BOSTON (WHDH) – George Wendt played the iconic character of Norm on the popular 80s television show “Cheers.”
He was known for his one-liners and love of beer.
On Tuesday, his family announced the 76-year-old actor passed away peacefully at his home.
The bar in Boston that inspired the setting for the sitcom reserved his stool and saved him a beer.
“Norm won’t be down for his breakfast beer, and that’s truly sad,” said Stephanie Coronella, Cheers fan.
A fan of the show, sitting in the stool next to Norm’s.
“It’s kind of hitting you all at once,” said Coronella. “He was a great actor. He portrayed the Boston every man so well.”
Wendt, who had a long career on stage and television, earned six Emmy nominations as Norm.
He was one of three cast members to have appeared in every episode of the show.
One time, rubbing shoulders with a famous Massachusetts politician.
Now, fans raising a glass for the actor, at the bar where everyone knows his name.
“Watched it my whole life,” said “Cheers” fan Nino Russo. “Enjoyed it and just had to pay tribute today.”
“I thought I would just come and pay my respects,” said “Cheers” fan John Kelly. “I’m originally from Illinois, so I have that connection to him.”
His co-star Rhea Perlman, who played Carla on “Cheers,” wrote, “George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met. It was impossible not to like him.”
The “Cheers’” finale aired 32 years ago, Tuesday.
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