Wendi McLendon-Covey

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Wendi McLendon-Covey
Wendi McLendon-Covey 2012.jpg
McLendon-Covey in 2012
Born
Wendy McLendon

(1969-10-10) October 10, 1969 (age 51)
Bellflower, California, U.S.
Alma materCalifornia State University, Long Beach
Occupation
  • Actress
  • comedian
Years active2001–present
Spouse(s)
Greg Covey
​
(m. 1996)​

Wendi McLendon-Covey (née McLendon; born October 10, 1969)[1] is an American actress and comedian. She is known primarily for her work in comedic and improvisational roles. Since 2013, McLendon-Covey has played the role of Beverly Goldberg, a family matriarch, on the ABC comedy series The Goldbergs, for which she was nominated for two Critics' Choice Television Awards for Best Actress in a Comedy Series.

A native of Long Beach, California, McLendon-Covey worked numerous jobs after graduating high school before earning a degree from California State University in 2000. After graduating, she became a member of The Groundlings, an improvisational comedy group in Los Angeles, and remained a member until 2009. McLendon-Covey began her acting career while still a member of the Groundlings, starring as Deputy Clementine Johnson in the improvisational Comedy Central series Reno 911! (2003-2008). She also had the lead role in the Lifetime short-lived comedy Lovespring International (2006), as well as minor roles in Bewitched (2005) and Over Her Dead Body (2008). McLendon-Covey had a recurring role on the CBS sitcom Rules of Engagement (2010-2013).

After a breakout performance in the 2011 comedy film Bridesmaids, McLendon-Covey has appeared in a number of films, including What to Expect When You're Expecting (2012), The Single Moms Club (2014), Blended (2014), Think Like a Man Too (2014), Hello, My Name Is Doris (2015), Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (2018), and What Men Want (2019). Since 2018, she has played the voice role of Nancy Green in the Disney Channel animated series Big City Greens. In 2019, after years in comedy roles, McLendon-Covey played a leading role in the independent drama film Blush.

Early life[]

McLendon-Covey was born in Bellflower, California.[2] She was raised Baptist,[3] in Long Beach, California. She went to DeMille Junior High and graduated from Millikan High School. She attended Long Beach City College, Golden West College, and California State University, Long Beach,[4] where she graduated with a B.A. in Liberal Studies and Creative Writing.[2]

While McLendon-Covey was working at a hotel in Anaheim and after graduating from college, she enrolled in a weekend class for non-actors at The Groundlings, an improvisational group in Los Angeles.[5] She officially joined The Groundlings in 2002, and meanwhile worked as an editor for California State University's academic journal of social work, a job she kept until 2012.[6]

Career[]

McLendon-Covey performing with Michael Hitchcock and Karri Turner at improv comedy show in 2010

2001–2010[]

While a member of the Groundlings, McLendon-Covey was a classmate of comedians Kaitlin Olson,[7] Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig, the latter two of whom she later starred alongside in the film Bridesmaids.[8] While a member of the Groundlings, McLendon-Covey steadily auditioned for television and film roles, but did not have an agent at the time and was unable to book jobs.[7]

In 2003, she auditioned for the role of Deputy Clementine Johnson in the comedy series Reno 911![9] "I went in, and I thought, "Fuck this. I'm not gonna get it, but you know what? I'm just gonna go in [and try]," she recalled.[7] At the time, the series had previously been considered by Fox.[7] McLendon-Covey was cast in the role, and the series was subsequently picked up by Comedy Central.[7][9]

In the third year of Reno 911!, she also starred in the Lifetime comedy show Lovespring International in 2006 and has provided commentary for E!, TV Guide Channel, and VH1. In 2007, she starred in the comedy film Reno 911!: Miami, based on Comedy Central's Reno 911! and also appeared in Bewitched (2005) and Over Her Dead Body (2008). She produced, wrote, and starred in the 2007 independent comedy film Cook Off!.[2] McLendon-Covey also guest-starred on television series such as The Office, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Cougar Town.

2011–present[]

In 2011, McLendon-Covey starred in the financially successful and critically lauded comedy film Bridesmaids with Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, and Ellie Kemper.[10] Beginning in July that same year, she began starring in national TV ads for a new campaign by Hillshire Farm.[11] From 2010 to 2013, she had a recurring role on the CBS sitcom Rules of Engagement.[12] She also had guest-starring roles in Fox's short-lived sitcom I Hate My Teenage Daughter,[13] TV Land's Hot in Cleveland,[14] and ABC's Modern Family.[15]

McLendon-Covey with The Goldbergs cast in 2014

McLendon-Covey appeared in the 2012 romantic comedy What to Expect When You're Expecting, directed by Kirk Jones,[16] and Steven Soderbergh's film Magic Mike.[17] She had roles in the Christmas comedy movie A White Trash Christmas about a mom visited by three ghosts intent on showing her a path to a brighter future,[18] and in the comedy-drama film The Breakup Girl directed by Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning Stacy Sherman about three estranged sisters dealing with the death of their father.[19]

In February 2012, McLendon-Covey was cast in the HBO comedy pilot The Viagra Diaries, created by Sex and the City creator and executive producer Darren Star, but when Goldie Hawn exited the pilot, McLendon-Covey also left the show.[20] After she received five offers, she won the female lead role on ABC's comedy pilot Only Fools And Horses.[21][22] She also played one of the leads in Tyler Perry's film The Single Moms Club (2014).[23][24] Also in 2014, she starred in A Merry Friggin' Christmas as Robin Williams' character's daughter,[25] Blended, as Drew Barrymore's character's best friend,[26][27] and Think Like a Man Too.[28]

In January 2013, McLendon-Covey was cast in the lead role of the ABC comedy series The Goldbergs, created by Adam F. Goldberg.[29][30] Her portrayal of the character received critical praise,[31] and she was nominated for a Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series in 2014.[32]

McLendon-Covey in 2007

In 2015, McLendon-Covey starred opposite Sally Field in the comedy-drama film Hello, My Name Is Doris.[33] Also that year, McLendon-Covey hosted ABC reality comedy series Repeat After Me, produced by Ellen DeGeneres.[34] Also in 2015, she played the female leading role opposite Nicolas Cage in the comedy film Army of One, directed by Larry Charles.[35][36]

McLendon-Covey had a dramatic role as Mark Felt's secretary Carol Tschudy in the political thriller film Mark Felt: The Man Who Brought Down the White House (2017), directed by Peter Landesman.[37] She later played a leading role in the independent drama film Blush that premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival.[38][39] She starred in the 2018 horror comedy Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween and co-starred opposite Taraji P. Henson in the 2019 romantic comedy What Men Want. In 2020, she continued appearing in a dramatic roles co-starring opposite Tessa Thompson in Sylvie's Love.[40] In 2020, McLendon-Covey reunited with Bridesmaids co-stars Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo in the comedy film Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar.[41]

Personal life[]

McLendon-Covey has been married to Greg Covey since 1996.[2]

Filmography[]

Film[]

Year Film Role Notes
2001 Henry and Marvin Judy Short film
2005 Bewitched E! Anchor
2007 Reno 911!: Miami Deputy Clementine Johnson
2007 Closing Escrow Hillary US Comedy Arts Festival for Best Comedy Performance in Film
2007 Cook Off! Pauline Solfest Also co-writer
US Comedy Arts Festival for Best Comedy Performance in Film
2007 Goldfish Mrs. Jenkins
2008 Over Her Dead Body Lona
2009 Boutonniere Mrs. Pruitt
2009 Spooner Linda
2009 Jesus People: The Movie Jenna Bosch
2010 Starlight & Superfish Dawn
2010 Douchebag Mary Barger
2010 Tug Taylor
2010 Public Relations Candice
2010 The Search for Santa Paws Ms. Stout
2011 Sometimes Pretty Girls Tootsie Short film
2011 Bridesmaids Rita[42] New York Film Critics Online Award for Best Ensemble Cast
Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Award for Best Ensemble
MTV Movie Award for Best Gut-Wrenching Performance
Nominated—Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Nominated—MTV Movie Award for Best Cast
Nominated—Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Acting Ensemble
Nominated—People's Choice Awards for Best Ensemble Cast
Nominated—Central Ohio Film Critics Association for Best Acting Ensemble
2012 Holiday Road Rosman
2012 What to Expect When You're Expecting Kara
2012 Magic Mike Tara Scenes deleted[43]
2013 10 Rules for Sleeping Around Emma Cooney
2013 All American Christmas Carol Marjorie
2014 Date and Switch Linda
2014 Cuban Fury Carly
2014 The Single Moms Club Jan Malkovitch
2014 Blended Jen
2014 Think Like a Man Too Tish
2014 A Merry Friggin' Christmas Shauna
2015 The Breakup Girl Sharon
2015 Hello, My Name Is Doris Cynthia
2016 Army of One Marci
2017 Speech & Debate[44] Joan
2017 Mark Felt: The Man Who Brought Down the White House Carol Tschudy
2018 Status Update[45] Ann Moore
2018 Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween Kathy Quinn
2019 Blush Cathy
2019 What Men Want Olivia
2019 Braking for Whales Aunt Jackie Hillhouse
2020 Sylvie's Love Lucy
2021 Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar Mickey Revelet
2021 Long Weekend Patricia
TBA Paint Wendy
TBA Sick Girl Carol Pepper Post-production

Television[]

Year Title Role Notes
2003–08, 2020 Reno 911! Deputy Clementine Johnson Series regular, 85 episodes
2006 Lovespring International Lydia Mayhew Series regular, 13 episodes
2008 Greek Connie Episode: "Spring Broke"
2008 The Office Concierge Marie Episode: "Business Trip"
2008 Kath & Kim Lucy Episode: "Friends"
2009 10 Things I Hate About You Vivian Episodes: "Light My Fire" and " Dance Little Sister"
2009 Wizards of Waverly Place Dr. Ice Episode: "Three Monsters"
2010–2013 Rules of Engagement Liz Recurring role, 14 episodes
2011 Cougar Town Vice Principal Episode: "You're Gonna Get It!"
2011 Svetlana Phoebe 2 episodes
2011 I Hate My Teenage Daughter Deanna Episodes: "Pilot" and "Teenage Girlfriends"
2012 Hot in Cleveland Sandy Episode: "God and Football"
2012 Bob's Burgers Mudflap (voice) 3 episodes
2012 Wedding Band Barb Henderson Episode: "I Don't Wanna Grow Up"
2012 Only Fools and Horses Ruby Ross TV Pilot
2012 The Looney Tunes Show Patricia Bunny (voice) Season 2: "You've Got Hate Mail", "Rebel Without a Glove" and "Father Figures"
2012 RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars Herself Episode: "Dynamic Drag Duos"
2012–2013 Modern Family Pam Episodes: "Schooled" and "The Wow Factor"
2013–present The Goldbergs Beverly Goldberg Series regular
Nominated—Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series (2014, 2016)
2015 Repeat After Me Host
2015 Mike Tyson Mysteries Elsa Schmidt 1 episode
2015–2016 American Dad! Autograph Seeker, Monkey Trainer, Scottie's Mom (voice) 4 episodes
2018–present Big City Greens Nancy Green (voice) 19 episodes; recurring
2019 Schooled Beverly Goldberg Episodes: "Be Like Mike", "Tamagotchis And Bells"
2020 Crossing Swords Doreen (voice) 5 episodes
2021 Marvel's M.O.D.O.K. Monica Rappaccini (voice) 10 episodes

References[]

  1. ^ "Wendi McLendon-Covey Overview". TV Guide. Archived from the original on September 10, 2015. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c d "Wendi McLendon-Covey Biography". TV Guide. Archived from the original on September 9, 2015. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
  3. ^ Griffiths, John (May 6, 2014). "She Says, He Says". Television Academy. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  4. ^ Rudis, Al (May 12, 2011). "Comic actress stays grounded in LB". Long Beach Press Telegram. California. Archived from the original on September 26, 2019. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
  5. ^ "Why Wendi McLendon-Covey Was Still Freelancing on the Set of 'Bridesmaids'". Wealthsimple. October 1, 2018. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  6. ^ Elkins, Kathleen (October 5, 2018). "Here's why actress Wendi McLendon-Covey kept her side hustle, even while filming 'Bridesmaids'". CNBC. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  7. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e McLendon-Covey, Wendi (May 4, 2017). "Episode 808". WTF Podcast (Interview). Interviewed by Marc Maron. Retrieved June 29, 2017.
  8. ^ McLendon-Covey, Wendi (May 25, 2011). "Wendy McLendon-Covey". Conversations with Ross (Interview). Interviewed by Ross Carey. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
  9. ^ Jump up to: a b "Talking with... Wendi McLendon-Covey". TV Guide. 54: 9. 2006. ISSN 0039-8543.
  10. ^ "Wendi McLendon-Covey | Movies and Biography". Yahoo! Movies. Archived from the original on January 1, 2014. Retrieved December 31, 2013.
  11. ^ "Hillshire Farm Introduces Brand New Campaign That is 'So Good. They'll Think It's for Them'". MarketWatch. July 5, 2011. Retrieved September 25, 2011.
  12. ^ Stahler, Kelsea (October 8, 2011). "Exclusive: We Chat With 'Rules of Engagement's' Wendi McLendon-Covey". Hollywood.com. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
  13. ^ Masters, Megan (September 13, 2011). "Exclusive: I Hate My Teenage Daughter Casts Bridesmaids Scene-Stealer". TVLine. Retrieved December 31, 2013.
  14. ^ Stransky, Tanner (November 16, 2011). "'Bridesmaids' star visits 'Hot in Cleveland'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  15. ^ Nadel, Nick (August 13, 2012). "'Modern Family': Wendi McLendon-Covey to guest as a lesbian mom". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  16. ^ Rose, Lacey; Kit, Borys (July 13, 2011). "'Bridesmaids' Star Wendi McLendon-Covey Joins 'What to Expect When You're Expecting' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 23, 2011. Retrieved July 23, 2011.
  17. ^ Fernandez, Jay A. (September 6, 2011). "'Bridesmaids' Actress Signs on for 'Magic Mike'". The Hollywood Reporter.
  18. ^ Harris, Scott (November 8, 2011). "'Bridesmaids' Star Wendi McLendon-Covey Gets 'Trash'ed". Next Movie. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  19. ^ Brooks, Brian (March 1, 2012). "Mary Kay Place, Sarah Paulson, Mamie Gummer Set For 'Claire's Cambodia'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  20. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (February 8, 2012). "'Bridesmaids' Wendi McLendon-Covey Cast In Goldie Hawn's HBO Pilot 'Viagra Diaries'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  21. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (March 7, 2012). "'Bridesmaids' Wendi McLendon-Covey To Co-Star In ABC Pilot 'Only Fools & Horses'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
  22. ^ Bustos, Kristina (March 7, 2012). "'Only Fools and Horses' US casts 'Bridesmaids' Wendi McLendon-Covey". Digital Spy. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  23. ^ Sneider, Jeff (November 8, 2012). "McLendon-Covey married to 'Single Mom's Club". Variety. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  24. ^ "Tyler Perry Casting Up 'Single Mom's Club' Adds 'Bridesmaids' Star Wendi McLendon-Covey". IndieWire. November 8, 2012. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  25. ^ Shaw, Lucas (March 18, 2013). "'Bridesmaids' Actress, Tim of 'Tim & Eric' Join Robin Williams, Joel McHale in Yule Comedy (Exclusive)". TheWrap. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  26. ^ Shaw, Lucas (July 24, 2014). "'Bridesmaids' Actress Joins Adam Sandler Comedy for Warner Bros. (Exclusive)". TheWrap. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  27. ^ Bahr, Lindsay (July 31, 2013). "Casting Net: Alec Baldwin for Cameron Crowe pic; Plus Ethan Hawke, more". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  28. ^ Gallagher, Brian (May 28, 2013). "Think Like a Man Too Begins Production in Las Vegas". MovieWeb. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
  29. ^ Andreeva, Nellie. "Wendi McLendon-Covey To Star In Adam Goldberg's 1980s Comedy Pilot At ABC". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 14, 2015.
  30. ^ "Wendi McLendon-Covey cast in Adam Goldberg's ABC comedy pilot". Digital Spy. Retrieved January 14, 2015.
  31. ^ Furlong, Maggie (June 10, 2014). "Wendi McLendon-Covey Deserves an Emmy for 'The Goldbergs,' Is the Funniest Woman on TV". Yahoo! TV. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
  32. ^ Busis, Hillary (May 28, 2014). "Critics' Choice TV Awards 2014: And the nominees are..." Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  33. ^ "Natasha Lyonne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Kyle Mooney, Kumail Nanjiani Join Indie Comedy (Exclusive)". TheWrap. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  34. ^ "ABC orders prank show inspired by Ellen DeGeneres". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  35. ^ Kit, Borys. "'Goldbergs' Star Wendi McLendon-Covey Joins Nicolas Cage in Bin Laden Comedy (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  36. ^ Maas, Jennifer (February 19, 2015). "Casting Net: 'Bridesmaids' star Wendi McLendon-Covey joins Nicolas Cage in Bin Laden satire". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  37. ^ Fleming, Jr., Mike. "Watergate Deep Throat Movie 'Felt': Cast Surrounding Liam Neeson – Deadline". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  38. ^ "Sundance Unveils Politics-Heavy Lineup Featuring Ocasio-Cortez Doc, Feinstein Drama". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 28, 2018.
  39. ^ "15 Buzziest Sundance Movies: From 'Honey Boy' to 'Leaving Neverland'". TheWrap. January 23, 2019.
  40. ^ N'Duka, Amanda (March 27, 2019). "'The Goldbergs' Star Wendi McLendon-Covey Joins Tessa Thompson In 'Sylvie'". Deadline Hollywood.
  41. ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (July 15, 2019). "Wendi McLendon-Covey, Damon Wayans Jr. Join 'Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar'". Deadline Hollywood.
  42. ^ "Wendi McLendon-Covey insists Bridesmaid sequel is not going to happen". celebretainment.com. Celebretainment. January 18, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2021. I think maybe one of Rita’s kids knocked up a teacher. And I think she’s divorced and seeing that, you know, ‘Oh, I had it so much better when I was married. I wonder why I was so miserable all the time?’ I kind of patterned her off of any of the 'Real Housewives' of wherever, where there is always something wrong but there’s really nothing wrong. It’s just that she’s bored and needs to get a job.
  43. ^ Perricone, Kathleen. "Wendi McLendon-Covey: What It's Really Like to Work With Jennifer Lopez". Yahoo!. Archived from the original on September 11, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  44. ^ Lincoln, Ross A. "'Speech & Debate' Casts 'The Goldbergs' Wendi McLendon-Covey". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  45. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (July 19, 2016). "Rob Riggle, Famke Janssen, Wendi McLendon-Covey & More Round Out 'Status Update' Cast". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 19, 2016.

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