Played the beloved beer-loving barfly Norm for 11 seasons on Cheers, earning six Emmy nominations

Launched his career at Chicago’s famed Second City improv troupe, shaping his comedic style

Portrayed Edna Turnblad in Hairspray on Broadway and starred in Tony-winning plays like Art

Married actress Bernadette Birkett since 1978; she voiced Norm’s unseen wife Vera on Cheers

Co-wrote Drinking With George, a beer-lover’s guide blending humor and autobiography

Dropped out of Notre Dame but graduated from Rockhurst University; uncle to Jason Sudeikis

Became synonymous with beer culture, starring in Miller Lite ads and joking, “I never met a beer I didn’t like”