Where heaven knows your name

Cheers barfly Norm dies ať 76

- BY MARK KENNEDY

GEORGE Wendt, an actor with an everyman charm who played the affable, beer-loving barfly Norm on the hit 1980s TV comedy Cheers, has died aged 76.

Wendt’s family said he died early yesterday morning, peacefully in his sleep while at home, according to the publicity firm The Agency Group.

His relatives said in a statement: “George was 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.”

He is survived by his wife, actress Bernadette Birkett, who voiced Norm's never-seen not-so better half, Vera, on the US sitcom.