‘Cheers’ star who played Norm dies at 76

Everyone knew his name.

George Wendt, famous for playing Norm Peterson in the iconic sitcom “Cheers,” has died.

His family rep confirmed the news to The Post, revealing that Wendt “died peacefully in his sleep while at home” on Tuesday morning.

“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,” the family rep’s statement read. “He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.”

He was 76.

Wendt’s official cause of death has not been disclosed.

The actor earned six consecutive Emmy nominations for his performance as Norm on the beloved NBC comedy series “Cheers” and appeared in all 275 episodes of the popular TV program.

Wendt starred in the comedy, which centered around the regulars of the Boston bar “Cheers” where everyone knows your name, alongside Ted Danson, 77, Rhea Perlman, 77, John Ratzenberger, 78, Kelsey Grammer, 70, Woody Harrelson, 63, the late Kirstie Alley, and more.

The beloved NBC series ran 11 Seasons from 1982 to 1993; however, Wendt pursued his love of comedy several years before landing the role on “Cheers.”

Wendt was born in Beverly, Chicago, Illinois, in 1948, and stuck to his roots by starting his career in the city’s booming improv landscape.

The actor began as a comedian at The Second City in the 1970s before becoming a household name.

He appeared in several TV shows until finally landing his big break as Norm, the bar regular on “Cheers.”

The role would define Wendt’s career and legacy.

“Afternoon, everybody” became one of the most recognizable lines on “Cheers” and was Norm’s catchphrase for 12 years, even lasting as new generations began watching reruns.

As one of the fan-favorites, Wendt went on to score six Emmy nominations for supporting actor in a comedy series category.

He also reprised the role of Norm in the short-lived “Cheers” spinoff, “The Tortellis,” as well as another spinoff of the bar series, “Frasier.”

Wendt could later score his own sitcom, titled “The George Wendt Show.” In the CBS program, he played a radio host car mechanic. 

The sitcom was scrapped after one month.

The National Comedy Center addressed Wendt’s legacy and death in a statement to The Post.

“From his early days with The Second City to his iconic role as Norm on Cheers, George Wendt’s work showcased how comedy can create indelible characters that feel like family. Over the course of 11 seasons, he brought warmth and humor to one of television’s most beloved roles. His work is proudly featured in the National Comedy Center, and we honor his legacy and the joy he brought to generations of fans,” the center’s executive director, Journey Gunderson, shared.

Wendt wasn’t the only one in his family who caught the acting bug, either.

“Saturday Night Live” alum Jason Sudeikis, 49, is the late star’s nephew.

The “Ted Lasso” star’s mother, Kathryn, is one of Wendt’s sisters.

The Post has reached out to Sudeikis’ rep for comment.

Wendt once teased that the hardest part of playing his legendary “Cheers” character was drinking the warm, flat and zero alcohol “beer.”

“There I was slamming those down for a whole day. It not only tastes disgusting, I was afraid of keeling over from high blood pressure,” he told The Washington Post in 1985. “Then I got the knack. I didn’t have to put all those brews away. It only mattered when the camera was pointing my way. It took a couple of years, but now I watch the camera. That’s how I make my money. That’s acting.”

He would go on to play Norm in other non-“Cheers” TV projects over the years, including shows like “Wings,” “The Simpsons,” and “Family Guy.”

He also starred as himself on “Seinfeld” and “The Larry Sanders Show,” and had reoccurring roles on shows like “The Naked Truth” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.”

This is a developing story…