Norm has left the bar. "Cheers" star George Wendt died yesterday morning. He was 76. There's no word on the cause of death, but his family says he "died peacefully in his sleep while at home."
George played Norm on all 11 seasons of "Cheers", from 1982 to 1993. The role earned him more than a few drinks in real life. Quote, "Whenever I go out, people are always sending over a beer, or a round, for me and my friends."
In addition to the free beer, George was also nominated for six Emmys.
It's entirely possible that his second-biggest career achievement was the 1991 "SNL" sketch "Super Fans" . . . you know, the Chicago guys who say "Da Bears." He once said it, quote, "took on a life of its own."
Other TV appearances included "M*A*S*H", "Seinfeld", "The Simpsons", "Hot in Cleveland", and "Fresh Off the Boat".
His film work included "Fletch", "Spice World", "Dreamscape", and the 1985 horror comedy "House".
George was working right up until the end. In 2023, he competed on "The Masked Singer" and reunited with the "Cheers" cast to present an Emmy.
Oh, and he was also Jason Sudeikis' uncle. George and Jasons's mother were brother and sister.
Several of George's "Cheers" co-stars paid tribute to him.
John Ratzenberger, who played Norm's buddy Cliff, said he was "heartbroken" by George's death. He added that George was, quote, "a true craftsman . . . humble, hilarious, and full of heart."
Ted Danson said, quote, "It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie."
Kelsey Grammer said, quote, "I liked George a lot. He was beloved by millions."
And Rhea Perlman called George, quote, "the sweetest, kindest man I ever met."
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