George Wendt, star of 'Cheers', dies at age 76

George Wendt, the actor who played Norm Peterson in the series Cheers, has died at the age of 76.

According to information released by the Holywood Reporter, the actor died painlessly in his sleep at home. His family confirmed later confirmed the sad news.

"George was a loving family man, a dear friend and a confidant to all who were fortunate enough to know him," a representative for Wendt said in a statement released by the Reporter. "He will be forever missed. The family has asked for privacy during this time."

Wendt's acting career began in the 1970s on television and later in other productions that gradually gained public appreciation.

The public remembers him especially for the series Cheers, winner of 28 Emmys. In this series he played Norm Peterson, a regular at Cheers who always cracked a joke as he made his entrance into the bar.