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Time Business News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
George Wendt: Raising a Glass to an Iconic Career and the Enduring Legacy of Norm Peterson
The world of television comedy lost a truly beloved figure with the passing of George Wendt, the actor whose affable charm and perfectly timed wit brought to life one of the most iconic characters in sitcom history: Norm Peterson from 'Cheers.' Wendt, who died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 76 on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, leaves behind a remarkable legacy of laughter and a character so universally adored that his very name became a national greeting. His career spanned decades, showcasing a versatility that extended beyond the Boston bar, but it was his role as the ultimate barfly that cemented his place in the hearts of millions. Born on October 17, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, George Robert Wendt Jr. embarked on his comedic journey in the fertile grounds of Chicago's famed Second City comedy troupe. Joining the touring and resident companies in the mid-1970s, Wendt honed his improvisational skills and comedic timing, laying the groundwork for a successful career in entertainment. It was during this period that he met his wife, actress Bernadette Birkett, with whom he shared a nearly five-decade marriage and three children. After moving to Los Angeles in 1980, Wendt began to carve out a niche for himself with smaller roles in television and film. He appeared in projects like 'My Bodyguard,' 'Taxi,' and 'M A S*H,' gradually building his resume. His debut as a series regular came in 1982 with the CBS sitcom 'Making the Grade.' However, the same year would mark a pivotal moment in his career, as he landed the role that would define him to generations of television viewers. When 'Cheers' premiered on September 30, 1982, it was initially slow to find its audience. Yet, championed by NBC president Brandon Tartikoff, the show persevered, eventually becoming a cultural phenomenon. At the heart of its enduring appeal was the ensemble cast, and particularly, the beloved character of Norm Peterson, brought to life by Wendt. As the quintessential bar regular, Norm's daily entrance into the Boston watering hole, always greeted by a resounding 'Norm!' from the other patrons, became one of the most cherished running gags in television history. Wendt appeared in all 275 episodes of 'Cheers' during its 11-year run, a testament to his integral role in the show's success. His portrayal of Norm, an affable, beer-loving accountant with a dry wit and a seemingly endless array of excuses for avoiding work, resonated deeply with audiences. Norm was the everyman, the relatable figure who found comfort and camaraderie at the local pub. Wendt's subtle facial expressions, perfectly delivered one-liners, and comfortable presence on the barstool made Norm Peterson feel like a genuine friend to millions watching at home. For his outstanding work, Wendt earned six consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series from 1984 to 1989, a remarkable feat that underscored his comedic brilliance. While Norm Peterson remains his most iconic role, George Wendt's career extended far beyond the 'Cheers' bar. He demonstrated his versatility across various genres, appearing in numerous films and television shows. On the big screen, his credits include memorable roles in films such as 'Fletch,' 'Forever Young,' 'Airplane II: The Sequel,' 'Gung Ho,' and 'Spice World.' He also had a notable appearance as the father of Macaulay Culkin's character in Michael Jackson's iconic 'Black or White' music video. On television, Wendt made his mark in a wide range of guest appearances and recurring roles. He showcased his comedic chops on 'Saturday Night Live,' where he memorably played Chicago sports superfan Bob Swerski in the recurring 'Bill Swerski's Superfans' sketches. He hosted 'SNL' twice, further solidifying his comedic versatility. Wendt also reprised his beloved Norm Peterson character in spin-off shows like 'The Tortellis,' 'Frasier,' and 'Wings,' demonstrating the enduring appeal of the character. His other TV appearances included 'Sabrina, the Teenage Witch,' 'Columbo,' 'The Twilight Zone,' 'Portlandia,' 'Clipped,' 'Fresh Off the Boat,' and 'The Goldbergs.' He even showcased his singing ability as 'The Moose' on 'The Masked Singer' in 2023. Wendt's talent was not confined to the screen. He also enjoyed a robust stage career, gracing Broadway and West End productions. He starred in acclaimed plays such as 'Art,' and delighted audiences in musicals like 'Hairspray' and 'Elf,' proving his range as a performer. George Wendt's passing on the very day of the 'Cheers' series finale's 32nd anniversary served as an poignant reminder of the profound impact he had on popular culture. Tributes poured in from former castmates, colleagues, and fans, all echoing the sentiment of loss for a kind, funny, and genuinely beloved individual. Ted Danson, who played Sam Malone, expressed his devastation, while Rhea Perlman, who played Carla Tortelli, remembered him as 'the sweetest, kindest man I ever met.' Wendt's legacy extends beyond his individual performances. He represented a type of character that resonated deeply with the American public – an everyman who found solace and community in a familiar setting. The enduring appeal of 'Cheers' and, by extension, Norm Peterson, speaks to a fundamental human desire for connection, belonging, and a good laugh. George Wendt embodied that spirit, offering comfort and humor to millions of viewers for over a decade. He was a doting family man, a cherished friend, and even helped shape the comedic talents of his nephew, 'Ted Lasso' star Jason Sudeikis. As fans revisit classic 'Cheers' episodes and recall Norm's iconic entrances, the memory of George Wendt and his unparalleled contribution to television comedy will undoubtedly continue to bring smiles to faces worldwide. He leaves behind a rich tapestry of work and a character who will forever be associated with the warmth and camaraderie of a place 'where everybody knows your name.' The world will certainly miss George Wendt, but his laughter and legacy will endure. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Pink Villa
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Who Was George Wendt? All About Star of Long-Running Sitcom Cheers As He Passes Away at 76
Trigger Warning: Mention of death. George Wendt, who was most famous for his role as Norm Peterson on Cheers, passed away on Tuesday. He was 76. Wendt died in his sleep at home on May 20, 2025. His publicist, Melissa Nathan, had confirmed the news in a statement, per People. Wendt was born in 1948 in Chicago. He was the eighth of nine children. Actor Jason Sudeikis is his sister Kathryn's son. Wendt was expelled from the University of Notre Dame. He later worked for his dad's real estate business. He then graduated from Rockhurst College. He trained at Chicago's Second City theater in 1974. There, he met and married actress Bernadette Birkett. They wed in 1978. They had three kids: Hilary, Joe, and Daniel. Wendt faced difficulties early on in his career as a comedian. He was even fired and quit Second City as well. Despite adversity, he made appearances on television and movie screens. He guest-starred on Taxi, Hart to Hart, and more. Some of his early film roles include Airplane II: The Sequel, My Bodyguard, and Jekyll and Hyde... Together Again. These roles paved the way for him. In 1982, he was hired for Making the Grade. It was canceled after six shows. Later that year, he appeared on Cheers as Norm Peterson. The series turned out to be a huge hit. His character made a total of 275 shows. Norm turned out to be one of the show's most memorable parts. Wendt won six Emmy nominations for the role. He became a household name with the performance. Following Cheers, Wendt worked on numerous productions such as Seinfeld, The Simpsons, and Portlandia. He also made a brief star appearance in The George Wendt Show. Although it was only for one season, it was a show of his comedy background. Wendt trod the stage of Broadway and regional theater. Some of his character appearances were Edna Turnblad in Hairspray and Santa Claus in Elf. In 2023, he appeared on The Masked Singer. He also joined his Cheers co-stars at the Emmy Awards. In the wake of his passing, the actor is remembered as a loving family man and cherished friend. His family has requested privacy at this time. Nathan told the outlet, "George's family confirmed the news of his death early Tuesday morning, announcing he died peacefully in his sleep while at home. Her statement continued, "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 family has requested privacy during this time." George Wendt is survived by his wife and children.
Forbes
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
George Wendt, ‘Cheers' Star, Dies At 76
AUSTIN, TEXAS - George Wendt attends the "Cheers Reunion" panel during the 12th Season of ATX TV ... More Festival at ACL Live on June 02, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rick Kern/WireImage) George Wendt, who rose to fame as Norm Peterson on the long-running sitcom Cheers, died in his sleep on Tuesday. He was 76. 'George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,' said a representative for Wendt said in a statement. 'He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.' Born October 17, 1948 on the South side of Chicago, George Wendt was discovered by the improvisational group The Second City, where he met his future wife, Bernadette Birkett, who voiced Norm's never-seen wife Vera on Cheers (and appeared on camera as Cliff's (John Ratzenberger) Halloween date in the third season of Cheers). Bernadette Birkett and her husband George Wendt attend the premiere of 'Forever Young', held at the ... More Academy Theatre in Beverly Hills, California, 10th December 1992. (Photo by) Wendt's first credited on camera role was in the 1980 film My Bodyguard, and he began guest-starring on television series like Hart to Hart, Soap, Taxi and Alice. His first role as a series regular was in the 1982 six-episode sitcom Making the Grade. That same year came Cheers, which ran for 11 seasons and resulted in six Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Wendt as Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He also appeared as Norm in episodes of Wings and the Cheers spinoffs Frasier and The Tortellis. Wendt's claim to fame, of course, was the rousing…NORM…reaction each time he walked into the bar on Cheers. The cast of Cheers pose together in character. From left to right starting with the front row are: ... More Shelly Long, as bartender Diane Chambers; Ted Danson, as bartender and owner Sam "Mayday" Malone; George Wendt, as regular customer Norm Peterson; Rhea Perlman, as waitress Carla Tortelli; Nicholas Colasanto, as Ernie "Coach" Pantusso; and John Ratzenberger as postal worker and regular customer Cliff Clavin. Two years after Cheers concluded, Wendt was upgraded to the lead in the sitcom The George Wendt Show, which lasted just eight episodes. In 1997, he also had a one season role on the TV comedy The Naked Truth, and he appeared as a regular in the short-lived sitcoms Modern Men in 2006 and Clipped in 2015. Wendt was also a frequent guest on Saturday Night Live, and was active as a voice actor (including, most recently, What the Elf!? in 2023). His film roles included Dreamscape (1984), House (1985), Fletch (1985), Gung Ho (1986), Plains Clothes (1987), Never Say Die (1988), Guilty by Suspicion (1991), Forever Young (1992) and Spice World (1997).
Calgary Herald
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
'I am so spoiled by so many of the projects I've done'': Jennifer Beals talks The L Word, Flashdance prior to Calgary Expo appearance
Article content It seems unthinkable now, but Jennifer Beals almost didn't accept her star-making role as an 18-year-old welder with aspirations of being a dancer in the 1983 drama, Flashdance. Article content Adrian Lyne's sexy dance drama was a big hit at the box office and helped usher in a new style of filmmaking influenced by music videos. The poster featuring Beals in her cut-off sweatshirt became one of the most iconic images in 1980s pop culture. Article content Article content The only film work Beals had done before Flashdance was a small and uncredited role in the 1980 family drama My Bodyguard. Still, she almost turned it down. Article content Article content 'I was offered the part, but they wanted me to do nudity and I said no,'' she says. 'So then they said they would work around that, and I didn't have to do that.' Article content She still had reservations. At the time, she had just been accepted into Yale University. Article content 'I was going to college and I wasn't going to take it if I couldn't defer a term,' says Beals, who will be appearing at Calgary Expo in the new BMO Centre on Saturday and Sunday. 'So I went to my dean and asked if I could defer for a term to go do the film. At that time, and I'm sure still now, people at university were taking time off to go write a novel, to do scientific research and to do all kinds of things.' Article content So she deferred a term and became a star. Article content But after the film, she went to Yale as a freshman studying American literature, taking only a few roles, such as the 1985 Gothic romance The Bride opposite Sting. It wasn't a complete novelty. Jodie Foster was attending Yale at the same time. Nevertheless, it did seem a bit unusual for an actress to wait a few years before capitalizing on a star-making performance. Article content Article content But Beals has never had what could be considered a typical career arc. Her role as passionate young dancer Alex Owens earned her a place in cinematic history, but she says she tends to be asked more about the groundbreaking TV series The L Word and her recurring role as the elegant Twi'lek Garsa Fwip in the Disney+ Star Wars series The Book of Boba Fett at fan conventions these days. Article content Her event in Calgary may be called Dancing Queen: Spotlight on Jennifer Beals, but she never considered herself a dancer. In 2011, she famously turned down a chance to compete on Dancing With the Stars. 'I am not a dancer,' she emphatically told People Magazine at the time. Flashdance may have made her a 1980s dance-movie icon on the same level as Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing and Kevin Bacon in Footloose, but the footwork in the film was mostly done by a body double. Article content In 2004, Beals signed on to play affluent Ivy League-educated art curator and biracial lesbian Bette Porter in The L Word, a show that followed the lives of lesbians and bisexual women in West Hollywood. She played the role for five years in the series and reprised Porter for the sequel, The L Word: Generation Q, which ran from 2019 to 2021.
