My Beloved Wendt
More than anything else in the world, I love George Wendt.
Sure there are a lot of people out there who mean a lot to me. My friends, my family, my girlfriend - they’re all important, and I don’t want to diminish that. But George Wendt is tops for me. He takes the cake.
Sometimes I like entertaining those around me with my hilarious George Wendt impersonations. People can’t believe how well I can “do” Wendt. For me, the trick is to dig down deep and capture the essence of Wendt, and then let that silky essence flow through my speech and body movements. Before you know it, I’m bringing down the house!
Most people probably know Wendt from his days playing Norm on “Cheers”, but I like his other roles too. From his turn as the drug-addled beach-dweller in Fletch to his less-heralded NBC sitcom “The George Wendt Show”. It’s all vintage Wendt, as far as I’m concerned. I’ve written a number of screenplays which would most certainly catapult him back into the limelight. One of them is about an everyman who frequents a tavern filled with humorous characters and who tries to strike it rich (it’s called All The Live Long Day!) and another one is about a soldier who escapes the French Legion and comes to America to save his brother by fighting in an underground tournament (Lionheart II: The Harvest).
I’ve never met George Wendt in person, but if I did, I know exactly what I’d say. I’d say, “George, though I love what you’ve got, I’d never stalk you or steal anything from you. You’re A-OK by me.” He’d probably smile, shake my hand firmly, and thank me (though I’d be satisfied with just a smile and a thanks). I’ve rehearsed our encounter hundreds of times by now, so I know I won’t get nervous. Then I’d nod at his wife Bernadette before looking Wendt in the eyes as I leave. It will be perfect, and he’ll feel totally comfortable throughout.
Mr. Wendt, if you’re reading this, please don’t be afraid. I only wish to be nearer to you.
Soon, my old friend. Soon…
Categories:
July 7th, 2004 at 7:55 am
Run, Wendt, while you can!
Um…I mean, nice post.
July 7th, 2004 at 8:49 am
there’s just something about those screenplays… they sound very familiar…
July 7th, 2004 at 9:44 am
George Wendt is best known to television audiences as Norm Peterson, the cud-sipping resident sports fan on “Cheers.” The role earned Wendt six Emmy nominations. Wendt began his career with Second City, Chicago’s famed improvisational company. In 1974, he was hired by the company as a professional satirist, and for six years he honed his skills as an actor and a comedy writer. A pilot featuring Second City players, “Nothing but Comedy,” brought Wendt to Los Angeles. He then went on to guest star in such television series as “Alice,” “Soap,” “Taxi,” “Hart to Hart,” “M*A*S*H,” and “St. Elsewhere.” Wendt’s feature film credits include “Forever Young,” “Guilty By Suspicion,” “Fletch,” “Gun” Ho” and “Man of the House ” Most recently he has just completed a remake of the classic “Bye Bye Birdie” for an ABC movie of the week. but uhh. you know.. thats just right off the top the ol noggin here…
July 7th, 2004 at 9:47 am
cliff always did sort of bore me with all the spouting off of crap that no one cares about…
July 7th, 2004 at 11:00 am
It’s cool if you’d want to stalk me for a little while. I could leave out some boxer briefs and you could happen upon them. I could also leave out some compromising pictures of myself, which you “snapped off,” for you to put up on your wall. I don’t really mind. I’ll be around tomorrow for about the entire 24 hours, if you happen to be in the neighborhood. I want to love you.
July 7th, 2004 at 1:32 pm
Come on. We all know that I’m really Norm.
July 7th, 2004 at 2:48 pm
If George Wendt googles himself a lot, you’re screwed.
July 7th, 2004 at 2:56 pm
Hey Peter, perhaps when you meet Mr Wendt you could suggest to him that they bring back Cheers but film it in a different venue than a bar…Just saw George Costanza suggest that to him on Seinfeld and he really seemed to go for it. =)
July 7th, 2004 at 3:05 pm
don’t google him whatever you do!!! you will get a link to nude pics, GROSS!!!
July 8th, 2004 at 8:23 am
One last parting thought on Wendt…if he were a cereal, what cereal would he be?
And, would he eat himself? :nudgenudge: