George Wendt was the kind of guy who could walk into a bar—any bar—and instantly make it feel like home. For millions of Cheers fans, he wasn’t just an actor; he was Norm Peterson, the lovable everyman who turned beer-drinking into an art form. But Wendt’s life was far more than just his most famous role. By 2025, his career spanned nearly five decades, his net worth reflected his success, and his final years were filled with both nostalgia and new adventures.
So, what was the 76-year-old’s life like in 2025? How much was he worth? Where did he live? And what were his final projects before his passing? Let’s dive deep into the life of a comedy legend.
George Wendt’s Net Worth in 2025: How Much Was He Worth?
George Wendt, famous for his role in the TV show Cheers, has died at 76 years old. pic.twitter.com/mxdYXpvdg7
— Pubity (@pubity) May 20, 2025
When George Wendt passed away in May 2025, estimates of his net worth varied—some sources said $10 million, while others claimed it was as high as $45 million. Why the big difference?
Where Did the Money Come From?
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Cheers: The Big Payday
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At the height of Cheers, Wendt was making $200,000 per episode—that’s about $5 million per season in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Adjusted for inflation, that’s closer to $10 million per season today.
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Even decades later, syndication deals meant he was still earning royalties.
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Movies & TV Guest Spots
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Wendt wasn’t just Norm—he had memorable roles in Fletch, Forever Young, and even Spice World (yes, really).
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He popped up in shows like Frasier, The Simpsons, and The Masked Singer (where he dressed as a giant snow globe in 2023).
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Broadway & Theater Work
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He played Edna Turnblad in Hairspray and Santa in Elf: The Musical. Theater was a passion, and it paid well.
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Commercials & Voice Work
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You might’ve heard him in State Farm ads or as the voice of Clovis the Cow in Home on the Range.
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Real Estate Investments
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His long-held home in Studio City, purchased in 1985 for $335,000, was worth around $4 million by 2025.
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So, Was It $10 Million or $45 Million?
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The lower estimates ($10M) likely only counted liquid assets and acting income.
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The higher ones ($45M) probably included real estate, residuals, and investments.
Either way, Wendt was far from struggling—he lived comfortably, invested wisely, and left behind a solid financial legacy.
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George Wendt’s House: Where Did He Live?
For 40 years, Wendt and his wife, Bernadette Birkett (a fellow actor), lived in the same Studio City home they bought in 1985.
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Original Purchase Price: $335,000 (a steal by today’s standards).
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2025 Value: Around $4 million.
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Why Stay So Long? Wendt wasn’t flashy. He loved the neighborhood, raised his kids there, and never felt the need to upgrade to some Hollywood mega-mansion.
Despite his Chicago roots (he was a die-hard Bears and Cubs fan), L.A. was home. Still, he never lost that Midwestern charm—friends said he was just as likely to crack a joke at a barbeque as he was on set.
The Actor’s Final Years & Passing
to honor george wendt one of my favorite cheers scenes conducted by himpic.twitter.com/dXNvEhK0u2
— bru🧋 (@sitcomsy) May 20, 2025
Health & Final Projects
In his last few years, Wendt kept busy but slowed down due to health issues (never publicly specified). His final projects included:
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Christmas with the Campbells (2022) – A holiday comedy where he played a quirky grandpa.
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The Masked Singer (2023) – A fun, unexpected appearance where he sang in costume.
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Cheers Reunion at the 2024 Emmys – One of his last major appearances, sharing laughs with the original cast.
His Passing (May 2025)
Wendt died peacefully in his sleep on May 20, 2025, at 76 years old. His family asked for privacy, but tributes poured in from co-stars like Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, and even Jason Sudeikis (his nephew).
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Legacy: More Than Just Norm
Growing up in the 1980’s and 1990’s means I got to experence the finest days of Sit-Coms. Cheers was one of the great, in part thanks to this man.
You will be missed good sir, thanks for the great memories. #Georgewendt pic.twitter.com/PGrRVyd50g
— jeframdenkar (@jeframdenkar) May 20, 2025
Yes, Cheers made him famous, but Wendt was also:
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A Chicago Comedy Legend – From Second City to SNL’s “Superfans” sketches.
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A Broadway Star – Proving he could do more than just sit on a barstool.
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A Family Man – Married to Bernadette since 1978, with three kids who stayed out of the spotlight.
Final Thoughts: Why Wendt Mattered
George Wendt wasn’t just a sitcom star—he was the kind of actor who made you feel like you knew him. Whether as Norm, a goofy Santa, or a Chicago sports fanatic, he had a rare gift: he made ordinary characters extraordinary.
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In 2025, his net worth proved he was smart with money, his home showed he valued stability, and his final years reminded us that even legends stay humble.
So here’s to George—may his memory be as warm and welcoming as a seat at the end of the bar.
