Honorary George Wendt Way Unveiled: Chicago's Beloved 'Cheers' Star Gets His Street

The legendary George Wendt, known globally as Norm from 'Cheers' and a proud Chicagoan, has been honored with his own street sign in the Beverly neighborhood where he grew up.

TL;DR: The Main Takeaways for George Wendt Way

• Chicago's Beverly neighborhood dedicated "Honorary George Wendt Way" to the late "Cheers" star on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
• Family, friends, and fans gathered to remember Wendt, who passed away in May at 76, celebrating his humble, generous spirit and deep Chicago roots.
• The street naming celebrates Wendt's iconic roles as Norm Peterson and the "Da Bears" superfan, alongside his personal impact as a beloved family man and community supporter.

It was a perfectly "George Wendt kind of day" in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood this past Sunday, October 19, 2025. Despite the cool, rainy weather – which his wife, Bernadette Birkett, joked he would have loved to enjoy in shorts and a T-shirt – a vibrant crowd gathered to unveil "Honorary George Wendt Way," a street sign dedicated to the beloved actor. This new honorary street now marks the intersection of 92nd Place and Bell Avenue, right where the legendary "Cheers" star spent his childhood.

A Heartfelt Homecoming Celebration for Chicago's Own "Norm"

For millions, George Wendt was the quintessential barfly, Norm Peterson, whose grand entrance at Cheers was always met with a chorus of "Norm!" and a fresh beer. He embodied the everyman, the loyal friend, and the comedic anchor of one of TV's most iconic sitcoms, appearing in all 275 episodes over its 11-year run from 1982 to 1993. What many fans might not have known is that before he became Norm, and before he moved to Los Angeles, George Wendt was all Chicago. Born and raised on the city's South Side, his roots in Beverly ran deep, a connection celebrated with heartfelt emotion on Sunday. His extended family still lives in what was once his childhood home, making the dedication feel like a true homecoming for everyone.

From Second City Stages to Global Fame, Always a Chicagoan

Wendt’s journey in comedy kicked off right here in Chicago during the 1970s at the famed Second City improv troupe. It was there he met his wife, Bernadette Birkett, who would later lend her voice to Norm's unseen wife, Vera, on "Cheers." His sister, Marti Wendt Doherty, who conceptualized the street naming, proudly shared that George’s role on "Cheers" famously grew from what was initially meant to be a background character in the very first episode. His talent and affable charm quickly made him indispensable, earning him six consecutive Primetime Emmy nominations for his performance.

But "Cheers" wasn't his only iconic role. Chicagoans, especially, remember him as one of the hilariously enthusiastic "Da Bears" superfans on "Saturday Night Live" in the early 1990s. It was fitting that his street unveiling took place on a Sunday when the Chicago Bears were kicking off at Soldier Field, a subtle nod to his unwavering devotion to his hometown team. His brother, Paul Wendt, even shared a humorous anecdote about the challenges of being related to such a recognizable face, saying, "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."

A Man of Immense Humility, Generosity, and Unforgettable Humor

The gathering, which saw between 150 to 200 friends, family, neighbors, and fans brave the weather, wasn't just about his on-screen achievements. It was a profound testament to the genuine, wonderful man he was behind the scenes. His wife, Bernadette, lovingly described him with words that resonated deeply with everyone present:

"The love and support for my husband and his legacy is just amazing to me, but not surprising. He had great humility, but he deserved to be loved because he was a wonderful person. He was just like so generous and so kind and really so funny."

— Bernadette Birkett, George Wendt's Widow

Alderman Matt O'Shea, who grew up just a block away, echoed this sentiment, admitting, "I'm guilty, like many of you, at some point in my life, telling folks, 'Oh yeah, I grew up with George Wendt.'" This local pride was palpable, emphasizing that for Beverly, George was more than a celebrity; he was, and always remained, one of their own.

More Than Just a "Barstool Professional": His Enduring Character

Beyond the spotlight, Wendt remained deeply connected to his roots and his community. His niece, Erin Muldoon Stetson, recounted a time when he briefly lived with her family in Beverly during his 2009 book tour for "Drinking with George: A Barstool Professional’s Guide to Beer," jokingly calling himself their "gentleman boarder." He loved spending time with her kids and, as Erin noted, "always stayed true to himself behind the scenes."

His loyalty to Chicago extended to his daily habits; he remained an avid reader of the Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune, a tradition that tied back to his college summers working as a copy boy for the Sun-Times, where his own grandfather had been a photo editor. It was a family affair, even down to his media consumption.

Wendt’s generosity and humor stretched far beyond his public persona. His nephew, Bill Healy, a Pulitzer Prize winner, shared a whimsical memory of his uncle’s distinct approach to Chinese food – ordering from three different restaurants just to get the best egg rolls from each! This anecdote perfectly captures his unique personality and the sheer joy he brought to those around him, a man who truly appreciated the finer, quirky details of life.

He was also a keen mentor, always ready to lend a helping hand. When Healy won a Peabody Award, Wendt insisted he stay at his California home, offering unwavering support and even suggesting they turn Healy's work into a TV show. George's home, Healy observed, maintained a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere, "a very nice version of who they were and lovely with the kind of comfort you’d expect if the home were in Beverly.” It was a Californian residence with a true Chicago heart.

Even after moving away, Chicago was always on his mind. In 2009, he famously appeared on "The Colbert Report" alongside Stephen Colbert, comically insulting other cities vying for the 2016 Summer Olympics while proudly sipping Old Style Beer – a quintessential Chicagoan move. He never forgot his friends either, organizing a Zoom call from California in 2002 to memorialize fellow Second City alum Mike Hagerty on what would have been Hagerty's 68th birthday, leading friends in Chicago in a "Happy Birthday" serenade. His presence, whether in person or virtually, was always impactful and deeply cherished.

Peter Burns, another Second City alum, credited Wendt with helping sell out the Beverly Arts Center's holiday fundraiser three years in a row, a critical boost for the institution. And in a true display of his "good sport" nature, he even returned to his childhood bedroom for a quirky "In Bed With" interview segment on FOX to help raise funds for Christ the King parish's gymnasium – a testament to his commitment to his community's needs.

A Lasting Legacy That Will Forever Endure in His Hometown

George Wendt passed away in May at the age of 76 from a heart attack in his California home, but his memory and impact clearly live on. As his niece, Erin Muldoon Stetson, beautifully articulated, "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." The Wendt family's statement from May 2025 summed it up perfectly: "George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever."

The dedication of "Honorary George Wendt Way" is more than just a street sign; it's a permanent tribute to a man who, despite global fame, remained deeply rooted in his Chicago values: humility, humor, and an unwavering love for his community and family. It ensures that while everyone knew his name at Cheers, his true home will always remember his way, a path paved with laughter, generosity, and an authentic Chicago spirit.

FAQ: All Your Questions About Honorary George Wendt Way Answered

Q: Where exactly is "Honorary George Wendt Way" located in Chicago? A: "Honorary George Wendt Way" is located on South Bell Avenue, specifically marking the intersection of 92nd Place and Bell Avenue, in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood. This is the block where George Wendt grew up.

Q: When did George Wendt pass away? A: George Wendt passed away in May 2025 at the age of 76 due to a heart attack at his California home.

Q: Besides "Cheers," what were some of George Wendt's other famous roles? A: While best known for playing Norm Peterson on "Cheers," George Wendt also famously played a Chicago Bears superfan on "Saturday Night Live," delighting audiences with his "Da Bears" catchphrase. He also had a significant stage career, including Broadway roles in "Art," "Hairspray," and "Elf."

Q: Who attended the street dedication ceremony? A: The ceremony on October 19, 2025, brought together approximately 150-200 of George Wendt's close friends, extended family members (including his wife Bernadette Birkett, sister Marti Wendt Doherty, brother Paul Wendt, and niece Erin Muldoon Stetson), former schoolmates, and many adoring neighbors and fans from the Beverly community. Alderman Matt O'Shea, who backed the initiative, was also present.

Sources

• ABC7 Chicago: "Honorary George Wendt Way unveiled on Beverly street where late 'Cheers' actor grew up"
• NBC Chicago: "Chicago pays tribute to 'Cheers' star George Wendt with honorary street naming"
• Chicago Sun-Times: "'George Wendt Way' unveiled in Beverly on 'Cheers' actor's childhood block"
• WAND-TV: "Chicago officials honor late George Wendt with street naming"
• Beverly Review: "Street dedication set to honor Wendt"
• CBS Chicago: "George Wendt honored with street name outside childhood home in Beverly"
• WBBM Newsradio: "Street on Chicago's Far Southwest Side Now Bears 'Cheers' Star's Name"