George Wendt, beloved for his portrayal of Norm Peterson on the hit Boston-based sitcom Cheers, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 76. Fans gathered at the historic bar that inspired the show to honor the man whose character symbolized warmth, camaraderie, and consistency. Known for its famous tagline, “where everybody knows your name,” the bar — once the Bull & Finch Pub — became a real-life tribute to Wendt’s legacy.
Fans Raise Their Glasses to Honor George Wendt’s Enduring Cheers Bar Legacy
The emotional weight of Wendt’s passing was felt strongly inside the bar on Beacon Street, as patrons clinked glasses and shared stories. Many fans, including Stephen Lahey from Wendt’s hometown of Chicago, honored him by having a beer — the perfect nod to Norm’s iconic presence at the bar. Visitors expressed that raising a glass in his memory felt not only appropriate but almost necessary. One patron captured the sentiment best: “Drink a beer for Norm — he would have liked that.”
Fans Toast George Wendt as Cheers Bar Becomes a Tribute to His Enduring LegacyWendt’s character Norm was a cornerstone of Cheers, which aired for 11 years and became a staple of American television. His dependable presence and everyman charm made him an audience favorite. The bar itself served not just as a setting, but as a cultural landmark where fans felt personally connected to the characters. With Wendt gone, it’s clear that he wasn’t just playing a role — he embodied a spirit that resonated deeply with viewers and regulars alike.
George Wendt Found a Second Home in Boston Through His Cheers Connection
Though Wendt hailed from Chicago, many who knew him — including WBZ-TV’s Joyce Kulhawik — remarked on how effortlessly he fit into the Boston scene. Kulhawik described him as warm, laid-back, and easy to connect with — much like his on-screen persona. She recalled how comfortable and genuine he seemed in the Boston bar, making it easy for people to forget he wasn’t a native. “He looked right at home,” she said, underlining how seamlessly fiction and reality blended for Wendt in Boston.
In a poignant twist of fate, Wendt died on May 20 — exactly 32 years after the Cheers series finale aired in 1993. Kulhawik remembered that night vividly, as the cast and city came together to celebrate the end of an era. The streets of Back Bay were overflowing with fans, and Norm’s presence was, as always, anchoring the moment. As Boston remembers George Wendt, one thing is clear: Norm may be gone, but in the hearts of fans, he will always be sitting at that bar.