This Tuesday, the death of American actor and comedian George Wendt, known for his roles in productions such as Cheers, was announced. The news was shared by his publicist, Melissa Nathanente, who stated that the actor passed away at home.
In a statement, Nathanente said that Wendt died peacefully in his sleep. She also described the actor as a loving family man, a beloved friend, and a confidant to all who had the good fortune to know him. George is survived by his wife Bernadette Birkett, whom he married in 1946, and their children Joe, Hilary, and Daniel.
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What Did George Wendt Die Of?
The cause of death has not yet been disclosed. However, Wendt had been undergoing dialysis for several months. As recently as November 2024, he was seen leaving a dialysis clinic in Los Angeles, California, so it is presumed that his death may be related to this condition.
How Old Was George Wendt?
The actor was 76 years old at the time of his passing.
What Was George Wendt’s Net Worth?
According to publicly available data, George Wendt’s net worth was estimated at around $10 million, a result of his successful career as an actor. Over the years, Wendt built this fortune through his work in popular film and television productions, and he was especially recognized for his role in the iconic series Cheers.
Who Was George Wendt?
George Wendt was born on October 17, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, and throughout his career became an iconic figure in American television. An actor and occasional director, he is best remembered for his role in the hit sitcom Cheers, although he also made his mark in film and other TV productions.
His rise to fame came in 1982, when he was cast as Norm Peterson, the lovable, beer-loving accountant in Cheers, which aired on NBC until 1993. His character—gruff-voiced, friendly, and always seated at the bar—was greeted with the now-classic “Norm!” every time he walked in, a moment that became one of the show’s most iconic trademarks. This role cemented him in the popular imagination and television history.
Wendt was one of the few actors to appear in all 275 episodes of the series, sharing that distinction with Ted Danson and Rhea Perlman. His portrayal of Norm earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy between 1984 and 1989, solidifying his reputation as a standout sitcom performer.
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Wendt’s Work Beyond Cheers
The impact of Norm extended beyond Cheers, with Wendt appearing in spin-offs like The Tortellis and Frasier, as well as making cameos in shows such as The Simpsons, Family Guy, and The Larry Sanders Show. His comedic talents also brought him to Saturday Night Live during the 1990s, where he participated in various sketches.
Outside of television, Wendt appeared in several films, including:
- Dreamscape (1984)
- House (1985)
- Fletch (1985)
- Gung Ho (1986)
- Forever Young (1992)
- Spice World (1997)
One of his most memorable appearances outside of traditional acting was in Michael Jackson’s Black or White music video (1991), where he played the angry father of Macaulay Culkin’s character. George Wendt transcended generations, becoming a beloved and enduring figure in the world of 1980s and 1990s television comedy.
