Cheers Star George Wendt Passes at 76: Cause of Death Revealed

The entertainment world mourns the loss of George Wendt, the beloved Cheers star who brought the iconic Norm Peterson to life. Wendt passed away on May 20 at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and heartfelt performances. According to official documents from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, his cause of death was cardiac arrest, compounded by underlying conditions including congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension.

Wendt slipped away peacefully in his sleep, as shared by a family representative. The statement also painted a picture of a man cherished by all who knew him—a devoted family man and a loyal friend. His family has asked for privacy during this difficult time, a request that speaks to the depth of their loss.

For 11 unforgettable seasons, from 1982 to 1993, Wendt was the heart of Cheers, the NBC sitcom set in a Boston bar where everybody knew your name. As Norm, the everyman barfly with a quip for every beer, Wendt earned six consecutive Emmy nominations and cemented his place in television history. The show itself was a juggernaut, racking up 28 Emmy Awards over its run.

His co-stars, who shared the screen and countless memories with him, poured out tributes that reflect the man behind the role. Ted Danson expressed his devastation, sending love to Wendt’s family and admitting it would take time to adjust to this void. Kelsey Grammer, who spun off into Frasier, kept his mourning private but noted how widely Wendt was beloved. Rhea Perlman called him the sweetest, kindest man she’d ever met—a sentiment echoed by fans worldwide.

One of the most charming stories from Wendt’s career came from his audition for Cheers. With a single word—"beer"—delivered to Shelley Long’s Diane Chambers, he clinched the role that would define him. That one syllable resonated through sitcom history, much like Norm’s punchlines did in every episode. Even in his final interviews, Wendt reminisced about nearly missing out on the part due to a scheduling conflict, a near-miss that could have changed TV as we know it.

Beyond Cheers, Wendt’s talents shone in films like Alice in Wonderland and The Little Rascals, and he even headlined The George Wendt Show. His reunion with Danson and Woody Harrelson on their podcast last August was a nostalgic nod to the camaraderie that defined his career.

George Wendt wasn’t just an actor; he was a cultural touchstone. His presence in that fictional Boston bar made millions feel like they, too, had a seat at the counter. His loss is a reminder of how deeply a character—and the person behind it—can touch our lives.