5 Surprising Facts About George Wendt

George Wendt, the beloved actor who brought Norm Peterson to life on Cheers, has died at 77.

When Wendtwalked into Cheers, the world shouted, “Norm!” But behind the barstool and beneath the lovable grin was a career — and a life — filled with unexpected stories. Sure, you knew him as the everyman of Cheers. But here are 5 facts that just might make you say, “Wait… really?”

1. He Got Kicked Out of Notre Dame with a 0.00 GPA
Before he was raising a glass on Cheers, Wendt was flunking out of the University of Notre Dame. Literally. He earned a perfect 0.00 GPA in his junior year — not for partying too hard, but because he stopped going to class altogether. Living off-campus, facing cold winters and no transportation, Wendt admitted, “I basically quit and didn’t inform the university.” Somehow, it worked out.

2. His First Job in Showbiz? Sweeping Floors
George didn’t walk into Second City with a script — he walked in with a broom. After being inspired by a show, he asked how to join. They told him to show up at 11:30 a.m. sharp. He did — and was handed a broom with the words, “Welcome to the theatre, kid.” From janitor to comedy legend, Wendt literally swept his way into the business.

3. He’s Married to the Voice of Vera — Norm’s Wife on Cheers
You never saw her on Cheers, but you definitely heard her. Norm’s never-seen wife Vera was voiced by Bernadette Birkett — George Wendt’s real-life wife. The two met while performing at Second City, and stayed married for over four decades. In Season 3, she even briefly appears as Cliff’s Halloween date. Talk about sitcom synergy!

4.He Never Turned Down a Chance to Make Fans Smile
Despite his fame, Wendt was known for being endlessly approachable and kind. Whether it was a surprise appearance at a local theatre, a guest spot on Hot in Cleveland, or simply sharing a beer with fans who shouted “Norm!” across the street, he embraced the love with warmth and humility. He once joked, “If their impulse is to buy me a beer, then by all means, follow that impulse.” For Wendt, being Norm wasn’t just a role—it was a way to make people feel seen, welcomed, and at home.

5. He Played Santa, a Killer, and Even a Moose
Post-Cheers, George Wendt took on roles as diverse as Santa Claus (Elf: The Musical, Santa Buddies), a thoroughbred-owning murderer on Columbo, and even competed on The Masked Singer as “Moose.” His long career included everything from Broadway (Hairspray, Death of a Salesman) to sitcoms (The George Wendt Show, Clipped), proving he was never just Norm — he was a whole world of characters in one cozy flannel shirt.

So raise a glass to George Wendt. He made us laugh. He made us feel at home. And he reminded us that sometimes the best characters — and people — are the ones who greet you like a regular. Norm may have lived at Cheers, but George Wendt lived in our hearts.