Legendary sitcom star dead at 76: ‘He will be missed forever’

George Wendt, who played Norm Peterson in the famous 1980s NBC sitcom “Cheers,” has died, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

He was 76 years old.

His family told the outlet Tuesday morning that Wendt died “peacefully in his sleep at home.”

“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,” a rep for Wendt said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.

“He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.”

A Chicago native, Wendt started his career in the 1970s with famed improvisational comedy troupe Second City.

His career spanned more than 50 years and included roles in films like “Dreamscape,” “House,” “Never Say Die,” “Guilty by Suspicion,” “Forever Young,” and “Spice World.”

Wendt also made an appearance on “Saturday Night Live” and in Michael Jackson’s 1991 “Black or White” music video.

He is survived by his wife, actress Bernadette Birkett, the offscreen voice of Norm’s wife, Vera, on “Cheers” — his children, Hilary, Joe and Daniel, and his stepchildren, Joshua and Andrew.

He is also survived by his nephew, “Saturday Night Live” and “Ted Lasso” actor Jason Sudeikis.