'Cheers' Star George Wendt Gets His Own Honorary Chicago Street!

The legendary actor, best known as the iconic Norm from "Cheers," now has "Honorary George Wendt Way" unveiled right in his beloved Beverly neighborhood of Chicago.

TL;DR

• Chicago's Beverly neighborhood honored actor George Wendt with "Honorary George Wendt Way" on October 19, 2025.
• The street naming celebrated the "Cheers" and "Saturday Night Live" legend's deep Chicago roots and genuinely beloved personality.
• Family, friends, and hundreds of fans gathered to remember Wendt, who passed away in May 2025 at 76, celebrating his lasting legacy.

Hey, everybody! We’ve got some truly heartwarming news from Chicago, where a genuine hometown hero just received an incredible tribute. If you’re a fan of classic TV, you definitely know George Wendt, the lovable, beer-guzzling Norm Peterson from the iconic sitcom “Cheers.” Well, on Sunday, October 19, 2025, his childhood block in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood officially became “Honorary George Wendt Way.” And trust us, it was quite the celebration!

Imagine the scene: Bell Street, right between 91st Street and 92nd Place, was buzzing with life despite the cool temperatures and a bit of rain. Between 150 and 200 friends, family, neighbors, and adoring fans showed up to raise a collective "Cheers" to the man who brought so much joy to their lives and to televisions around the world. The new honorary street sign now stands proudly in front of the very house where George grew up, a place still owned and lived in by members of his extended family.

A Deep-Rooted Connection to the Windy City's South Side

George Wendt wasn't just an actor who happened to be from Chicago; he was of Chicago. Born and raised in the Beverly neighborhood on the city’s South Side, his roots ran deep within the community. His parents, Loretta Mary and George Wendt Sr., were beloved figures themselves. His father was a World War II Navy officer and a South Side realtor, while his mother lovingly raised their seven children and was a cherished member of the family's parish, Christ the King Church.

This dedication was actually the brainchild of George’s sister, Marti Doherty, who still lives in the neighborhood. She wanted a lasting tribute to her brother on the very block where they shared so many memories. Alderman Matt O'Shea (19th Ward), who himself grew up just a block away from the Wendt family, jumped right on board. "When Marti Doherty calls, you listen," he reportedly said, highlighting the respect the family commanded in the community. It’s clear George Wendt’s family has been a vital part of Beverly’s fabric for generations.

From Second City Stages to Iconic Television Stardom

Before he became a household name, George Wendt cut his teeth in Chicago's legendary improv scene. He got his start in the 1970s, specifically 1975, at The Second City, where he honed his comedic timing and irresistible charm for six years. It was there, too, that he met the love of his life, actress Bernadette Birkett, who would later become his wife of 46 years.

Of course, his most famous role was as Norm Peterson on NBC’s "Cheers." For 11 seasons, Norm was the affable, beer-loving barfly who always had a witty quip and a thirst for another cold one. George appeared in every single episode of the show, a remarkable feat that earned him six consecutive nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He truly became synonymous with the show's tagline, "where everybody knows your name."

But "Cheers" wasn't his only iconic role. Wendt was also a hilarious and memorable part of the "Saturday Night Live" skit as Chicago Bears superfan Bob Swerski. He, along with other "brothers of Chicago everymen," introduced the world to the distinctive pronunciation of "Da Bears," forever cementing his place in the hearts of sports fans and comedy lovers alike.

A Man Beloved Beyond the Silver Screen

The sheer outpouring of love and support at the street dedication truly spoke volumes about the kind of person George Wendt was. His widow, Bernadette Birkett, shared touching sentiments about her late husband, who passed away in May at the age of 76 from a heart attack in his California home.

“The love and support for my husband and his legacy is just amazing to me, but not surprising,” said Bernadette Birkett. “He had great humility, but he deserved to be loved because he was a wonderful person.”

His brother, Paul Wendt, fondly recalled their childhood days, playing baseball and football right on that very corner. "It's just another touchdown. We love him," Paul shared, clearly moved by the tribute. Paul also gave everyone a chuckle, joking, "I never really had a chance to get irate with anyone without anyone noticing who it was. So, that was a bit of a burden."

His niece, Erin Muldoon Stetson, echoed the sentiment, stating, “George has become loved by the whole world. And we couldn’t be prouder, most of all because he always stayed true to himself behind the scenes.” Even Alderman O'Shea admitted, "I'm guilty, like many of you, at some point in my life, telling folks, 'Oh yeah, I grew up with George Wendt.'" It's clear that George, despite his worldwide fame, remained the humble, authentic Beverly native everyone remembered.

Still a True Chicagoan, Even from Afar

Even after moving to Los Angeles to pursue their acting careers, George and Bernadette frequently returned to Chicago. George's connection to his hometown was unwavering. He reportedly remained a daily reader of both the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune. In fact, he had a personal history with the Sun-Times, having worked as a copy boy during his college summers, and his grandfather was even a photo editor for the paper!

His "Southsider" spirit shone through in other ways too. Remember when Chicago was bidding for the 2016 Summer Olympics? George made a memorable appearance on "The Colbert Report" alongside Stephen Colbert, humorously firing insults at rival cities while proudly sipping a Chicago favorite: Old Style Beer.

George was also known for his generosity and willingness to help his community. When the Beverly Arts Center was struggling, he flew in from California for three consecutive years to help sell out their holiday fundraiser, keeping the center afloat. He also supported a fundraiser for his family’s parish, Christ the King Church, even participating in an offbeat "In Bed With" stunt for local Fox news to promote it.

Humor, Loyalty, and a Generous Spirit

Anecdotes shared by family and friends painted a picture of a man who was as genuinely funny and kind off-screen as he was on. His brother, Paul, recounted a mischievous prank where George locked the whole family in a back room of their house. His nephew, Bill Healy, a Pulitzer Prize-winning podcast producer, shared a story that perfectly encapsulated George’s unique humor and generosity.

When Healy was scheduled to accept a Peabody Award in Los Angeles, George insisted he stay at their California home. Healy remembered, “Their home was not Hollywood—it was a very nice version of who they were and lovely with the kind of comfort you’d expect if the home were in Beverly. George was so supportive and excited for us. He wanted to turn our work into a TV show. It’s amazing to think he had so much success at such at a relatively young age and was able to go through that world so young and navigate that business side. And for 40 years, he was there to help out others.” Healy also chuckled recalling how George and Paul once ordered Chinese food from three different places because "one place has better egg rolls than another."

His loyalty to friends and community was legendary. When fellow Second City alum Mike Hagerty passed away, George initiated a Zoom call from California to McNally's on Western Avenue, where friends had gathered to memorialize Hagerty, hoisting a beer and leading a hearty "Happy Birthday" serenade. "George was a true Southsider," said Maggie Duffy, one of the organizers. "Even with all his time away from Chicago... he took time out to call Mike Hagerty's friends to share some mutual memories and offer a toast to a fellow Southsider. And how classy, he even had his brother, Paul, represent him at the event in person—very gracious of George.”

A Lasting Legacy for an Everyman Hero

The unveiling of "Honorary George Wendt Way" is far more than just a street sign; it's a permanent and heartfelt tribute to a man who, despite his global fame, never forgot where he came from. He was the local George Wendt, whose authenticity and humor tapped into his Beverly roots, making him relatable and adored by millions.

As his wife, Bernadette, and daughter, Hilary Wendt, unveiled the sign to resounding cheers, it was a moment that solidified his place not just in television history, but in the heart of his beloved Chicago. George Wendt may be gone, but his spirit, his laughter, and his unwavering connection to his hometown will forever live on through "Honorary George Wendt Way." It's a fitting honor for an actor who truly embodied the everyman charm and earned the love of the whole world.

Frequently Asked Questions About George Wendt's Hometown Honor

Where is "Honorary George Wendt Way" located?It's located on Bell Street, between 91st Street and 92nd Place, in the Beverly neighborhood on Chicago's South Side. The sign is specifically in front of his childhood home.

When did George Wendt pass away?George Wendt passed away in May 2025 at the age of 76 from a heart attack.

What were George Wendt's most famous roles?He is best known for his role as Norm Peterson on the hit TV sitcom "Cheers" and for playing Chicago Bears superfan Bob Swerski on "Saturday Night Live."

Was George Wendt really from Chicago?Yes, absolutely! George Wendt was born and raised in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood and maintained a deep connection to his hometown throughout his life.

Sources

• WLS-TV / ABC7 Chicago (Michelle Gallardo) - "Honorary George Wendt Way unveiled on Beverly street where late 'Cheers' actor grew up"
• Chicago Sun-Times (Kaitlin Washburn) - "'George Wendt Way' unveiled in Beverly on 'Cheers' actor's childhood block"
• CBS Chicago (Adam Harrington) - "George Wendt honored with street name outside childhood home in Beverly"
• Beverly Review - "Street dedication set to honor Wendt"