Remembering Norm: George Wendt’s Iconic Role on Cheers

A man walks into a bar. This classic setup launched countless jokes, and for many seasons on the sitcom Cheers, some of the best were delivered by George Wendt as the affable Norm Peterson, who passed away recently at age 76.

Wendt’s character was instantly recognizable for his grand entrances, swinging open the tavern’s door to a chorus of greetings: “Norm!” He embodied the very spirit of the show’s theme song about a place where “everybody knows your name.”

Norm’s life beyond the bar was hinted at through Wendt’s performance — a beleaguered accountant turned unemployed and later a painter — whose daily struggles were softened by his return to the comforting refuge of Cheers, where beer replaced life’s hardships.

Though much of Cheers took place inside the bar, the show captured the idea of a sanctuary for those seeking escape. The actors had to convey the world beyond the bar solely through their portrayals, and Wendt excelled at this.

With his loosened tie and open collar, Norm’s approach to his bar stool suggested the weight of troubles he left behind. His offscreen relationship with his wife Vera was brought to life through his humorous anecdotes, and while his workday remained unseen, his eager embrace of the bar’s camaraderie was unmistakable.