George Wendt, star of stage and screen, passed away early Tuesday at the age of 76. The big picture: The star of television shows like "Cheers" and "Saturday Night Live" grew up in Beverly and carved out a successful career in Hollywood by playing into his Chicago roots.

George Wendt, who played Norm on "Cheers," leaves behind a legacy as one of television's most lovable everymen.

Norm was the everyman, literally always at the ready with a joke. And nowhere was that more evident than when he walked into the bar. As Cheers’ most frequent and dedicated customer, Norm was always greeted by other customers and workers with a buoyant “Norm!” when he entered, providing a monosyllabic setup for the joke to follow.

George Wendt, the actor best known for his starring role as perpetual barfly Norm Peterson through the full run of the NBC sitcom 'Cheers,' has died at 76.

George Wendt, best known as Norm Peterson from the classic sitcom Cheers, has died at 76. Wendt was a staple of 90s television and starred in all 275 episodes of the show. His legacy endures through his Emmy-nominated work and lasting influence on comedy,

Actor George Wendt, known for playing Norm Peterson on "Cheers," has died at 76. His career included TV, film, and stage. He earned six Emmy nods for "Cheers."