'Cheers' legend George Wendt dies aged 76 as loved ones say he'll be missed 'forever'

George Wendt, who is best known for his role as Norm Peterson in Cheers, has died at his home at the age of 76. The actor's publicists confirmed the news of his death, describing him in a statement as "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."

Wendt's family revealed that he died peacefully in his sleep at home and has asked for "privacy at this time." His cause of death has not yet been confirmed. During his life, George candidly spoke about the impact of the show on his life and said: "I was lucky to be part of something that became such a beloved part of people's lives."

Born in 1948, George became a beloved household name throughout the run of Cheers, which was on air for 11 seasons from 1982 to 1993.

Despite a rocky start with low ratings that nearly saw the show cancelled after its first season, the sitcom grew to become incredibly popular and a defining sitcom of its era, spending eight of its remaining 10 seasons in the top 10 shows and peaking as the most-watched programme in its ninth season.

Its success was also evident during award season, as the series received 117 Emmy nominations, winning 28 awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series four times.

George was nominated for six consecutive Emmys for his portrayal of Norm, appearing in every episode until the series ended in May 1993.

Wendt got his start during the 1970s with Second City, the famed improvisational comedy troupe that was based in his hometown of Chicago.

His first job was sweeping floors at a theatre, but he soon landed guest roles in popular shows such as Taxi and M*A*S*H before securing his breakthrough part on Cheers.

After the sitcom ended, George starred in a self-titled CBS sitcom in 1995, which was cancelled after eight episodes and went on to appear in various television roles, including Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Columbo.

George was married to Bernadette Birkett, who voiced his never-seen sitcom wife Vera on Cheers, since 1978, and together they had three children, a daughter and two sons.