George Wendt Biography

Fast Facts

• Was nominated for six consecutive Primetime Emmys for his role as Norm on "Cheers," but never won
• Graduated from Rockhurst College with a degree in economics in 1971
• Uncle of actor and "Saturday Night Live" alum Jason Sudeikis
• Originally joined the Second City comedy troupe in Chicago as a custodian before actually appearing on stage
• Quote: "Improvising is best left to those who really love it․ Improvising itself is kind of fun, but the apprehension before the improv is not․ I don't think that fast; I can't write that fast․"
• A performer with Second City in his home town of Chicago, he eventually made his way to Hollywood after landing a part in a pilot for NBC called "Nothing But Comedy․"
• After appearing on series such as "Taxi" and "Alice" in the early 1980s, he landed his most famous role as Norm Peterson on "Cheers" in 1982, a role he went on to play for more than a decade over 273 episodes
• Became involved with stage productions in 1998, appearing in "Hairspray," "Elf" and "Breakfast at Tiffany's," among others