Discover How George Wendt Inspired Star Trek’s Funniest Running Gag!

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In the wake of George Wendt’s passing, there have been numerous tales circulating online about his influence within the entertainment industry. It came as a shock to me that this actor significantly impacted “Star Trek,” even though he had no part in any past or future “Trek” series. However, because of him, we were blessed with what might be the most hilarious running gag in “Deep Space Nine.

It’s no wonder that the timeless TV show, “Cheers,” had an impact on a later series like “Star Trek.” In fact, a character from “Star Trek” named Morn was inspired by a character named Norm from “Cheers.” This bit of trivia, shared by Slashfilm, adds even more appeal to the show for me. Now that I know this connection between the two shows, I appreciate “Cheers” even more than I did before!

Morn Was Inspired By George Wendt‘s Norm On Cheers

While Morn from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine might not be considered among the greatest characters of all time by everyone, it’s undeniable that his character is one of the show’s most enduring comedic elements. Frequently spotted at Quark’s, he was known for his quiet demeanor and preference for solitude.

Even though this was the case, each person aboard the space station had some intriguing tales to tell about Morn. These stories of an unruly and loquacious pub-goer didn’t align with his screen persona, which added a hilarious twist every time another tale was brought up.

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1999 saw Showrunner Ira Steven Behr confirming in an interview with StarTrek.com that the character Morn from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is actually an anagram of Norm, a character played by George Wendt on Cheers. Interestingly enough, Behr’s response suggested he had answered this question before, adding to the amusement that I’m only finding out about it now.

How Are Morn And Norm Similar?

Morn could share some resemblances with Norm, but let’s explore how alike they truly are. Ira Steven Behr pointed out the round physique of Morn, as well as his propensity for talking, suggesting that these qualities might be what they have in common with George Wendt’s character.

In addition, it can be argued that Norm had a considerable amount of screen time on Cheers, with many memorable scenes, compared to Morn on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. To the average spectator, their only shared characteristic might seem to be that they are both regular patrons at bars, and generally enjoyable characters.

It’s unfortunate that among Star Trek’s numerous well-known guest stars, George Wendt wasn’t included. However, considering his extensive television work, it appears he didn’t actively seek out many roles in the science fiction genre. At least, his impact on the universe will always be felt, and I can assure you that my perspective on Morn will never be the same.

Discover memorable scenes from Morn on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine by subscribing to Paramount+. Choose between the Essential plan at $7.99 monthly or upgrade to the Premium plan, which includes an ad-free experience and twice as much content with Showtime, for $12.99 a month. Or, save some money by opting for their annual plan, where you’ll get 12 months for the price of 10! Deal available now.

At this moment, you can stream “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” on Paramount+. Don’t miss the chance to witness the antics, or rather the lack of them, of the character Morn, and what is often hailed as one of the best series in the Star Trek franchise.

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2025-05-21 20:41