George Wendt, the actor who was most known for his role as the down-on-his-luck everyman Norm Peterson in the Boston-based sitcom “Cheers,” has passed away at 76 years old.

A representative for Wendt, publicist Melissa Nathan, confirmed the actor’s death to USA TODAY on May 20, adding that he died peacefully in his sleep at his home “early Tuesday morning.”

“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,” the statement continued. “He will be missed forever.”

Wendt earned six consecutive best supporting actor Emmy nominations playing his one-line-delivering everyman character. He never won an Emmy for “Cheers,” but his underemployed accountant character was greeted with a boisterous call of “Norm!” by fellow patrons with every entrance to the fictional Boston bar. The actor’s death falls on the 32nd anniversary of the final “Cheers” episode that aired on May 20, 1993.

Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman reacts to George Wendt’s death

Ted Danson, aka bar proprietor Sam Malone, said in a statement to USA TODAY that he is “devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us.”

“I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children,” Danson continued. “It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.”

Rhea Perlman shared fond memories of her on-set dynamic with Wendt while portraying waitress Carla Tortelli.

“George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met. It was impossible not to like him,” she said in a statement to USA TODAY. “As Carla, I was often standing next to him, as Norm always took the same seat at the end of the bar, which made it easy to grab him and beat the crap out of him at least once a week. I loved doing it and he loved pretending it didn’t hurt.”

She added, “What a guy! I’ll miss him more than words can say.”

Is the Cheers bar still open

Yes, the bar from “Cheers” is still open.

Originally founded as the Bull & Finch Pub in 1969, the bar was used for the external shots of the television show and also served as the inspiration for the actual “Cheers” bar in the series. The owners eventually changed its name after an agreement with CBS.

If you wanted to visit and toast to Wendt’s memory, you can find Cheers Boston at 84 Beacon St.