George Wendt, the actor best known for his starring role as perpetual barfly Norm Peterson through the full run of the NBC sitcom 'Cheers,' has died at 76.

George Wendt, who played Norm on “Cheers,” leaves behind a legacy as one of television’s most lovable everymen.

Jon Cryer, who starred in the 1984 film No Small Affair with Wendt, tells PEOPLE he "met George on one of my first movies and every day we shot together I kind of couldn’t believe it. That I was working with one of my favorite actors in television and he was just such an absolute prince."

The performer later crafted a stage career that took him to Broadway in such shows as “Art,” “Hairspray” and “Elf.”

Mailman Cliff Clavin (John Ratzenberger) was the literal USPS-blue-collar worker on Cheers, but his good buddy Norm Peterson ( George Wendt ), an accountant, was its everyman. Wendt passed on Tuesday of natural causes. He was 76.

George Wendt, actor famous for playing Norm Peterson in the NBC comedy series ‘Cheers’, has died, his publicist confirmed to Variety on Tuesday. He was 76 years old. TMZ cited family sources to further add that Wendt passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was at his home.

George Wendt, also known as Norm from "Cheers," died Tuesday morning in his sleep, according to a family statement.

Any consideration of ensemble-driven sitcoms has to include “Cheers,” and any consideration of “Cheers” has to include George Wendt, whose Norm Peterson was the bar fly’s bar fly. Considering Norm’s bulk, bar bear would be a more accurate description.