
Joel Polis
Acting
Born 1951-10-03 · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
An American television, film and stage actor. He has appeared in over one hundred television programs and films during his career. Polis' first film role was the character 'Fuchs' in the science fiction film The Thing. He appeared in numerous television series including Cheers, Alien Nation, Northern Exposure, Star Trek: Voyager, Roseanne, Seinfeld, Chicago Hope, Boston Legal and CSI. He appeared in a recurring role on the television series Cheers as the mischievous Gary, owner of the rival bar, Gary's Olde Towne Tavern. Polis's theater credits include performances at the Astor Place Theatre, Hartford Stage, Old Globe Theater, South Coast Repertory, Mark Taper Forum, Odyssey Theatre, Laguna Playhouse, Lillian Theater and the Pasadena Playhouse.
Filmography

The Thing Expanded
Apr 1, 2026

Chasing a Dream
Apr 24, 2009

Fallen Angels
Oct 5, 2007

Swallow
Feb 9, 2004

Alien Hunter
Jul 19, 2003

Attraction
Apr 22, 2001

Rocket's Red Glare
Aug 27, 2000

Tumbleweeds
Nov 24, 1999

The Thing: Terror Takes Shape
Sep 8, 1998

The Sleepwalker Killing
Apr 28, 1997

Prison of Secrets
Mar 16, 1997

Dark Angel
Sep 10, 1996

Twilight Man
Jul 26, 1996

It's My Party
Mar 22, 1996

Serial Killer
Oct 5, 1995

Deadly Medicine
Nov 11, 1991

The Rookie
Dec 7, 1990

My Blue Heaven
Aug 17, 1990

Burning Bridges
May 6, 1990

Those She Left Behind
Mar 6, 1989

True Believer
Feb 17, 1989

Best Defense
Jul 20, 1984

All The Kids Do It
Apr 24, 1984

Born Beautiful
Nov 1, 1982

The Thing
Jun 25, 1982