George Wendt's Cheers co-stars lead tributes to 'hilarious' actor after tragic death

Actor death prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance from colleagues and friends, led by his longtime Cheers co-stars, who described the Norm Peterson actor as a gifted performer, a generous friend, and a gentle soul

The 76-year-old died peacefully in his sleep at his home, his family confirmed. Wendt’s death prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance from colleagues and friends, led by his longtime Cheers co-stars, who described him as a gifted performer, a generous friend, and a gentle soul.

, who starred as bartender Sam Malone throughout all 11 seasons of the sitcom from 1982 to 1993, spoke of his devastation. “I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children. It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie,” Danson said.

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Wendt’s portrayal of Norm - the laid-back, beer-loving accountant who always occupied the same stool at the bar- became one of the most recognisable and endearing characters in US television history. The moment he walked through the door, greeted by the resounding call of “Norm” from everyone inside, became a defining hallmark of the show’s appeal.

, who played Norm’s best friend and bar regular Cliff Clavin, also reflected on the deep camaraderie the two shared, both on screen and off. “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. That was his gift,” Ratzenberger said.

“He was a true craftsman - humble, hilarious and full of heart. What you saw on screen was exactly who he was off screen with impeccable comedic timing and a deep loyalty to those he loved,” he added. “I’ll miss our conversations and the quiet moments of friendship that meant the most. My thoughts are with his wife Bernadette, their children, and everyone who loved him.”

, who played the wisecracking waitress Carla Tortelli, described Wendt as “the sweetest, kindest man I ever met.” “It was impossible not to like him,” Perlman said. “As Carla, I was often standing next to him, as Norm always took the same seat at the end of the bar, which made it easy to grab him and beat the crap out of him at least once a week. I loved doing it, and he loved pretending it didn’t hurt. What a guy! I’ll miss him more than words can say.”

Wendt’s character Norm was a constant throughout Cheers’ 11-year run and appeared in every single episode alongside Danson and Perlman. Norm’s sardonic humour, world-weary wisdom, and bottomless beer mug endeared him to audiences across generations.

Wendt received six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for the role. Beyond the cast, his passing was also marked by tributes from Boston itself, particularly the Bull & Finch Pub, the real-life bar that inspired the fictional setting of Cheers.

Located in Boston's Beacon Hill neighbourhood, the pub became a pilgrimage site for show fans and eventually adopted the Cheers name in its signage and branding.

On Tuesday, staff at Cheers Boston paid a quiet tribute by reserving Norm’s seat at the bar and placing a cold glass of beer in front of it - Norm’s drink of choice. A small sign was added to mark the seat in Wendt’s honour.

Fans gathered outside the pub to take photos, leave flowers, and share stories of how Norm had brought laughter and comfort to their lives. Inside, the bar played reruns of Cheers, filling the room with familiar laughter and fond memories.

Wendt is survived by his wife of over four decades, actress Bernadette Birkett, and their children. He was also the uncle of Emmy-winning actor Ted Lasso star .

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