India, May 21 -- George Wendt, actor famous for playing Norm Peterson in the NBC comedy series 'Cheers', has died, his publicist confirmed to Variety on Tuesday. He was 76 years old. TMZ cited family sources to further add that Wendt passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was at his home.

"George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time," Wendt's publicist said.

While authorities have not revealed the actor's cause of death yet, George Wendt had a history of cardiovascular problems. In October 2012, he was hospitalized in Chicago with chest pains, forcing him to withdraw from a production of The...