Cheers was a hit comedy that aired on NBC for 11 seasons from September 30, 1982 to May 20, 1993. While I was too young to have watched the initial seasons, I caught them in re-runs and, by the early 1990s, it had become one of my favorite shows. In fact, despite it having been off the air for more than 32 years, it is still one of my three favorite TV comedies of all time (along with Friends and Seinfeld). My college friends will attest to my nightly ritual of watching Cheers re-runs at 10:35pm while enjoying a 32-ounce cup of Dr Pepper and a bag of microwave popcorn, all while sitting in my bean bag chair.
While Cheers brought us lots of funny episodes and loads of memorable characters, few are remembered as fondly as Norm Peterson, portrayed by George Wendt. A regular at the bar, one gag that continued for the duration of the series was Norm entering the bar to a chorus of people yelling “Norm!” and then one of the bartenders asking Norm a question and getting a humorous or sarcastic response in reply.
In memory of George Wendt, who passed away earlier this week, I give you my Top 12 one-liners from Norm – his so-called “greatest hits”.
12. Sam: “How’s life in the fast lane, Normy?”
Norm: “Beats me. I can’t find the on
ramp.”
11. Woody: “What’s going on, Mr. Peterson?”
Norm: “Let’s talk about what’s going
IN Mr. Peterson.”
10. Coach: “How’s life treating you, Norm?”
Norm: “Like it caught me in bed with
its wife.”
9. Woody: “What’s going down, Mr.
Peterson?”
Norm: “My cheeks on this barstool.”
8. Woody: “Hey, Mr. Peterson. What do you
say to a cold one?”
Norm: “See you later, Vera. I’ll be
at Cheers.”
7. Woody: “There’s a cold one waiting for
you, Mr. Peterson.”
Norm: “I know and if she calls, I’m
not here.”
6. Woody: “Hey, Mr. Peterson. Jack Frost
nipping at your nose?”
Norm: “Yeah, now let’s get Joe Beer
nipping at my liver.”
5. Sam: “What’s up, Norm?”
Norm: “My nipples. It’s freezing out
there.”
4. Coach: “How’s a beer sound, Norm?”
Norm: “I don’t know, Coach. I
normally finish them before they get a word in.”
3. Coach: “What’s shaking, Norm?”
Norm: “All four cheeks and a couple
of chins, Coach.”
2. Sam: “What are you up to, Norm?”
Norm: “My ideal weight if I were 11
feet tall.”
1. 1. Sam: “What’s happening, Norm?”
Norm:
“It’s a dog eat dog world, Sammy, and I’m wearing Mike Bone underwear.”
RIP, George Wendt, and thanks for the laughs. Here’s hoping St. Peter and a bunch of angels all greeted you with a big heavenly “NORM!” at the pearly gates.
Cheers!
