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.

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.

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