‘Cheers’ actor George Wendt dies at 76
George Wendt earned six consecutive best supporting actor Emmy nominations playing Norm Peterson on NBC’s “Cheers.”
“Cheers” star George Wendt had experienced years of health issues when he died suddenly in May.
According to a death certificate reviewed by USA TODAY on June 10, the 76-year-old actor was pronounced dead at his Studio City, California, home the morning of May 20. His wife of nearly 50 years, Bernadette Birkett, informed authorities of his death.
Wendt’s cause of death was listed as cardiac arrest, when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood. Contributing conditions were years of congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease and hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. He also had end-stage renal disease and hyperlipidemia (high blood cholesterol).
Heart failure, which can develop as a result of high blood pressure and coronary artery disease, impacts the organ’s ability to pump blood effectively. Per Mayo Clinic, coronary artery disease can sometimes lead to sudden cardiac arrest – or the loss of heart activity because of the irregular rhythm of the heart – as plaque build-up causes arteries to narrow.
End-stage renal disease is the last stage of long-term kidney disease and indicates the kidneys’ inability to support normal bodily functions like getting rid of waste and excess water.
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, between 300,000 and 450,000 people die each year from cardiac arrest. Nine out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital will die. CPR and defibrillation can be used to treat a person in cardiac arrest while awaiting emergency services.
George Wendt died on the 32nd anniversary of the ‘Cheers’ finale
Wendt, best known for his beloved role as beer-quaffing barfly Norm Peterson for all 11 seasons of the iconic NBC comedy, earned six consecutive best supporting actor Emmy nominations playing his one line-delivering Everyman character. He also played the Norm role in the short-lived spinoff “The Tortellis,” a 1990 episode of NBC’s “Wings,” and in an episode of the “Cheers” spinoff “Frasier,” featuring psychiatrist Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer).
His death occurred on the 32nd anniversary of the final “Cheers” episode that aired on May 20, 1993.
In one of his final public appearances at the 75th Emmy Awards in 2024, Wendt reunited with his “Cheers” co-stars Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, Grammer and Ratzenberger on a recreated set of the show’s iconic Boston bar. Wendt’s memorable entrance brought one final “Norm!” from his assembled costars.
The cast honored Wendt in individual tributes following the news of his death. Danson noted it would “take me a long time to get used to this” in a statement shared with USA TODAY.
Ratzenberger said, “What you saw on screen was exactly who (Wendt) was off screen with impeccable comedic timing and a deep loyalty to those he loved.” Perlman called Wendt “the sweetest, kindest man I ever met” and Grammer described him as “an extraordinary guy.”
Contributing: Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY