BREAKING: Chicago Bears Superfan George Wendt, Known for SNL’s ‘Bob Swerski’ and ‘DA BEARS’ Phrase, Passes Away at 76

The world of sports entertainment and pop culture has lost one of its most iconic figures. George Wendt, best known for his role as the Chicago Bears superfan “Bob Swerski” on Saturday Night Live (SNL), has passed away at the age of 76. Wendt’s portrayal of the over-the-top, beer-loving, die-hard Bears supporter not only became a beloved part of SNL history but also cemented his place in the hearts of football fans and comedy lovers alike.

Wendt’s passing marks the end of an era for many who grew up watching his unforgettable performances on SNL during the 1990s, where he, along with fellow comedians like Chris Farley and others, helped create one of the most memorable recurring sketches in the show’s storied history. Wendt’s larger-than-life personality, infectious humor, and, of course, his contribution to popularizing the now-legendary catchphrase “DA BEARS” have left an indelible mark on both Chicago Bears fans and the comedy world as a whole.

This article will look back on George Wendt’s life and career, how he came to embody the role of Bob Swerski, and his lasting impact on the Bears, SNL, and comedy culture.

Early Life and Career

George Robert Wendt was born on October 17, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the youngest of six children in an Irish-American family. Growing up in the Windy City, Wendt developed an early love for Chicago sports, but his journey into comedy began not with football, but with a passion for acting.

Wendt studied at the University of Notre Dame, where he developed an interest in the performing arts, especially theater. After graduation, Wendt moved to New York to pursue a career in acting. His early career included various stage roles and minor television appearances, but it wasn’t until he made the move to Los Angeles that his comedic talents truly began to shine.

It was in the early 1980s that Wendt’s career gained significant traction when he was cast as a regular on the hit NBC sitcom Cheers, which ran from 1982 to 1993. Wendt portrayed the lovable, beer-drinking, and often sarcastic bartender Norm Peterson, a character that would become one of television’s most iconic and beloved figures. His portrayal of Norm earned him six Primetime Emmy nominations and helped him become a household name.

While his role on Cheers made him a star, it was his work on Saturday Night Live that would forever endear him to sports fans, especially those who followed the Chicago Bears.

The Birth of Bob Swerski and ‘DA BEARS’

In the early 1990s, SNL was looking for new ways to capture the zeitgeist of pop culture and sports. At the time, the Chicago Bears were enjoying a resurgence, and Chicago was buzzing with excitement as the Bears enjoyed success in the NFL. Meanwhile, SNL was eager to tap into the enthusiasm surrounding sports fans, and what better way to do so than to create a sketch that celebrated one of the most passionate and iconic fanbases in the country?

Enter Bob Swerski, a caricature of a Chicago Bears superfan, complete with his thick Chicago accent, love for football, and, of course, his penchant for beer. The character was first introduced in 1991 as part of a recurring sketch called The Bears on Saturday Night Live. Wendt was cast in the role, and the sketch immediately resonated with audiences.

The premise of the sketch was simple yet effective: a group of Chicago Bears superfans, led by Wendt’s Bob Swerski, would sit around a table and talk about the Bears, often with a combination of exaggerated passion, humorous insights, and loud, exaggerated expressions. While the men were clearly over the top in their fandom, they represented something real about sports culture: the undying devotion that fans have for their teams, even in the face of disappointing seasons and frustrating losses.

The catchphrase that would become the hallmark of the sketch—and, in some ways, of Wendt’s entire portrayal—was “DA BEARS!” The phrase, uttered with an exaggerated Chicago accent, quickly caught on and became a staple of both the sketch and the broader lexicon of Chicago sports fans. It encapsulated the raw, unfiltered energy that typified the SNL superfan sketches. It wasn’t just a phrase—it was a declaration of fandom, an expression of pride, and a rallying cry for a fanbase known for its unwavering support of the Bears.

Wendt’s portrayal of Bob Swerski was a perfect blend of humor, affection for the team, and a little bit of self-deprecating charm. As Swerski, Wendt became a figurehead of this now-infamous group of Bears fans. Alongside other SNL legends like Chris Farley (who played a fellow superfan, Todd O’Connor), Wendt’s character was part of one of the most enduring comedic sketches in SNL history.

The Cultural Impact of ‘DA BEARS’

Over time, the “DA BEARS” catchphrase transcended its SNL origins and became ingrained in Chicago sports culture. Fans would chant “DA BEARS!” at games, use it in conversation, and even incorporate it into social media posts. Wendt’s portrayal of Bob Swerski was an essential part of that legacy. The phrase took on a life of its own, representing not just the team, but also the enduring spirit of Bears fans.

Wendt’s role in the sketch was more than just about being funny—he embodied the kind of unapologetic, loyal fandom that makes sports so special. His character was both a parody of the stereotype of the “obsessed fan” and an affectionate tribute to the real-life fervor that true fans have for their teams. Wendt’s commitment to the character and the humor he brought to Bob Swerski’s over-the-top personality made it easy for audiences to connect with the sketch, regardless of whether they were Bears fans or not.

The “DA BEARS” sketch had a profound influence on the pop culture lexicon, and its impact went beyond SNL. The catchphrase became synonymous with the Bears and with Wendt’s portrayal of Swerski. It became something that was repeated in bars, at tailgates, and in the homes of Chicagoans, growing into a beloved piece of the city’s cultural fabric. Wendt’s humorous portrayal of Swerski helped elevate the sketch into one of the most cherished and remembered recurring segments from SNL during that era.

Wendt’s Lasting Influence and Legacy

Although George Wendt’s time on Saturday Night Live was brief compared to the show’s decades-long run, his contribution to the program and his impact on Chicago Bears fandom remain significant. The “DA BEARS” sketch not only made Wendt an enduring figure in SNL history but also ensured that his legacy would continue to live on among sports fans, especially those in Chicago.

In the years following his time on SNL, Wendt remained an active figure in both the entertainment industry and in Chicago’s sports culture. He made guest appearances on television shows, lent his voice to animated series, and even occasionally reprised his role as Bob Swerski in various media. His affection for the Chicago Bears was well-documented, and he frequently expressed his pride in being part of a fanbase that loved its team through thick and thin.

Beyond the world of comedy and television, Wendt also became a beloved figure among Chicago Bears fans. He was often invited to speak at fan events and was recognized as a genuine, albeit comedic, ambassador of Bears fandom. Whether he was attending a game at Soldier Field or participating in a fan event, Wendt’s presence was always appreciated by those who recognized him not just as an actor, but as an integral part of the Bears’ cultural fabric.

Even in his passing, Wendt’s legacy as Bob Swerski and the “DA BEARS” catchphrase continues to live on. In the wake of his death, social media has been flooded with tributes from fans and fellow comedians who remember him not just for his work on SNL, but for his ability to bring joy to millions. Fans of all ages, whether they were watching the sketches in the 90s or discovered them through reruns, will continue to share stories and laugh at Wendt’s iconic portrayal.

A Tribute to a Chicago Icon

George Wendt’s passing marks the loss of not only a talented actor but also an icon of Chicago sports fandom. His portrayal of Bob Swerski on SNL wasn’t just a comedic bit—it was an expression of love for the Chicago Bears and for the city itself. Wendt’s ability to tap into the spirit of Chicago sports fans and turn it into something universally hilarious and endearing is a testament to his skill as a performer.

As we remember Wendt, we remember not just the catchphrase “DA BEARS” but the laughter, camaraderie, and passion he brought to the screen. He was more than just a character on a comedy sketch—he was a reflection of the heart and soul of a sports community that continues to celebrate the pride and joy of being a Chicago Bears fan.

In his own way, George Wendt helped to immortalize the Chicago Bears in a way that transcended the game of football. His portrayal of Bob Swerski will remain a beloved part of both SNL history and Chicago’s sports culture for generations to come.