The role garnered him six straight Emmy Award nominations for best supporting actor in a comedy series in the 1980s.

Wendt, who spent six years in Chicago’s renowned Second City improv troupe before sitting on a barstool at the place where everybody knows your name, didn’t have high hopes when he auditioned for “Cheers.

Actor George Wendt, who once played the ever-loyal Norm on “Cheers,” died Tuesday morning at his home at the age of 76, his family confirmed in a statement through his publicist. “George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,” the statement said. “He will be missed forever.”