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 Garys Olde Towne Tavern Poliss 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