George Wendt, Cheers’ Norm Peterson, Dies at 76 After Iconic One-Word Audition

George Wendt, the beloved Norm Peterson from the iconic sitcom Cheers, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, leaving behind a legacy that still warms the barstools of our hearts. In one of his final interviews, Wendt shared the serendipitous story of how a single word—"beer"—landed him the role that made him a household name.

Reflecting on his audition during a recent reunion on the SiriusXM podcast Where Everybody Knows Your Name, Wendt recounted a near miss. A scheduling conflict with another show, Making the Grade, almost kept him from Cheers. His agent described the part as "really small"—just one syllable in the pilot episode, delivered to Shelley Long’s Diane Chambers. Yet, that single word carried enough charm to echo through sitcom history.

The Cheers team saw something special in Wendt, expanding his role after the initial reading. When his other show was canceled, Norm Peterson became a fixture at the bar, delivering punchlines with every pint. His dry wit and lovable presence made him a fan favorite across the show’s 11-season run from 1982 to 1993, which earned 28 Emmy Awards.

Wendt’s co-stars poured out heartfelt tributes. Ted Danson shared his devastation, saying, "I love you, Georgie." Kelsey Grammer called him "beloved by millions," while John Ratzenberger praised his comedic timing and loyalty. Rhea Perlman, who played Carla Tortelli, remembered Wendt’s kindness and their playful on-screen brawls, saying, "I’ll miss him more than words can say."

A family representative noted Wendt was a devoted family man and cherished friend, requesting privacy during this time of grief. His performance as Norm, however, will forever invite us back to the bar where everybody knows your name.