George Wendt Net Worth

April 2024 · 11 minute read

George Robert Wendt III net worth is
$45 Million

George Robert Wendt III Wiki Biography

George Robert Wendt III was born on 17 October 1948, in Chicago, Illinois USA, of Irish and German descent. George is an actor, perhaps best known for appearing in the television show “Cheers” as the character Norm Peterson. He’s also been seen in films such as “The Little Rascals”, and “Dennis the Menace Strikes Again”. All his efforts have helped put his net worth to where it is today.

How rich is George Wendt? As of mid-2016, sources estimate a net worth that is at $45 million, mostly earned through a successful career in acting. Aside from film and television, George has also made a name for himself in various stage productions. He’s been acting since the 1980s, and as he continues his career his wealth will likely increase.

George Wendt Net Worth $45 Million Dollars

Wendt attended Campion High School, and after matriculating attended the University of Notre Dame. During his junior year he was expelled due to failing grades and he would then attend Rockhurst College, from where he eventually graduated with a degree in economics.

After graduating, he went to watch a theatre production by The Second City, which inspired him to join the group. He started there as a sweeper, but eventually got his chance to act on stage and gained some recognition. One of his first films was “My Bodyguard”, in which he played a handyman. A year later he started making guest appearances in shows such as “Taxi” and “Soap”. He also appeared in an episode of “M*A*S*H”, in which he had a pool ball stuck in his mouth for most of the episode. Afterwards, he appeared in “Airplane II: The Sequel” playing a minor role. In 1982, he was cast in the show “Cheers”, and would appear in all 275 episodes from 1982 to 1993, gaining considerable recognition and which increased his net worth significantly. After “Cheers”, he started appearing in “Saturday Night Live” in cameos and even hosting several shows. He would then continue his work in television shows and films such as “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”, “Outside Providence” and “Oblomov”. He is also seen in the music video “Black or White” by Michael Jackson. His net worth was increasing steadily.

George tried to start his own show entitled “The George Wendt Show”, a move that was prompted by the success of “Cheers”. The show was short-lived however, as it only ran for one month before being cancelled. Afterwards, he found himself making guest appearances in popular shows including “Columbo”, “Family Guy”, “The Simpsons”, “Frasier” and “Seinfeld”. He also appeared in “Sabrina, The Teenage Witch” for several episodes. After this string of shows, his appearances on television reduced, and he didn’t really start again until 2006, in the show “Late Night With Conan O’Brien”. He also returned to the stage in productions of “Twelve Angry Men”, “Hairspray”, and “Elf the Musical”. Wendt then contributed to commercials for State Farm Insurance. He also continued to do shows, including a comedy with his wife entitled “Never Too Late”.

For his personal life, George has been married to Bernadette Birkett since 1978. They met while Wendt was a part of Second City, and they now have five children, two of whom are his step-children.


Full NameGeorge Wendt
Net Worth$45 Million
Date Of BirthOctober 17, 1948
Place Of BirthChicago, Illinois, U.S.
Height5' 8" (1.73 m)
ProfessionActor, Soundtrack, Director
EducationCampion High School, and after matriculating attended the University of Notre Dame, Rockhurst College
NationalityAmerican
SpouseBernadette Birkett (m. 1978)
ChildrenHilary Wendt, Joe Wendt, Daniel Wendt
ParentsGeorge Robert Wendt, Loretta M. Wendt
SiblingsPaul Wendt, Tom Wendt, Mary Ann Wendt,Kathryn Sudeikis, Marti Doherty, Nancy Wendt Healy
IMDBwww.imdb.com/name/nm0001841
NominationsPrimetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, Genie Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Movies“The Little Rascals”, “Dennis the Menace Strikes Again”, “My Bodyguard”, “Taxi” , “Oblomov”
TV Shows"Cheers" (1982-1993), "The George Wendt Show" (1995), “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”, “Outside Providence”, “Black or White”, “Columbo”, “Family Guy”, “The Simpsons”, “Frasier”, “Seinfeld”, “Never Too Late”
#Quote
1Improvising is best left to those who really love it. Improvising itself is kind of fun, but the apprehension before the improv is not. I don't think that fast; I can't write that fast. Some people can look at a bunch of suggestions and can come up with a premise, but that was never my long suit.
#Fact
1Opened in the play, "12 Angry Men" in Dallas, co-starring Richard Thomas. [February 2007]
2Playing Edna Turnblad in Hairspray on Broadway [March 2008]
3He is of German (from his paternal grandfather) and Irish descent.
4Uncle of Jason Sudeikis, Kristen Sudeikis and Lindsay Sudeikis.
5Children: Hilary Wendt (b. 1985), Joe Wendt (b. 1987) and Daniel Wendt (b. 1990) with Bernadette Birkett.
6Brother-in-law of Joe Birkett.
7Is an avid Notre Dame football fan. Always attends the Notre Dame-vs.-USC game when held in Pasadena, California, every two years.
8In a tribute George wrote for the Second City book, he said that when he joined Second City, it wasn't directly through the troupe as a performer. He had studied the shows for a while and befriended an employee whom he asked about joining. She told him to show up after a performance one day in the afternoon, which he subsequently did. The stage area was littered with cigarette butts, when the woman handed him a broom and said "Welcome to the theater, kid."
9Along with Ted Danson and Rhea Perlman, he is one of only three actors to appear in all 273 episodes of Cheers (1982).
10Along with John Ratzenberger, Richard Belzer and Paul Fusco, he is one of only four actors to play the same character (Hilary Norman 'Norm' Peterson) on six different shows: Cheers (1982), Frasier (1993), Wings (1990), St. Elsewhere (1982), The Tortellis (1987) and The Simpsons (1989). He has appeared in episodes of all six series with John Ratzenberger.
11Has played Norm Peterson on seven different shows: Cheers (1982), St. Elsewhere (1982), The Tortellis (1987), The Simpsons (1989), Wings (1990), Frasier (1993), and Family Guy (1999).
12Wendt's maternal grandfather was Tom Howard, a photographer for the Washington bureau of P & A Photographs, who took one of the most famous news photos ever: of murderess Ruth Snyder as she was executed at Sing Sing Prison on January 12, 1928. He modified his miniature plate camera with a long shutter release, then smuggled it into the witness room by strapping it onto his left ankle. The photo was on the front page of the next morning's New York Daily News under the headline: DEAD! The camera is at the Smithsonian Institution.
13Attended University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana for 2 years.
14Graduate of Rockhurst College (now known as Rockhurst University) in Kansas City, MO.
15Played Macaulay Culkin's father in Michael Jackson's video 'Black or White'.

All pictures

Actor

TitleYearStatusCharacter
The Independents2016/Ipost-productionEduardo
Wake Up America!2016Richard
Childrens Hospital2016TV SeriesGovernor Jasper Ruth
Clipped2015TV SeriesBuzzy
Franklin & Bash2014TV SeriesHenry 'Hank' Shae
Verdene and Gleneda2014TV Series shortUncle Beanie
Kirstie2014TV SeriesDuke
Portlandia2013TV SeriesGeorge Heely
Merry In-Laws2012TV MovieMr. Claus
A Christmas Wedding Date2012TV MovieMr. Destiny
Kickin' It2012TV SeriesUncle Blake
The Seven Year Hitch2012TV MovieMr. Henderson
Harry's Law2011TV SeriesFranklin Chickory
Hot in Cleveland2011TV SeriesYoder
The Stay-At-Home Dad2010TV SeriesGerard Gold
Ghost Whisperer2010TV SeriesGeorge the Plumber
Less Than Kind2010TV SeriesTiny
Cubed2010TV SeriesGeorge Wendt
Santa Buddies2009VideoSanta Claus
Opposite Day2009Corporate Exec #1
Family Guy2007-2009TV SeriesNorm Peterson
A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!2008TV MovieSanta
Bryan Loves You2008Mr. Flynn
Unnatural Causes2008Chuck
The Green Green Grass2007TV SeriesCliff Cooper
Larry the Cable Guy's Christmas Spectacular2007TV MovieSanta Claus
Saturday Morning2007Harold
LA Blues2007Mickey
Imperfect Union2007TV MovieDuke
Guy Walks Into a Bar2006TV Movie
Santa Baby2006TV MovieSanta Claus
Masters of Horror2006TV SeriesHarold Thompson
Modern Men2006TV SeriesTug Tug Clarke
The Life Coach2005George
Kids in America2005Coach Thompson
Edmond2005Pawn Shop Owner
As Seen on TV2005ShortDonald
George Lopez2004TV SeriesEd
Rock Me, Baby2004TV SeriesMonty
House of Dreams2004TV SeriesHost
Saturday Night Live1991-2003TV SeriesBob Swerski
King of the Ants2003/IDuke Wayne
My Dinner with Jimi2003Bill Uttley
Frasier2002TV SeriesNorm Peterson
Sabrina, the Teenage Witch2001-2002TV SeriesMike Shelby
Teddy Bears' Picnic2002General Edison 'Pete' Gerberding
Becker2002TV SeriesFrank
Robertson's Greatest Hits2001TV MovieTom Robertson
Strange Relations2001TV MovieHoward
Odessa or Bust2001ShortThe Chef
Prairie Dogs2001ShortActor
The Gift of the Magi2001ShortShopkeeper
Wild About Harry2000Frankie
The Prime Gig2000Archie
The Pooch and the Pauper2000TV MovieSheldon Sparks
The List2000TV SeriesGuest Host
Lakeboat2000First Mate Collins
Garage: A Rock Saga2000Pitching Coach
Madigan Men2000TV SeriesCarl
Outside Providence1999Joey
Alice in Wonderland1999TV MovieFred Tweedledee
Rupert's Land1998Ivan Bloat
Alien Avengers II1998TV MovieCharlie
Dennis the Menace Strikes Again!1998VideoPoliceman (uncredited)
Anarchy TV1998Abbey Archer
Alien Avengers1997TV MovieCharlie
Spice World1997Film Producer
The Lovemaster1997Therapist
The Price of Heaven1997TV MovieSam
The Naked Truth1997TV SeriesLes Polanski
Spin City1996TV SeriesDan Donaldson
Space Truckers1996Keller
Bye Bye Birdie1995TV MovieHarry MacAfee
Shame II: The Secret1995TV MovieMac
Columbo1995TV SeriesGraham McVeigh
Man of the House1995Chet Bronski (Chief Running Horse)
The George Wendt Show1995TV SeriesGeorge Coleman
The Simpsons1994TV SeriesNorm Peterson
The Little Rascals1994Lumberyard Clerk
The Larry Sanders Show1994TV SeriesGeorge Wendt
Hostage for a Day1994TV MovieWarren Kooey
Dangerous: The Short Films1993VideoFather ('Black or White' video)
The Building1993TV SeriesCappucino Guy
Cheers1982-1993TV SeriesNorm Peterson
Bob1993TV SeriesGeorge Wendt
Forever Young1992Harry Finley
Roc1992TV SeriesStan Mason
Michael Jackson: Black or White1991Video shortFather
Tales from the Crypt1991TV SeriesMr. Crosswhite
Guilty by Suspicion1991Bunny Baxter
Wings1990TV SeriesNorm Peterson
Masters of Menace1990Dr. Jack Erheart
Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color1990TV SeriesNorm Peterson
Cranium Command1989ShortStomach
Day by Day1989TV SeriesStan
Never Say Die1988Mr. Witten
Mickey's 60th Birthday1988TV MovieNorm Peterson
Plain Clothes1987Chet Butler
The Tortellis1987TV SeriesNorm Peterson
House1986Harold Gorton
The Twilight Zone1986TV SeriesBarney Schlesinger (segment "The World Next Door")
Gung Ho1986Buster
Fletch1985Fat Sam
St. Elsewhere1985TV SeriesNorm Peterson
The Romance of Betty Boop1985TV ShortJohnny Throat / Punchie (voice, as George R. Wendt)
The Ratings Game1984TV MovieMr. Sweeney
No Small Affair1984Jake
Garfield in the Rough1984TV ShortRanger #2 (voice)
Thief of Hearts1984Marty Morrison
Dreamscape1984Charlie Prince
Ray Parker Jr.: Ghostbusters1984Video shortCameo appearance (uncredited)
Journey's End1983TV Movie
Garfield on the Town1983TV ShortR
Super Bowl XVII Pre-Game Show1983TV MovieNorm Peterson (uncredited)
Likely Stories, Vol. 41983TV Movie
Airplane II: The Sequel1982Ticket Agent (uncredited)
Jekyll and Hyde... Together Again1982Injured Man
M*A*S*H1982TV SeriesPvt. La Roche
Making the Grade1982TV SeriesGus Bertoia
Alice1982TV SeriesMonty
Taxi1981TV SeriesThe Exterminator
Soap1981TV SeriesCounterman
Hart to Hart1981TV SeriesSgt. Tate
Avery Schreiber Live from the Second City1980TV Movie
Somewhere in Time1980Student
My Bodyguard1980Engineer
Bronco Billy1980Bartender (uncredited)
A Wedding1978Caterer (uncredited)

Soundtrack

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Bye Bye Birdie1995TV Movie performer: "Hymn for a Sunday Evening Ed Sullivan", "Kids"
CheersTV Series 1 episode, 1986 performer - 10 episodes, 1988 - 1993

Director

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Cheers1988TV Series 1 episode

Producer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
King of the Ants2003/Ico-producer

Thanks

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt: Making '12 Angry Men'2008Video documentary short special thanks
Strictly Top-Shelf: The Guys Behind the Bar2004Video documentary short special thanks

Self

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Last Comic Standing2008TV SeriesHimself - Celebrity Talent Scout
Late Night with Conan O'Brien1993-2008TV SeriesHimself
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt: Making '12 Angry Men'2008Video documentary shortHimself - Juror #1, 2006-2007 Touring Production
Dancing with the Stars2007TV SeriesHimself
Number 72007Video shortHimself
The Ultimate Sitcom2006TV Movie documentaryHimself
2005 Radio Music Awards2005TV SpecialHimself
Lingo2005TV SeriesHimself
Stephen's Life2005TV MovieHimself
Situation: Comedy2005TV SeriesHimself
America Speaks Out2004DocumentaryHimself
Balderdash2004TV SeriesHimself
Whose Curse Is Worse?: Red Sox and Cubs on Trial2004TV Movie documentaryHimself
Nicholas Colasanto: His Final Season2004Video shortHimself
King of the Ants: Behind the Scenes2004Video documentary shortHimself
The Great American Celebrity Spelling Bee2004TV Mini-SeriesHimself - Contestant
The Wayne Brady Show2004TV SeriesHimself
Cliff's Notes: The Wisdom of Cliff Clavin2004Video shortHimself
Strictly Top-Shelf: The Guys Behind the Bar2004Video documentary shortHimself
Mayor of the Sunset Strip2003DocumentaryHimself
TV Guide's 50 Best Shows of All Time: A 50th Anniversary Celebration2002TV SpecialHimself
NBC 75th Anniversary Special2002TV SpecialHimself
The Jamie Kennedy Experiment2002TV SeriesHimself
Primetime Glick2001TV SeriesHimself
Weakest Link2001TV SeriesHimself
TV Funhouse2001TV SeriesHimself
E! True Hollywood Story2000TV Series documentaryHimself
The Rosie O'Donnell Show2000TV SeriesHimself
Saturday Night Live: The Best of Dana Carvey1999TV SpecialHimself
TFI Friday1999TV SeriesHimself
The 'Frasier' Story1999TV Special documentaryHimself
Monty Python's Flying Circus: Live at Aspen1998TV SpecialHimself - Audience (uncredited)
The Making of 'Space Truckers'1998Video documentary shortHimself - 'Keller'
Whose Line Is It Anyway?1997TV SeriesHimself
Good Company1996TV SeriesHimself
The 10th Annual American Comedy Awards1996TV SpecialHimself
Michael Jackson: Video Greatest Hits - HIStory1995Video documentaryFather (segment "Black or White")
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno1993-1995TV SeriesHimself
Late Show with David Letterman1995TV SeriesHimself
The Martin Short Show1994TV SeriesHimself
The 19th Annual People's Choice Awards1993TV SpecialHimself - Accepting Special Award for Cheers
Birds of a Feather1993TV SeriesHimself
The 45th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1993TV SpecialHimself - Presenter
Cheers: Last Call!1993TV ShortHimself / Norm Peterson
Late Night with David Letterman1985-1993TV SeriesHimself
Comic Relief V1992TV SpecialHimself
The 44th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1992TV SpecialHimself - Co-Presenter: Outstanding Performance in Variety or Music Program
Seinfeld1992TV SeriesHimself
Saturday Night Live1986-1991TV SeriesHimself / Himself - Host / Himself - The Host / ...
A Comedy Salute to Michael Jordan1991TV MovieHimself
The 16th Annual People's Choice Awards1990TV SpecialHimself - Presenter
Cheers1990TV SeriesHimself / Norm Peterson
The Earth Day Special1990TV SpecialNorm Peterson
Wogan1990TV SeriesHimself
The 41st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1989TV SpecialHimself - Nominee: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
The Jim Henson Hour1989TV SeriesHimself
The Arsenio Hall Show1989TV SeriesHimself
The 40th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1988TV SpecialHimself - Nominee: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
The 39th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1987TV SpecialHimself - Nominee
The 38th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1986TV SpecialHimself - Nominee: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Comic Relief1986/ITV SpecialLarry the Interviewer
The Making of 'House'1986Video documentary shortHimself
The 37th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1985TV SpecialHimself - Nominee: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
The 36th Primetime Emmy Awards1984TV SpecialHimself - Nominated: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
The 9th Annual People's Choice Awards1983TV SpecialHimself - Accepting Award for Favourite New Television Comedy Program
Bill Murray Live from the Second City1980TV Special documentaryHimself
'85: The Greatest Team in Pro Football History2016Himself
Must See TV: A Tribute to James Burrows2016TV SpecialHimself
Entertainment Tonight2016TV SeriesHimself
Extra2016TV SeriesHimself
Comedy Bang! Bang!2015TV SeriesHimself
Top Chef2014TV SeriesHimself - Guest Judge / Actor, Cheers
Thank You Very Much with Host Jack Antonoff2014TV MovieHimself
Celebrity Ghost Stories2013TV Series documentaryHimself
The Broadway.com Show2013TV SeriesHimself
What's in a Name?2011TV Series documentaryHimself - Beer Connoisseur
Color Me Obsessed: A Film About The Replacements2011DocumentaryHimself
Gylne tider2010TV Series documentaryHimself
Mike & Mike2009TV SeriesHimself - Guest
The 62nd Annual Tony Awards2008TV SpecialHimself (taped)

Archive Footage

Nominated Awards

YearAwardCeremonyNominationMovie
1999GenieGenie AwardsBest Performance by an Actor in a Supporting RoleRupert's Land (1998)
1990Q AwardViewers for Quality Television AwardsBest Supporting Actor in a Quality Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1989Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1988Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1987Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1986Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1985Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1984Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)

Known for movies


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