George Wendt, the beloved American actor and comedian best known for his role as Norm Peterson on Cheers, passed away on May 20, 2025, at the age of 76. At the time of his death, George Wendt had an estimated net worth of $10 million. With a television career that spanned decades, memorable movie roles, voice acting credits, and an unmistakable presence on stage and screen, Wendt became a pop culture icon.
How George Wendt Became a Sitcom Legend
Born George Robert Wendt Jr. on October 17, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, George grew up in a large family with eight siblings. His roots were a mix of Irish and German ancestry. His maternal grandfather, Tom Howard, was a well-known photographer who famously captured the 1928 execution of Ruth Snyder in one of history’s most infamous tabloid photos.
Wendt’s education had a rough start. After getting a 0.00 GPA in his first semester at the University of Notre Dame, he was expelled. He later enrolled at Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Missouri, where he earned a degree in economics.
George’s path to fame began at Chicago’s iconic Second City comedy troupe. He started off sweeping floors, but that’s also where he met his future wife, Bernadette Birkett. The two married in 1978 and had three children: Hilary, Joe, and Daniel. Wendt also became a stepfather to Bernadette’s two sons from a prior relationship.
From Second City to Norm on Cheers
George began booking small roles in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His early credits included appearances in Taxi, Soap, and MASH*. But it was in 1982 that he landed the career-defining role of Norm Peterson on Cheers. Over 11 seasons and 275 episodes, George played the lovable, beer-loving regular whose name echoed through the bar every time he entered.
Wendt’s portrayal earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Though he never won, the impact of his character was undeniable. Norm became a symbol of the comforting, everyman humor that Cheers delivered each week.
At the height of the show’s popularity, George Wendt earned $200,000 per episode. That added up to roughly $5 million per season—equivalent to about $10 million annually today when adjusted for inflation.
Film Work and More TV Roles After Cheers
Following the end of Cheers in 1993, George continued to work steadily. He made appearances on Saturday Night Live, Seinfeld, Frasier, Becker, and even voiced Norm in animated shows like The Simpsons and Family Guy. His brief spin-off, The George Wendt Show, aired in 1995 but only lasted one season.
Wendt’s film work includes roles in Fletch, Dreamscape, Gung Ho, Forever Young, Man of the House, and Outside Providence. He worked with major stars like Robert De Niro and Mel Gibson, and even appeared in one of Michael Jackson’s music videos in the early ’90s.
George also found success on stage. In the late ’90s, he starred in the play Art in both London and on Broadway. He later performed in musical productions such as Hairspray and Elf: The Musical. In 2017, he played Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman in Ontario, Canada—proving his dramatic range.
Personal Life and Connection to Jason Sudeikis
George Wendt and Bernadette Birkett shared both a personal and professional life. She played the off-screen voice of Norm’s wife, Vera, on Cheers. The couple raised five children together in Los Angeles but remained closely tied to their Chicago roots throughout their lives.
One interesting family fact: George was the uncle of actor and comedian Jason Sudeikis. Jason is the son of George’s sister Kathryn and her husband, Daniel Joseph Sudeikis. Though known for different comedic styles, both men carried the family’s entertainment legacy forward in unique ways.
Commercials, Hosting, and Later Appearances
Even in his later years, George remained active. He appeared in commercials for State Farm Insurance and took on hosting gigs, including the reality series House of Dreams. He also popped up on shows like Hot in Cleveland, Modern Men, Masters of Horror, and Portlandia. Stage work continued to be a big part of his life, often starring alongside his wife.
Home Life and Real Estate Value at Time of Death
In 1985, George and Bernadette purchased a home in Studio City, California, for $335,000. The couple lived there for nearly four decades. By the time of his passing in 2025, the house was estimated to be worth around $4 million. Despite his Hollywood career, George lived a relatively grounded life, choosing stability over spectacle.
A Lasting Legacy of Laughter
George Wendt’s influence stretched across comedy, television, film, and stage. His portrayal of Norm Peterson was more than just a TV role—it became a cultural reference point. Whether it was through a warm-hearted line on Cheers or a Broadway performance, Wendt had a way of making people feel seen, heard, and understood.
His 2009 book, Drinking with George: A Barstool Professional’s Guide to Beer, offered fans a humorous look at life, laughter, and beer culture—very much in the spirit of his most famous character.
As fans, we’ll remember him for the laughs, the loyalty to his craft, and the joy he brought to millions. George Wendt may be gone, but the cheers for Norm will echo for generations.
