Raise a glass for the norm: remember George Wendt

I am honestly a little gutted. George WendtThe man who gave birth to Norm Peterson and made us all feel like usual customers Greetingsis dead. He died peacefully in sleep at home on Tuesday morning. He was 76 years old.

Wendt was strange fun. A natural comedian. Excellent comic timing. Effortless. He made the comedy feel like a conversation, the type you would have had with an old friend on a beer at the end of a long day. And that’s exactly what the norm was so many of us: comfort. Familiarity. Punching lines wrapped in the heart.

From 1982 to 1993, Wendt played normal in all 275 episodes of Greetings. That bar was full of loved characters, but normal? The rule was a fixed appointment. A legend. Every time he entered and the entire bar shouted “Norm!” It seemed like a small celebration, the one that came with a guaranteed laugh. He had that rhythm: signal from a co-protagonist, a snappy joke and a boom … gold.

Once he said: “I have difficulty talking about Norm. It’s as if it were too close to me. I think it’s the most difficult to write because it’s not exactly anything. It’s just fun.” This is the beauty of it. Wendt did not need a background or expedient elaborate. Norm existed and made it seem easy.

Wendt has been appointed six times for an Emmy for playing Norm, but has never taken home. It didn’t matter, though. The character and George were already cemented in the history of TV. And normal is not over with Greetings. Appeared Frasier, The Simpsons, Wings, Family boyAnd more. It was like the connective tissue of the comedy universe.

But George Wendt was more than simple. He cut his teeth at second city in Chicago in the 70s, earning his ribs on stage before going out on television. Has apparitions on Mash*, Taxi, Soap, Alice He was grinding well before Boston’s bar opened his doors.

And then there are his sketch snl superfans! Wendt as Bob Swerski, sitting next to Farley and Myers, inhaling the Polish sausages while praising “from Bears”. He hosted Snl twice and kept his between legends.

“Since its first days with the second city to its iconic role of Norman Cheers, George Wendt’s work has shown how comedy can create indelible characters who seem to be a family,” said National Comedy Center Journey Gunderson. “His work is proud of the National Comedy Center and we honor his inheritance and the joy that led to generations of fans.”

Outside the comedy, Wendt also had a solid Broadway race Art, Hairspray, Elf, Breakfast at Tiffany’s And he became a bit of a Santa Claus later in his career. There was something hot and sparkling in him, as if I could trust him with a sled and some reindeers.

It is even popped up at the beginning of this year A world story in six glasses together with Dan Aykroyd, Jim BelushiAND Jon Lovitz A project that examined the cultural impact of drinks such as beer and wine. Suitable, considering how much joy has led to people over the years simply by keeping a freezing cup.

Wendt once joked with Letterman, “I was a very poor student. I was expelled from Notre Dame. I am very proud to mention my average of the votes that started me: zero-poin-zero-zero.” The same self -deprecating charm followed him through everything he did. He tried to be anything but himself.

He leaves behind a legacy of laughter and survived the family, including his nephew, actor Jason Sudeikis. But honestly, it has also survived all of us. All those who have ever broken a smile when Norm crossed the door.

So here is George Wendt. Here is in accordance with. Here is the boy who made us feel as if we belonged, an one-list at a time.

Norma!