Actor George Wendt, who performed Norm Peterson within the iconic sitcom Cheers, has died on the age of 76.
His household mentioned he died early on Tuesday morning, peacefully in his sleep, in line with publicity agency The Company Group.
“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever,” the household mentioned in a press release.
His character as an affable, beer-loving barfly in Cheers was watched by thousands and thousands within the Nineteen Eighties – incomes him six consecutive Emmy nominations for finest supporting actor.
The sitcom was based mostly in a Boston bar “where everybody knows your name” – proved true given everybody would shout “Norm!” when he walked in.
Wendt was additionally a outstanding presence on Broadway – showing on stage in Artwork, Hairspray and Elf. Earlier than rising to fame, he spent six years in Chicago’s famend Second Metropolis improvisation troupe.
In an interview with GQ journal, he revealed he did not have excessive hopes when he auditioned for the function that might catapult him to fame.
“My agent said: ‘It’s a small role, honey. It’s one line. Actually, it’s one word.’ The word was ‘beer.’
“I used to be having a tough time believing I used to be proper for the function of ‘the man who appeared like he wished a beer.’
“So I went in, and they said, ‘It’s too small a role. Why don’t you read this other one?’ And it was a guy who never left the bar.”
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