
Joel Polis
Biography
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
2026
as Self

Chasing a Dream
2009
as Dr. Aldicott

Fallen Angels
2007
as Horace Millhouse

Swallow
2004
as Agent Miller

Alien Hunter
2003
as Copeland

Attraction
2001
as William

Rocket's Red Glare
2000
as Col. Mitchell
- No poster
Shadows
2000
as Kapo

Tumbleweeds
1999
as Vice Principal

The Thing: Terror Takes Shape
1998
as Self

The Sleepwalker Killing
1997
as Asst. Atty. Jimmy

Prison of Secrets
1997
as Brad

Dark Angel
1996
as Jastrow

Twilight Man
1996
as Harper

It's My Party
1996
as Tim Bergen

Never Say Never: The Deidre Hall Story
1995
as Bill Handel

Serial Killer
1995
as Jack Blund

Deadly Medicine
1991
as Dr. George Reardon

The Rookie
1990
as Lance

My Blue Heaven
1990
as U.S. Attorney

Burning Bridges
1990
as Dr. Paletsky

Those She Left Behind
1989
as Kerns

True Believer
1989
as Dean Rabin

Best Defense
1984
as First Agent