in memoriam
As I often remind readers, some of these passings hurt a bit more than others; and I think that's just the nature of living life. We don't get to know all of these men and women -- certainly not as much as we'd like -- and then there are these fateful few that we somehow find to have spent hours and hours of being entertained by them and their work. It may've seemed somewhat insignificant at the time, and then we find ourselves looking back -- often from these announcements -- and realizing that perhaps one tiny role -- measured against the cosmic scope of television or movies -- really made an impact.
Such is the case with the passing of George Wendt.
Without belaboring the point -- and truly only listing it for posterity's sake -- Wendt's work had a huge impact on the legacy of Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek. For those of you who don't know, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine had a bar -- it was called Quark's -- and Quark's had this one regular who never said a word, probably never paid his tab, but was there in an incredible number of scenes if for no other reason than to give authenticity to the tavern itself. Bars have regulars, and Quark's should be no different, despite the parade of alien species into the establishment. And Morn was this guy's name. Morn was based on 'Norm,' the popular barstool philosopher who was part of a winning ensemble featured on NBC's popular sitcom of its day, Cheers.
Undoubtedly that deserves mention in this space, so consider it mentioned.
Otherwise, the award-winning actor did have a few other roles in the realms of the Fantastic deserving of mention:
Though there are a few more -- TV appearances, as well -- I'll leave it at that. Wendt clearly wasn't a genre heavyhitter, but he was still the kind of talent who made himself known whenever he was onscreen; and that's something fans can always be thankful for when looking back and rediscovering what he's left us for study or just plain enjoyment.
Our warmest prayers are extended to the family, friends, and fans of George Wendt.
May he rest in peace.
-- EZ
Such is the case with the passing of George Wendt.
Without belaboring the point -- and truly only listing it for posterity's sake -- Wendt's work had a huge impact on the legacy of Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek. For those of you who don't know, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine had a bar -- it was called Quark's -- and Quark's had this one regular who never said a word, probably never paid his tab, but was there in an incredible number of scenes if for no other reason than to give authenticity to the tavern itself. Bars have regulars, and Quark's should be no different, despite the parade of alien species into the establishment. And Morn was this guy's name. Morn was based on 'Norm,' the popular barstool philosopher who was part of a winning ensemble featured on NBC's popular sitcom of its day, Cheers.
Undoubtedly that deserves mention in this space, so consider it mentioned.
Otherwise, the award-winning actor did have a few other roles in the realms of the Fantastic deserving of mention:
- In 1982, he enjoyed a wee bit of screen time in the Horror/Comedy Jekyll And Hyde ... Together Again. That same year, he enjoyed an uncredited part in Airplane II: The Sequel.
- In 1984, he turned up aboard Dreamscape, one of the better Fantasies to grace silver screens that year.
- In 1985, Horror called again, and Wendt was cast in a supporting spot for House.
- In 1996, the actor squeezed himself into another bit-style part in Space Truckers. Later that year, he dipped into SciFi/Comedy with a leading role aboard Alien Avengers, a property that would get a sequel two years later.
Though there are a few more -- TV appearances, as well -- I'll leave it at that. Wendt clearly wasn't a genre heavyhitter, but he was still the kind of talent who made himself known whenever he was onscreen; and that's something fans can always be thankful for when looking back and rediscovering what he's left us for study or just plain enjoyment.
Our warmest prayers are extended to the family, friends, and fans of George Wendt.
May he rest in peace.
-- EZ
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