Posted by I got wood in Wildwood on May 14, 2010 at 16:16:19:
5 Questions with ... George Wendt
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
By Jeff Nuich
CSN Chicago Senior Director of Communications
CSNChicago.com Contributor
Want to know more about your favorite Chicago celebrities? CSNChicago.com has your fix as we put the city’s most popular personalities on the spot with everyone’s favorite weekly local celeb feature entitled “5 Questions with...”
Every Wednesday, exclusively on CSNChicago.com, it’s our turn to grill the local media and other local VIPs with five random sports and non-sports related questions that will definitely be of interest to old and new fans alike.
This week’s very special guest … one of the most beloved character actors in television history whose brilliant portrayal of the priceless barfly Norm Peterson on the hit comedy series “Cheers” earned him a massive six Primetime Emmy nominations … this alumnus of Chicago’s famed Second City continues to earn rave reviews for his work on both screen and stage (he was recently Edna Turnblad in the
Broadway production of “Hairspray”) … bottom line, we’re honored this multi-talented entertainer and author calls Chicago his hometown … here are “5 Questions with…GEORGE WENDT!”
BIO: Actor and comedian George Wendt was born on October 17, 1948, in Chicago. He initially studied at the University of Notre Dame, but was kicked out after failing all the subjects he took in a semester. He eventually graduated with a degree in economics at the Rockhurst College in Kansas City.
Wendt was part of the Chicago-based comedy troupe The Second City. After being inspired to join after one viewing, he was initially assigned to sweep cigarette butts off the theater floor. Eventually, he progressed to become one of the performers and his experiences there led to screen roles in the 1980s. He began by playing bit roles in films such as "Somewhere In Time," as well as guest roles in series such as "Taxi", "Soap" and "M*A*S*H".
However, Wendt is best known for his role in the massively successful sitcom Cheers. He played Norm Peterson, a regular customer at Cheers, who began as an accountant who eventually loses his job and becomes a housepainter. He played the character throughout Cheers’ 11-year run, and also reprised his character in its spin-offs, "The Tortellis" and "Frasier," as well as "Wings" and "St. Elsewhere" and an episode of "The Simpsons".
Wendt is also known for his numerous appearances on "Saturday Night Live." After his first appearance in 1985 as a guest co-host (with Francis Ford Coppola), he later made several cameo appearances in some sketches, notably as Bob Swerski, one of the Chicago “Superfans.” His SNL connection continues to this day, as he is the uncle of current cast member Jason Sudeikis.
Apart from these, Wendt also had a recurring role in "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," and appeared in other programs such as "Modern Men," "House of Dreams," "Madigan Men" and "Becker." He has also returned to the stage, recently playing the role of Edna Turnblad in the Broadway revival of the musical "Hairspray." In addition, Wendt is the author of the hilarious book “Drinking with George: A Barstool Professional's Guide to Beer.”
1) CSNChicago.com: George, thanks so much for taking time to join us for CSNChicago.com’s “5 Questions with…” It’s truly an honor to say the least. On to the questions … you were born in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood on the south side of the city. Tell us a couple of your fondest local sports memories of growing up in that part of town and, since you did grow up on the South Side, we’re assuming you’re a White Sox fan … or did you go against the grain and root for the Cubs?
Wendt: I remember the night the ‘59 Sox won the pennant! Air raid sirens went off throughout the city at Mayor Daley's orders. It caused quite a scare for the Cub fans -- Sox fans knew the Russians weren't attacking! I was always a Sox fan primarily, but the ‘69 Cubs did turn my head for a while. I loved that era of Cubs. I even swallowed the bait for the ‘84 team. After playing in "Bleacher Bums" a few times, I realized the folly of the quest for Cub fans. After the Sox won in 2005, I called several Cub fan friends and warned them what a hollow feeling winning left me with ... "Don't!" I said to them, "It's all about the quest.” They didn't take it very well. So watching and waiting for just how and when the Cubs season will blow up is just so much fun for me ... plus it saves Joe Mantegna a rewrite on "Bleacher Bums."
2) CSNChicago.com: You’re a 1975 alumnus of Chicago’s world-famous improv comedy troupe Second City and one of so many talented comedic actors that came out of there over the years. What makes Second City so special in your opinion and tell us who were some of your fellow ’75 alums that joined you on that famous stage?
Wendt: I left Second City in 1980. Tim Kazurinsky, Bruce Jarchow, Mary Gross, Jim Belushi, Danny Breen, Nancy McCabe-Kelly and Bernadette Birkett were among the many I played with over six years there. As for the success that many alumni have achieved, one overlooked factor is plain old EXPERIENCE. There aren't many situations in the theater where you get to play in front of an audience eight shows a week for years and years. Most Second City performers are there for 3-5 years, some longer. I was there for six! But you never really leave. For example, the group I mentioned above (with the exception of Mary Gross, who will miss the show) are getting together in a month to perform at Second City's etc. space during the "Just for Laughs" festival.
3) CSNChicago.com: There’s not a list out there that doesn’t include “Cheers” as one of the greatest TV comedies ever created (no one here will argue with that either). You appeared in all 275 episodes as one of the all-time great sitcom characters: Norm Peterson. Did going to work each day during that time ever feel like “work” to you and tell us which cast members you still interact with on a regular basis?
Wendt: “Cheers” was a dream job for any actor, but especially me! Sit at a bar and drink beer all day and have your patter supplied by some of the best comedy writers in TV ... and get paid? I keep in touch with everyone from “Cheers” as much as I can. Everyone's busy with family and work and some live far away. Ted and I are hoping to see Kelsey in "La Cage" next week. Bebe is also on Broadway, and I hope to see her. ‘Wood’ and I are in touch a lot, also Rhea.
4) CSNChicago.com: Your character of Norm also provided TV history with some of the greatest quotes of all-time (note the sampling below). Now that “Cheers” has been off the air for 17 years, why do you think that truly “original” scripted sitcoms featuring big ensemble casts have become so scarce these days ... it seems like most of them are taking a safe “cookie cutter” approach?
Wendt: I think the four-camera, live audience proscenium style of sitcoms got a bit stale. The new format is one camera, more like a feature film or TV drama. “30 Rock” is a good example of this. There are some four-camera shows that are on and working -- “Two and a Half Men,” for example ... maybe this format will return.
… a sampling of George’s Norm Peterson quotes from “Cheers”
"Can I draw you a beer, Norm?"
"No, I know what they look like. Just pour me one."
"What's shaking, Norm?"
"All four cheeks and a couple of chins."
"Beer, Norm?"
"Have I gotten that predictable? Good."
"What's going on, Mr. Peterson?"
"A flashing sign in my gut that says, 'Insert beer here.'"
"Whatcha up to, Norm?"
"My ideal weight if I were 11 feet tall."
"How's it going Mr. Peterson?"
"Poor."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"No, I mean pour."
"Can I pour you a beer, Mr. Peterson?"
"A little early isn't it, Woody?"
"For a beer?"
"No, for stupid questions."
"How's it going Mr. Peterson?"
"It's a dog-eat-dog world, Woody, and I'm wearing Milk Bone underwear.”
5) CSNChicago.com: Back to Chicago sports … you were also a part of the hilarious “Da Superfans” recurring sketch on “Saturday Night Live” that spawned the now-famous household phrase: “DAAA BEAAARRRRS!” How did that sketch come about and did you ever think that phrase would become the constantly spoken expression that it is among Chicago sports fans?
Wendt: The Chicago “Super Fan” characters from “Saturday Night Live” were originally cooked up by some Second City workshop students who put on a show at the Déjà Vu on Lincoln Ave. called "The Happy Happy Good Show.” Among these players were Robert Smigel, Conan O'Brien and Bob Odenkirk. They moved on to write for “SNL” and eventually got the sketch on the air when Joe Mantegna hosted. It went well and was revived when I hosted. This was at the beginning of the Jordan-led six championships. Jonathan Brandmeier had a sound byte from the show and played it constantly throughout the playoff run. I think he (and of course Smigel -- who did the majority of the writing) was most responsible for the ubiquity of the catch phrases.
BONUS QUESTION… CSNChicago.com: George, you also recently authored a terrific book entitled “Drinking with George: A Barstool Professional's Guide to Beer.” We all know your character of Norm Peterson tossed back a few, but it was interesting to learn you REALLY are a beer lover. What made you decide to write about this love affair with the cold one?
Wendt: Beer has been very good to me over the years and I thought it was time to give something back.