It is with an extremely heavy heart that we report the passing of a television sitcom icon, George Wendt. Though he had been in numerous projects over the years, in film and television, he was always be primarily remembered as Norm Peterson from “Cheers.”
George Wendt was a Chicago native, something that played into his multiple guest appearances on “Saturday Night Live” in the ’80s and ’90s. He would pop up as Bob Swerski, the brother of Bill Swerski of the Chicago sports Superfans. The recurring sketch is often regarded as a classic and showed off Wendt’s talents in sketch comedy, something he developed in his time working with the Second City comedy troupe.
Fans of horror B-movies may also remember Wendt for his appearance as a side character in the film, “House.” His role as the kindly if not a bit too nosy neighbor to the main character was not too far removed from his role as Norm from “Cheers.” That’s something that says a lot about Wendt as an actor. He had the capability of appearing as a kind of everyman that you might see from place to place in your own life.
He was the very heart of “Cheers,” as it’s impossible to picture the show without him. Firstly, because he was literally in every episode. Secondly, because his presence was so ubiquitous, that the running gag of people shouting his name every time he stepped into the bar, spoke to his presence in universe and out of it. One could argue that the show was mostly about Sam Malone and his relationships, but at heart, “Cheers” was really about the people at that bar who formed bonds of friendship, and Norm was at the heart of that. The character is who he is because of what George Wendt brought to that role.
Again, it’s not as if that was his only role or claim to fame. He’s also the uncle of Jason Sudeikis, and he was even the killer in an episode of “Columbo,” which is about as far away from Norm as you can get. Speaking of which, he also managed to ditch his friendly warm-hearted self for his appearance in the music video for Michael Jackson‘s “Black or White.” It’s funny the number of things he would randomly pop up in and be instantly recognizable as that guy from “Cheers.”
Norm is often remembered for loving beer to an absurd degree. But we’d like to think that George Wendt should be remembered for bringing that everyman quality to the screen in a task that is easier said than done. It’s one thing to be distinct amongst other distinctive individuals, it’s quite another to be that unique and still give off that quality of being that guy you could sit down and have a drink with.
George Wendt was 76.
