George Wendt, a.k.a. Norm From ‘Cheers,’ Passes Away — Details

George Wendt, the actor who famously portrayed Norm Peterson on NBC’s iconic sitcom “Cheers,” died at 76. Known for his dry wit and everyman appeal, Wendt helped anchor one of television’s most enduring ensemble casts.

According to The New York Post, Wendt died “peacefully in his sleep while at home” on May 20, 2025. A representative for his family confirmed the news, calling him “a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him.”

Ted Danson, who starred alongside Wendt on “Cheers,” expressed his grief in a statement to The Post, “I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children. It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.”

The family representative said Wendt’s loved ones have asked for privacy as they mourn his loss. “Cheers” co-star John Ratzenberger also shared a heartfelt statement, calling Wendt “my friend” and reflecting on their years together.

Speaking to ABC News, he said, “For eleven years on ‘Cheers,’ we shared a stage, a lot of laughs, and a front-row seat to one of television’s most beloved friendships. George brought Norm to life with a subtle brilliance — the kind that made it look easy. That was his gift.”

Ratzenberger remembered Wendt as “a true craftsman,” praising his humility, sense of humor, and generous spirit. He noted that Wendt’s real-life personality mirrored his on-screen presence, marked by “impeccable comedic timing” and strong loyalty to those close to him.

Reflecting on their long friendship, he said he would miss their personal conversations and “the quiet moments of friendship that meant the most,” extending his thoughts to Wendt’s wife Bernadette Birkett, their children, and all who loved him.

Wendt was last seen publicly on January 29, 2025, in Los Angeles. According to The Mirror, he was photographed getting out of a car with his wife while using a cane.

Details about his condition remained largely private, but he had reportedly experienced complications related to his weight, including a past hospitalization for chest pains and coronary bypass surgery. These health issues had affected his mobility in later years.

Public concern about his health had surfaced earlier. During a “Cheers” cast reunion at the ATX TV Festival in June 2023 — held to mark the 30th anniversary of the show’s finale — his appearance drew noticeable attention. While the event celebrated the sitcom’s legacy, some viewers expressed alarm in comments shared online.

One viewer wrote, “The guy on the right, George Wendt, looks like he needs to go to the doctors for jaundice.” Another posted, “Is George ok 😳 he looks dead.” A third person remarked, “Good lord, George Wendt looks absolutely awful 😣.”

A fourth remarked on Wendt’s longstanding weight issues and speculated that he may have faced related health problems in recent years. Another expressed sadness over his physical appearance, particularly his eyes, and shared admiration for the comedy dynamic between Norm and Cliff.

Some reactions were heartwarming, with one viewer writing, “George Wendt has recovered well 🙏.” Another reflected on the imagined experience of spending time with Wendt and Ratzenberger, expressing nostalgia for their off-screen camaraderie.

One commenter took note of Wendt’s hairstyle, complimenting his appearance, while another shared their affection for the beloved character Norm, responding enthusiastically to a classic clip from the show.

But while fans continue to celebrate Wendt, another tragedy has cast a shadow — this time involving a young athlete whose life ended just weeks after a major milestone.

Braun Levi, an 18-year-old tennis standout from Loyola High School in Los Angeles, was killed early Sunday morning, May 4, in a suspected DUI-related accident in Manhattan Beach. The devastating news comes on the heels of a recent championship win and just weeks before his anticipated graduation, leaving his tight-knit school and the broader sports community in mourning.

Loyola had recently honored Levi for rising to the top national ranks in boys’ tennis. Just days before the tragedy, he and his teammate, Cooper Schwartz, captured their fourth consecutive Mission League doubles title. A celebratory photo showed the smiling duo holding up four fingers, each representing a hard-earned victory.

Levi’s recent triumphs followed an already challenging year: in January, a fire destroyed the Levi family’s Pacific Palisades home, prompting their relocation to the South Bay.

Tragically, his promising future was cut short. According to the Manhattan Beach Police Department, officers responded at 12:46 a.m. to reports of a pedestrian struck on the 100 block of South Sepulveda Boulevard. They found Levi lying in the street. A 33-year-old Los Angeles woman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular homicide.

The driver, identified as Jenia Belt, was taken into custody and remained in the Manhattan Beach jail without bail as of Sunday on charges of DUI and murder.

Public records revealed that Belt had a prior DUI arrest on November 25, 2023. She pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor hit-and-run with property damage in September 2024 through a plea deal; this resulted in the dismissal of the DUI-related charges.

However, the California DMV had already suspended her license on January 18, 2024, due to allegations that she had been driving with an excessive blood alcohol level.

At the time of the crash, her license remained suspended. Authorities later confirmed that Levi had been walking with a friend when the collision occurred. A witness reported being ahead of Levi when he heard the crash, turned around, and saw the teen lying on the ground.

The accident scene revealed a silver Infiniti SUV with a shattered windshield. As of Monday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office had not yet received a formal case submission from the police. Efforts to contact Belt’s public defender from her previous case were unsuccessful.

Loyola High School Principal Jamal Adams informed students and faculty via email of the heartbreaking news of Levi’s death just hours after the incident.

“Braun was a shining presence in our Loyola family,” Adams wrote. He also announced a campus prayer vigil that evening: “All members of our community are welcome to join us as we gather in unity and remembrance.”

That Sunday evening, hundreds of Levi’s stunned classmates, teachers, and friends filled Loyola’s Caruso Hall for a candlelight vigil, with thousands more joining via livestream.

The school choir performed “On Eagle’s Wings” and “I Am Loyola,” while those closest to Levi shared heartfelt memories. Assistant Principal Paul Jordan called him “an inspiration,” adding that Levi had a gift for friendship and made everyone around him better.

Tennis Coach Brian Held, who also taught Levi in AP Economics and Statistics, wrote in an email:
“Braun was the most amazing, all-around leader, whom everyone loved — even his opponents. He was just that type of kid — unique and special. As one of his teachers, I witnessed how he brought joy to everyone.”

Held also shared that Levi, a three-year tennis team captain, might have earned more honors and awards than any other player in school history.

Tributes soon poured onto Levi’s social media pages. One person wrote that anyone lucky enough to know him was better for it — he never treated anyone like a stranger and left a lasting mark on every life he touched.

Another shared that Levi had a gift for connection — whether you knew him for years or just moments, his presence was unforgettable. “It was impossible to be sad or bored around Levi,” they wrote.

Photos posted online captured a vibrant life: Levi wading in lakes, hugging friends on the beach, posing with Adam Sandler, grinning in a pink suit at the races.

The Southern California community continues to mourn. A video shared by Fox LA reporter Matthew Seedorff showed a beachside tribute honoring Levi’s memory.

His friend Erik Logan Toppenberg described him as “a force of nature wrapped in kindness, energy, and pure light.” He added, “He didn’t just walk into a room — he ignited it.”

Maccabi USA also paid tribute, noting that Levi had competed in the 2022 Maccabiah Games in Israel and supported his sister Adelle, who played on the U18 Girls Soccer team. They remembered him as a team captain, student council leader, Big Brother mentor, and a beloved part of their sports family.

Levi is survived by his parents, Jennifer and Daniel, and his sister, Adelle. Though his life was far too short, it left an immeasurable impact. His tragic death is a painful reminder of how precious and fleeting life can be — and how important it is to live it to the fullest.