Appreciation: George Wendt, quintessential Regular Guy
George Wendt, who is known to many as Norm from the beloved sitcom “Cheers,” passed away on Tuesday in Los Angeles, where he resided. However, his spirit remains connected to Boston, where the show took place, and Chicago, his birthplace and the city that launched his acting career through Second City, which he proudly represented throughout his life. In a recent Facebook post this month, as a Chicagoan who was educated by Jesuits, he wrote, “Pope Leo XIV is a South Sider, my friends. His cassock size is 4XIV.
Stepping onto the stage, greeted by cheers from his fellow actors, Norm would stride briskly towards a corner chair, accompanied by a frosty mug of draft beer magically appearing as he approached. He embodied the essence of Everyman, a warm and affectionate giant, carrying a hint of the melancholy that large, gentle animals can sometimes bear.
Cheers,” a TV series that aired from 1982 to 1993 for an impressive 11 seasons and had a total of 275 episodes, featured Woody Harrelson’s character, Woody Wendt, in every single episode. This sitcom was set in a bar where everyone knew each other, but it also served as a sanctuary for characters who had few other options or destinations. Norm, played by George Wendt, was ostensibly an accountant and later a house painter, yet his primary role was to engage in witty banter with John Ratzenberger’s character, Cliff Clavin, the chatty mailman. Their on-screen chemistry made them one of TV’s iconic duos. Norm would often drink beer, accumulating an unpaid tab that filled a binder. Despite his frequent drinking, there was never any hint of alcoholism or drunkenness in his character.
Television
I, George Wendt, renowned for my long-running portrayal of Norm Peterson, the ever-present bar patron on the hit NBC sitcom ‘Cheers,’ have sadly taken my final leave at the age of 76.
Despite facing personal struggles with work and a potentially overwhelming marriage – Bernadette Birkett, his real-life wife, provided the voice for Vera off-screen – he was also instrumental in delivering some of the series’ most poignant, introspective scenes. (His indispensable contribution to the show was underscored by six Emmy nominations.) Unlike other regular cast members on “Cheers,” there was no exaggerated characterization; his struggles and joys were relatable, and he portrayed Norm authentically, sincerely, without artificiality. This made it seem as though the Norm we saw on screen might not be far removed from the man one would encounter in real life.
Similar to numerous actors deeply associated with a role, Wendt, who was part of Second City for six years, dedicated more time than one might expect. His face graced both small and large screens throughout the years in various appearances, including his own short-lived sitcom “The George Wendt Show,” which found success on public radio’s “Car Talk.
Following his stint on “Cheers,” he’s primarily recognized for the regular, Chicago-based “Saturday Night Live” sketch “Bill Swerski’s Superfans.” However, he also delved into theater, with performances on Broadway as Edna Turnblad in “Hairspray,” Yvan in Yasmina Reza’s “Art,” and Santa in the musical version of “Elf.” He also appeared in “Twelve Angry Men” alongside Richard Thomas in Washington D.C., and played Willy Loman in “Death of a Salesman” in Waterloo, Canada. In 2015, at Chicago’s Northlight Theatre, he portrayed a comedic character in a serious play, “Funnyman,” thus breaking away from traditional typecasting.
He and I were Facebook friends, where he frequently liked music-related posts, showing his fandom for alternative and underground artists. He was not only a fan but also a friend to these groups. Tributes to him have been swiftly emerging from this community. When asked, he often mentioned L.A.’s X, the Blasters, and Los Lobos as some of his favorites. In one of his last posts, he paid tribute to David Thomas, the leader of avant-garde band Pere Ubu, who passed away on the same day, along with Steve McMichael, a defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears, whom he referred to as a kindred spirit.
One time, when he contacted me to praise my comment on Tommy Smothers, I seized the moment to query, “Was it me you saw at Raji’s so long ago, perhaps during the Continental Drifters’ performance?” Known only among a small group, Raji’s was a rundown club located in a demolished building on Hollywood Boulevard, east of Vine Street; it wasn’t like the Roxy or other star-studded spots, nor even comparable to ‘Cheers’, but it did function as a gathering spot for its regular patrons.
He acknowledged with a nod, “That’s correct.” He confessed, “It’s become difficult for me to move about as I once did, but should our paths cross, don’t hesitate to greet me.” Regrettably, that encounter never took place between us.
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2025-05-21 04:31