George Went, Iconic Actor from “Cheers,” Passes Away at 76

New York (AP) – George Went, known for his lovable portrayal of the beer-loving barfly Norm on the hit 1980s TV comedy “Cheers,” has died at 76. He later made a name for himself on stage, appearing in Broadway productions like “Art,” “Hairspray,” and “Elf.”

Went’s family shared that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday morning at his home, according to the advertising company The Agency Group.

In a heartfelt statement, his family expressed, “George was a doting family man, a beloved friend to all who had the privilege to know him. He will be missed forever.” They have requested privacy during this difficult time.

Even with a lengthy career in theater and television, Went is most fondly remembered for his role in “Cheers,” where he garnered six consecutive Emmy nominations for Best Supporting Actor from 1984 to 1989.

The show, which revolved around the quirky patrons of a Boston bar, featured talents like Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Kelsey Grammer, and Woody Harrelson. It’s notable that the series led to the highly successful spin-off “Frasier,” with the original show winning 28 Emmy Awards out of 117 nominations.

Reflecting on his unexpected success, Went admitted that he had low expectations when he auditioned for “Cheers.” “My agent said, ‘It’s just a small role, a word actually,’ and that word was ‘beer.’ I wasn’t sure if I could pull off playing a guy who just wanted a drink,” he recalled in an interview.

“Cheers” first aired on September 30, 1982, and had a rocky start with low ratings. However, the show’s quality was noted, with NBC President Brandon Tartikov defending it and the series eventually gaining millions of fans, with 80 million tuning in for its finale after 11 seasons.

Fans loved Went’s character so much that his entrance was always met with enthusiastic shouts of “Norm!” His humorous exchanges—often initiated by the bartender asking, “How’s the beer sound?”—became memorable moments. “I can’t say. I usually finish them before I say anything,” he would quip.

Though the cast drank non-alcoholic beer on set, they admitted to feeling tipsy while celebrating the show’s finale in a live appearance at the Bull and Finch pub in Boston, the inspiration for the bar in the series.

After “Cheers,” Went briefly starred in his own sitcom, “The George Went Show,” and made guest appearances in various television series such as “Ghost Whisperer” and “Portlandia.” He also embraced Chicago’s communal vibe, often bonding with others over sausages and beer.

However, his stage career flourished. He starred in the Tony Award-winning play “Art” in both New York and London and was cast as Edna Turnblad in “Hairspray” on Broadway since 2007. He took part in a national tour of “Twelve Angry Men” and appeared in regional productions of classics like “Death of a Salesman.”

Went enjoyed portraying Santa Claus in various productions, including his role in the Broadway musical “Elf” and the TV films “Santa Baby” and “Santa Buddy.” “If you’re fat enough and old enough, I guess it just becomes natural,” he jokingly remarked.

A Chicago native, Went attended a Catholic boarding school in Wisconsin and later graduated from Notre Dame. He eventually found his niche at Second City, both in touring and on the main stage. “I believe comedy is definitely my strength, but I don’t consider myself a full-blown clown,” he clarified in an interview.

His lifelong love for beer began at age eight at the World’s Fair in New York, and he had his first sip at the age of 16. His passion for the beverage inspired his book “George: Drinking with a Beer Guide from the Barstool Professional,” co-written with Jonathan Grotenstein. The book features anecdotes, beer drinker guides, and humorous toasts.

Went is survived by his wife, Bernadette Burkett, also an alumna of Second City. “From his early days with Second City to the iconic role in ‘Cheers,’ George Went’s work showcased the power of comedy to create characters that feel like family. He brought warmth and humor to one of television’s most beloved roles for 11 seasons,” his family reflected.