waitress Carla, fondly recalled: “It was impossible not to like him… I loved doing scenes where I beat the crap out of him and he loved pretending it didn’t hurt. What a guy!”

John Ratzenberger, who portrayed Norm’s barstool companion Cliff Clavin, added: “For 11 years on Cheers, we shared a stage, a lot of laughs and a front-row seat to one of television’s most beloved friendships. George brought Norm to life with a subtle brilliance — the kind that made it look easy.”

Kelsey Grammer, who shared the screen with Wendt on both Cheers and Frasier, said simply, “I liked George a lot. He was beloved by millions.”

Beyond Cheers, Wendt starred in the short-lived George Wendt Show in 1995, and made guest appearances in Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Columbo, Portlandia and The Goldbergs. His film credits include Fletch, Forever Young, Guilty by Suspicion and Space Truckers. He also memorably appeared as Macaulay Culkin’s father in Michael Jackson’s iconic “Black or White” video.

On stage, he shone in Hairspray on Broadway as Edna Turnblad — a role he once described as “absolute utter joy.”

Wendt’s final on-screen appearances included a stint on The Masked Singer and a role in the 2022 holiday comedy Christmas with the Campbells. In 2024, he was seen reuniting with Cheers castmates at the Emmys — a final public moment that now feels all the more poignant.

A beloved actor and cherished friend, George Wendt leaves behind a legacy of warmth, humour and an unforgettable seat at the end of the bar.