George Wendt, the beloved actor best known for his role as Norm Peterson on the iconic sitcom Cheers, has died at the age of 76. His publicist confirmed the news Tuesday, describing Wendt as “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.”

Wendt’s passing comes just months after he was last seen in public and nearly a year after he reunited with the Cheers cast on stage at the 2023 Emmy Awards. For many fans, Wendt was the heart of Cheers — the affable bar regular whose trademark entrance line, “Afternoon, everybody!” was always met with the crowd’s joyful shout, “Norm!”

From 1982 to 1993, Wendt appeared in every single episode of Cheers, a series that defied early cancellation rumors to become one of the most successful shows in television history. Over its 11-season run, Cheers earned 28 Emmy Awards and was a staple of American culture. Wendt’s portrayal of Norm — the unemployed accountant with a quick wit and deep love for beer and bar camaraderie — earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Behind the scenes, Wendt was a devoted husband and father. He had been married to actress Bernadette Birkett since 1978. She not only stood by his side through decades of career highs and lows but also lent her voice to the mysterious Vera, Norm’s unseen wife on Cheers. Together, they raised three children — one daughter and two sons — and remained a steady, private couple out of the Hollywood spotlight.

Wendt’s road to stardom wasn’t without detours. Born and raised in Chicago in a large Irish Catholic family, he was expelled from the University of Notre Dame due to poor grades before eventually finding his way into the world of acting. His first job in the business? Sweeping floors at a theater. Bit parts in series like M*A*S*H and Taxi eventually led to his breakout role in Cheers.

His television work extended beyond the Boston bar. Wendt made guest appearances on shows like Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Columbo, and Wings. He also delighted audiences with his recurring role in Saturday Night Live’s “Bill Swerski’s Superfans” sketch—a loving nod to his Chicago roots.

In 2023, Wendt stepped into the spotlight one last time as a contestant on The Masked Singer, where his familiar voice and warm stage presence brought smiles to longtime fans. His surprise appearance at the 2023 Emmy Awards, where he reunited with co-stars Ted Danson, Kelsey Grammer, Rhea Perlman, and John Ratzenberger on a recreated Cheers set, was a nostalgic and heartwarming moment for audiences.

Though he stepped away from the limelight in recent years, Wendt’s influence endured. He left behind not just a legendary television character but a legacy of warmth, humility, and humor — both on and off the screen.

As tributes continue to pour in, George Wendt is being remembered not just for making us laugh but for living a life rooted in faith, family, and loyalty. In a world full of fleeting fame, Wendt’s steady presence — much like Norm’s seat at the bar — reminded us of the power of friendship and showing up.