On May 20, 2025, Boston’s Cheers bar became a place of reflection as fans mourned the loss of George Wendt, the beloved actor who played Norm Peterson on the iconic sitcom Cheers. Wendt, who passed away peacefully at 76, left an indelible mark on the city and its fans. Here’s how Boston is remembering him.
A Toast to Norm at Cheers
The Cheers bar on Beacon Street, originally the Bull & Finch Pub, set up a memorial at Norm’s iconic barstool, complete with a cold beer. Fans like Rosanna Malcolm, visiting when the news broke, felt honored to be there, saying, “It’s sad, but we’re here to mark this moment.” Patrons raised glasses to Wendt, whose character was greeted with a hearty “Norm!” in every episode from 1982 to 1993.
George Wendt: Bar manager Jeff Poirier noted the poignant timing, as Wendt’s passing coincided with the 32nd anniversary of the Cheers finale on May 20, 1993. Social media posts echoed this sentiment, with fans sharing memories of Norm’s witty one-liners, like his quip about beer sounding good before it could “get a word in.”
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Wendt’s Lasting Legacy in Boston
George Wendt: Wendt’s portrayal of Norm, the lovable accountant, resonated deeply in Boston, where the show’s bar became a cultural landmark. Former Mayor Ray Flynn, who had a cameo, credited Cheers with putting the city on the map, recalling how fans recognized him from the show rather than his office. Wendt’s warmth, mirrored in Norm’s charm, made him a Boston icon. His six Emmy nominations and roles in films like Fletch cemented his legacy, but it’s Norm’s barstool that Bostonians will always cherish.
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