On May 20, news broke about the death of actor George Wendt, best known for his role in shows like Cheers. At the time, the cause of death was unknown; however, the reason behind his passing has now been revealed. Here’s what we know.
What did George Wendt die of?
According to the death certificate, the 76-year-old actor died of cardiac arrest in his sleep. Wendt had reportedly been undergoing dialysis for several months; in fact, he was seen leaving a dialysis clinic in Los Angeles, California, in November 2024.
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What is cardiac arrest?
According to the National Institutes of Health, cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. This abrupt halt cuts off blood flow to the brain and other vital organs and can be fatal within minutes.
Cardiac arrest is considered a critical medical emergency. Outside of a hospital setting, nine out of ten people who experience it do not survive, often due to how quickly the condition unfolds. In the United States, it is estimated that between 300,000 and 450,000 people die from cardiac arrest each year.
What is the main cause of cardiac arrest?
Ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia—both forms of arrhythmias—are the leading causes of cardiac arrest. Several factors can increase the risk, including a previous cardiac arrest, coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, congenital heart defects, and arrhythmias caused by genetic mutations. Still, it’s important to note that about half of all cardiac arrests occur in individuals who had no prior knowledge of a heart condition.
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.
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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.
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.
