Wendi McLendon-Covey
White blazer by Zara
Wendi McLendon-Covey, a film and television actress and producer, stars as Beverly Goldberg in ABC's "The Goldbergs," which is in its ninth season and just announced its renewal for season 10. In 2011, she played a bridesmaid, Rita, in the hit comedy "Bridesmaids" alongside Kristin Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, and Rose Byrne, winning the Critic's Choice Award for Best Comedy. She is also known for her roles as Deputy Clementine Johnson on "Reno 911!", both in the show's original run and its recent revival "Reno 911! Defunded," which premiered on February 25. In addition, she played Liz on "Rules of Engagement;" Lydia Mayhew on "Lovespring International;" and Jen in "Blended." Wendi recently became Carol Pepper in the film "Sick Girl," alongside Nina Dobrev, currently in post-production. She also stars as Wendy alongside Owen Wilson and Michaela Watkins in the new comedy "Paint," which premieres later this year.
Congratulations on season nine and 200 episodes of “The Goldbergs.” Did you think the show would make it this far?
We just celebrated our 200th episode of “The Goldbergs.” It seems like only yesterday we had our 100th episode celebration. I’d say that 200 episodes puts us in the category of shows that will probably never be off the air because now we’ve hit “comfort show” status; you know, something that you can always turn on when you’re feeling down and it will always lift your spirits, kind of like Seinfeld, Cheers, or I Love Lucy! So yes, I am thrilled that we have made it this far.
What has been the best part of working on the show? You are now an executive producer, correct?
The best part of working on the show has been:
watching the kids get older and
working with such talented writers and artists as far as our whole crew is concerned.
Of course I’m talking about our hair and makeup team, our stellar costume and props department, and set decorators because they really have transported us back to the eighties! I was a teenager in the eighties, so it has been fun to relive that time knowing what I know now.
I’m one of the executive producers now, so that means I weigh in more on casting and show ideas. Although, hey, I know my place, and I don’t overstep my boundaries because I’m an actor first, and I’ve got a lot to concentrate on there.
You play ‘Deputy Clementine’ on Reno 911. The reboot has been a big hit! What has it been like coming back after all these years?
It had been 11 or 12 years since we’d all been together, and it was a really fun reunion. We started out doing short form episodes for Quibi. Then we did another season of regular-length episodes called “Reno 911:Defunded.” Both of those seasons are now on the Roku channel. Then we got to do a movie: “Reno 911, The Hunt for Q ANON” on Paramount Plus. Getting to revisit that whole world was so much fun for all of us. We fell back into our roles seamlessly, and we also had some great guest stars like Jamie Lee Curtis, George Lopez, and “Weird Al” Yankovic.
You recently shot the film “Paint” opposite Owen Wilson, how did you prepare for your role as Wendy
About a year ago, I shot the film “Paint” opposite Owen Wilson, also starring Michaela Watkins, Stephen Root, Luisa Struss, Ciara Renee, and Lucy Freyer. We shot it in Saratoga Springs, New York, and it felt like we’d gone to sleepaway camp to shoot this weird little movie. I play a character named “Wendy” (shocking!) by channeling a character I played back in 2005 on a short-lived improv show called “Lovespring International.” My character had been in love with a married man for more than 20 years, similar to my “Paint” is like. She is stuck the past when Owen Wilson’s character first showed interest in her. She has been wearing the same Juicy sweats for 20 years. As her butt has gotten bigger, the word “Juicy” has gotten smaller, and it’s hilarious.
What about the film are you particularly excited to share with audiences?
It was so much fun. I’m excited to share this film with audiences and for people to look at the seedy underbelly of basic cable painting shows in the Vermont public access system.
When you aren’t working, what are you doing? Do you have a favorite pastime?
Well, right now we’re moving and it’s taking all of our spare time. But other than that, my husband and I go to as many concerts as we can. That is one of my favorite things to do in the world. I also love to hike; I love to spend time with critters; and I like to spend time with my parents and my friends, many of whom I’ve known since high school. I’m lucky because I have a lot of love around me.
Left:
Gown by Oliver Tolentino
Right:
Black Jumpsuit is Black Halo
You’ve been married for 25 years! What is one thing your husband has taught you about yourself?
My husband has taught me that if I listen to my instincts, I’m usually right! He was the first person to encourage me to go on this whole acting journey.
What is the best piece of advice someone ever told you?
My husband gave me some of the best advice I’ve ever gotten. First, don’t listen to people who don’t know what they’re talking about. Second, what’s the worst thing that can happen if you try? Nothing! The world isn’t going to end. You’ll always be OK.
What’s next for you?
As far as what’s next, I have another movie coming out soon called “Sick Girl.” I play the mother of Nina Dobrev. I’m also working on the upcoming feature films “History of the World: Part 2” and “Prom Pact,” as well as a Pixar project that I can’t say much about yet. I’ve also got a podcast called” Generation Ripe” that’s geared towards “teenagers over 40.”
Social Media.
IG: @wendimclendoncovey
CREW CREDITS:
Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Ron Contarsy and Drew Hild for Highmark Studios
Talent: Wendi McLendon-Covey
Fashion Stylist: Adena Rohatiner
Hair: David Gardner at Exclusive Artists using Phyto
Makeup: Marie DelPrete
Assistant Photographer: Erik Phillips
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Flora Medina, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Location: Tricanyon Management, Hollywood Hills, CA
