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The beloved actor George Wendt, famous for his iconic role as Norm Peterson on the television series "Cheers," passed away due to cardiac arrest, as confirmed by the death certificate obtained by TMZ. Wendt, who was 76 years old, died peacefully in his sleep at his home on May 20, according to a family representative.

Wendt brought smiles to millions across the globe during his time on "Cheers," a show that enjoyed a remarkable run from 1982 to 1993. His character, Norm Peterson, was particularly adored, with each of his entrances marked by a collective cheer of "Norm!" from the bar's patrons. His humorous exchanges with co-stars and witty one-liners became a staple of the show, garnering him six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Though he never clinched the award, his contributions to the show's success were undeniable.

Before his fame on "Cheers," Wendt had carved out a notable career with appearances in other popular television series. He left a memorable impression on shows like "M*A*S*H," "Taxi," "Soap," and "Alice," establishing himself as a versatile actor well before his role as Norm Peterson.

Wendt also made significant strides in theater, gracing Broadway with his performances. He starred as Yvan in "Art" in 1998 and took on the role of Edna Turnblad in "Hairspray" in 2002. His stage presence was further showcased when he played Santa in the 2010 production of "Elf" and later appeared as Joe Bell in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" in 2013.

Most recently, in the previous year, Wendt participated alongside Dan Aykroyd, Jim Belushi, Jon Lovitz, and Kevin Nealon in "A History of the World in Six Glasses" produced for Fox Nation. The show, which was the brainchild of former "Cheers" executive producer Rob Long, explored the historical significance and impact of beverages including beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and soda.

George Wendt's death marks the end of an era for fans of "Cheers" and television history, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and unforgettable performances.