George Wendt, a.k.a. Norm From ‘Cheers,’ Passes Away – Details
George Wendt, a.k.a. Norm From ‘Cheers,’ Passes Away – Details
A TV icon who will never be forgotten is gone. The death of a popular sitcom star whose role shaped an era of American television comedy is followed by a poignant tribute.
The actor who played Norm Peterson on NBC’s classic comedy “Cheers,” George Wendt, has away at the age of 76. Wendt, who is well-known for his dry humor and relatability, served as the anchor of one of the longest-running ensemble casts on television.
Wendt passed away “peacefully in his sleep while at home” on May 20, 2025, according to The New York Post.
The news was confirmed by his family representative, who described him as “a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him.”
“I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us,” said Ted Danson, who costarred with Wendt on “Cheers,” in a statement to The Post.
Bernadette and the kids have my undying devotion. I will need a considerable amount of time to adjust to this. Georgie, you have my affection.
Wendt’s loved ones have requested privacy while they grieve his passing, according to the family representative. In a touching message, “Cheers” co-star John Ratzenberger referred to Wendt as “my friend” and reflected on their years spent together.
“For eleven years on ‘Cheers,’ we shared a stage, a lot of laughs, and a front-row seat to one of television’s most beloved friendships,” he said in an interview with ABC News.
George’s subtle brilliance made it seem effortless as he brought Norm to life. His gift was that.
Recalling Wendt as “a true craftsman,” Ratzenberger praised his generosity, humor, and modesty. He observed that Wendt’s “impeccable comedic timing” and steadfast devotion to his loved ones were characteristics of his real-life nature that reflected his on-screen image.
He said he would miss their private chats and “the quiet moments of friendship that meant the most,” as he reflected on their lengthy association. He offered his condolences to Wendt’s wife Bernadette Birkett, their kids, and everyone who loved him.
On January 29, 2025, Wendt was last spotted in public in Los Angeles. He was seen using a cane to get out of a car with his wife, according to The Mirror.
He had apparently suffered from weight-related issues, such as a previous hospitalization for chest discomfort and coronary bypass surgery, however specifics about his illness were kept mostly confidential. His subsequent mobility has been impacted by these health problems.
Earlier, there had been public worry about his health. His appearance garnered significant attention during a reunion of the “Cheers” cast at the ATX TV Festival in June 2023, which commemorated the 30th anniversary of the show’s ending.
Even while the ceremony honored the sitcom’s history, several fans voiced concern in online comments.
A viewer commented, “The guy on the right, George Wendt, looks like he needs to go to the doctors for jaundice.” “Is George ok 😳 he looks dead?” was posted by another. A third said, “Good lord, George Wendt looks absolutely awful 😣.”
A fourth noted Wendt’s history of weight difficulties and conjectured that he might have experienced similar health troubles recently.
Another person conveyed respect for the humorous relationship between Norm and Cliff and voiced sadness over his physical appearance, especially his eyes.
Some viewers responded more favorably, stating, “George Wendt has recovered well 🙏.” One reviewer expressed yearning for Wendt and Ratzenberger’s off-screen friendship as they contemplated the hypothetical experience of hanging out with them.
Another person complimented Wendt’s attractiveness by mentioning his hairdo. Additionally, someone expressed their love for Norm by enthusiastically reacting to a program snippet.
Another tragedy has occurred, this time involving a young athlete whose life ended only weeks after a significant success, as fans grieve Wendt’s passing.
Early on Sunday morning, May 4, 18-year-old tennis star Braun Levi of Los Angeles’ Loyola High School died in a suspected DUI accident in Manhattan Beach.
A close-knit school and larger sports community are in grief over the devastating news, which comes just after his most recent championship victory and before his expected graduation.
Levi was recently recognized by Loyola for becoming the top-ranked boy’s tennis player in the country. He also won his fourth consecutive Mission League doubles title with colleague Cooper Schwartz just days before he passed away.
The happy couple proudly held up four fingers in a celebratory shot, signifying each of their triumphs.
These victories occurred just a few months after the Levi family’s house in the Pacific Palisades was destroyed by fire in January, forcing them to relocate. They have since moved to South Bay.
Unfortunately, his pledge was broken last weekend when Manhattan Beach police said that a 33-year-old Los Angeles woman had been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and driving under the influence.
When officers responded to a complaint at 12:46 a.m. about a pedestrian being hit in the 100 block of South Sepulveda Boulevard, they found the victim lying in the street.
The driver, Jenia Belt, was arrested on allegations of DUI and homicide and was still being held at the Manhattan Beach jail without bail as of Sunday.
According to public records, Belt was previously arrested for DUI on November 25, 2023.
The DUI-related charges were dropped in September 2024 after she entered a plea agreement to plead no contest to a misdemeanor hit-and-run with property damage.
However, due to her suspected elevated blood alcohol content while driving, the California DMV had already suspended her license on January 18, 2024.
At the time of the collision, her license was still suspended. Authorities then verified that Levi was walking with a buddy at the time of the crash.
When he heard the crash, a witness who was ahead of Levi informed reporters he turned back and saw the teenager on the ground.
A silver Infiniti SUV with a broken windshield was visible at the scene of the collision. The police had not yet submitted the formal case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office as of Monday, and attempts to contact Belt’s previous case’s public attorney were fruitless.
Jamal Adams, the principal of Loyola, sent an email to the professors and students announcing the devastating news that Levi had died just hours before in a car accident.
“Braun was a shining presence in our Loyola family,” he stated. “All members of our community are welcome to join us as we gather in unity and remembrance,” he added, announcing a prayer vigil that night on campus.
On Sunday night, a large number of Levi’s shocked classmates, faculty, and friends gathered for the candlelight vigil in Loyola’s Caruso Hall. Thousands of people joined via live streaming, while hundreds showed there in person.
The school choir sang “On Eagles Wings” and “I Am Loyola,” and Levi’s loved ones delivered their emotional thoughts.
Paul Jordan, the assistant principal, called him a “inspiration.” He added that Levi was a friend to everyone he knew and that they had all become better people as a result of knowing him.
According to an email from tennis coach Brian Held, who also taught Levi AP Economics and Statistics, “Braun was the most incredible, all-around leader, whom everyone loved, even his opponents.
” He was a rare and one-of-a-kind child. As one of his instructors, I saw firsthand how he made everyone happy.
Held also disclosed that the athlete with perhaps the most accolades and distinctions in the school’s history was Levi, who captained the tennis team for three years.
Levi’s social media platforms were inundated with tributes following the news’s dissemination. Anyone who got to know Levi was lucky, according to one commenter.
They also mentioned that he left a lasting impression on everyone he came into contact with and never treated anyone like a stranger.
Whether someone knew him for a short time or a long time, he had an impact, according to someone else. They said that when Levi was around, it was hard to feel depressed or bored.
Furthermore, images circulated online depicted a lively existence. Levi smiling in a pink suit at a horse racetrack, embracing friends on the beach, posing with Adam Sandler, and wading in lakes.
The people of Southern California are grieving. Matthew Seedorff, a reporter for Fox LA, posted a video of a memorial service for Levi erected on the beach.
He was characterized by his buddy Erik Logan Toppenberg as “a force of nature wrapped in kindness, energy, and pure light.” He continued, “He didn’t just walk into a room — he ignited it.”
In a tribute to the late youngster, Maccabi USA mentioned that Levi supported his sister Adelle, who played on the U18 Girls Soccer team, and participated in the 2022 Maccabiah in Israel.
The group recalled Levi as a beloved member of their sports family, a team captain, a leader on the student council, and a Big Brother mentor.
Daniel and Jennifer, Levi’s parents, as well as his sister, survive him. His brief life had a significant impact on everyone he knew.
This tragedy serves as yet another reminder to make the most of your life.
