George Wendt, who played Norm on ‘Cheers,’ has died
Fans of the classic TV sitcom Cheers are raising a beer stein for one of its beloved cast members, actor George Wendt. He played Norm Peterson, a beer-loving regular at the bar “where everybody knows your name.” Wendt’s publicist, Melissa Nathan shared a statement from his family who confirmed on Tuesday that the 76-year-old actor died peacefully in his sleep at home.
“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,” his family wrote. “He will be missed forever.”
Wendt was born on the South Side of Chicago, and got his start in the 1970s performing with the prestigious improv comedy troupe The Second City. After that, he began appearing in bit parts on iconic TV shows including Taxi and M*A*S*H.
On Saturday Night Live in 1991, he appeared as a Chicago Bears “superfan” named Bob Swerski who gathered to cheer on “Da Bears.” He also played the irritated dad of Macaulay Culkin’s character in Michael Jackson’s 1991 Black or White music video.
Wendt also appeared in movies including Dreamscape (1984), House (1985), Fletch (1985), and Spice World (1997).
But the role he was most known for was as Norm, who was in every episode of the NBC show Cheers, which ran from 1982 until 1993. As the lovable barfly, Wendt earned six consecutive Primetime Emmy nominations for supporting actor in a comedy series.
He went on to reprise the role in the show’s spinoffs The Tortellis (1987) and Frasier. Wendt also starred in The George Wendt Show (1995), a short-lived sitcom in which he played a car mechanic and radio host.
Among Wendt’s survivors are his wife, actress Bernadette Birkett, his three kids and his nephew, actor Jason Sudeikis.
In Trump country, a Democrat critiques Trump — and talks of succeeding him
NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear about his cross-party appeal in a state that has always overwhelmingly voted for Trump.
Research, curriculum and grading: new data sheds light on how professors are using AI
It's not just students, more professors are using AI in the classroom. But they say more guidance is needed on how to use the technology.
From Madagascar to Morocco: Gen Z protests shake Africa
Gen Z-led protests in two diverse African countries highlight frustration over years of poor governance. Fueled by social media, these youth movements are demanding accountability.
Furloughs, closures and mass firings threats: What’s next in the shutdown fight
On the first day of the government shutdown, Republicans and Democrats traded blame while a small bipartisan group of senators began to negotiate.
Want fewer morning aches? You might have to change the way you sleep
Whether you're a back, side or stomach sleeper, medical professionals explain how to position your body to guard against neck cricks, shoulder aches and other body pain and soreness.
Hours before the Eaton fire, distribution lines failed and fire started in Altadena
Transmission lines have been linked to the start of the Eaton fire in January. But another kind of line — distribution lines that power homes — were also wreaking havoc before that fire sparked.
