"George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him," the statement read, asking for privacy for Wendt's family. "He will be missed forever.

George Wendt, who earned six consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his role as the bearish, beer-quaffing Everyman Norm Peterson on the enduring sitcom “Cheers,” died on Tuesday at his home...