A burly, easygoing Chicago native, he became a staple of living rooms across the country for more than a decade as one of America’s favorite barflies.

Jason Sudeikis' uncle earned Emmy nominations six years running after getting started on Second City in his hometown of Chicago.

From his corner barstool on ‘Cheers,’ Mr. Wendt’s beer-loving character Norm dispensed one-liners and self-deprecating wit in the long-running sitcom.