From Second City to ‘Cheers’: George Wendt’s Legacy

George Wendt, whose portrayal of beer-loving barfly Norm Peterson made him a television icon, has died at age 76. The actor passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Los Angeles home early Tuesday morning, leaving behind a comedy legacy spanning nearly five decades.

Wendt’s family confirmed his passing through a representative: “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,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

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Chicago Roots Shaped His Comedy Career

A native of Chicago’s South Side, Wendt’s journey to stardom began far from Hollywood. After being kicked out of Notre Dame University (with what he proudly described as a “zero-point-zero-zero” GPA in a 1990 appearance on “Late Night with David Letterman”), Wendt found his calling with Chicago’s famed improvisational comedy troupe The Second City in the 1970s.

Wendt joined The Second City Mainstage in 1975 and, after a brief return to the touring company for “seasoning,” became a mainstage fixture before departing in 1980 to pursue television and film opportunities. This training ground would prove invaluable for his future success, according to Chicago Tribune.

Becoming Television’s Favorite Barfly

After small roles on shows including “M*A*S*H,” “Taxi,” and “Soap,” Wendt landed the part that would define his career: Norm Peterson on NBC’s “Cheers.” The character, known for his witty one-liners and perpetual presence at the end of the bar, quickly became a fan favorite during the show’s 11-season run from 1982 to 1993.

Wendt once described his audition process simply: “I needed to look like a guy who wanted to have another beer.” In the pilot episode, his character (then named George) spoke just one word: “beer.” As the series progressed, Norm became one of television’s most beloved supporting characters, earning Wendt six consecutive Emmy nominations.

Beyond Norm: A Versatile Performer

While forever associated with his “Cheers” role, Wendt’s career extended far beyond the Boston bar. He made memorable appearances as Chicago superfan Bob Swerski on “Saturday Night Live” alongside Chris Farley and Mike Myers, celebrating his hometown’s sports obsessions with catchphrases like “Da Bears.”

Following “Cheers,” Wendt starred in his own sitcom, “The George Wendt Show,” for CBS in 1995, though it lasted only six episodes. He continued working steadily in television with appearances on shows including “Seinfeld,” “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” and more recently, “Portlandia” and “Fresh Off the Boat.”

From Screen to Stage

Perhaps surprising for a television star who had moved to Hollywood, Wendt maintained a deep connection to theater throughout his career. “I always find movies deadly dull to make,” Wendt told the Chicago Tribune in 2002. “TV’s really in the middle because you have a studio audience. But the theater always has been the best.”

His Broadway credits included roles in “Art” (1998), “Hairspray” (2002) as Edna Turnblad, “Elf” (2010) as Santa, and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (2013). He also played Willy Loman in a 2017 Ontario production of “Death of a Salesman,” showcasing his dramatic range beyond comedy.

Family and Final Projects

Wendt is survived by his wife of over four decades, Bernadette Birkett, and their three children. He was also the uncle of actor Jason Sudeikis, who hosted a charity roast of Wendt at The Second City in 2017 that raised $200,000 for Gilda’s Club Chicago and The Second City Alumni Fund.

His final credited role was in the 2024 TV movie “Love’s Second Act” starring Jodie Sweetin. He also appeared that year in the Fox Nation series “A History of the World in Six Glasses” alongside fellow comedy veterans Dan Aykroyd, Jim Belushi, Jon Lovitz, and Kevin Nealon, exploring the cultural impact of various beverages throughout history.

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