Wendi McLendon-Covey
Biography
Wendi McLendon-Covey is best known for her playing Beverly Goldberg on "The Goldbergs", Deputy Clementine Johnson on "Reno 911!", Liz the crazy cat lady on "Rules of Engagement", Lydia Mayhew on "Lovespring International", and Rita in "Bridesmaids." Wendi was in the Sunday Company at L.A.s famed Groundling Theater from 2001 - 2002, and a member of the Main Company from 2002 - 2009.
Greg Covey (10 August 1996 - present)
Trivia
She graduated from California State University Long Beach with a B.A. in Liberal Studies/Creative Writing.
Was a member of the L.A. based Improv/Comedy Troupe "The Groundlings" from 2002-2009.
Has been called the "Queen of Improv" by TV Guide, for her work on two unscripted shows: Reno 911! (2003) and Lovespring International (2006).
Her character, "Deputy Clementine Johnson" from Reno 911! (2003), was a character Wendi developed at the Groundling Theater, although she wasn't originally a cop. The character of Clementine's common-law husband, Steed (they had a wedding in season 1 but were never officially married because they never got a license), was also developed at the Groundlings.
Was a spokesperson for the charity COPS 4 Causes.
Her favourite band is Steely Dan. Her character on Reno 911! (2003) had a tattoo on her back which once said "Steed" (a one-time boyfriend), later changed to "Steely Dan" after the relationship ended.
In 2009, 2010, 2011 she rang in the New Year in Iraq and Kuwait, performing at small bases that rarely get any entertainment.
Presented with the Comedic Actress award by the La Femme Film Festival in 2012.
Winner of the Commie Award from the LA Comedy Shorts Film Festival in 2011.
As a performer, you can't just sit around waiting for the phone to ring. You have to write and develop projects for yourself, because casting people aren't always going to see you the way you want to be seen. Write a one-person show, shoot a short film, do plays, whatever - activity breeds activity. No one's interested in a stay-at-home actress.
On young actresses and the pressure to be thin: "Well, first you have to ask yourself if you want to be the kind of actress who's interesting, or the kind of actress who's meant to play the pretty-but-uninteresting wife of a chubby guy on a network sitcom. If you want to play the good roles, spend more time in in college and in acting class than you do in the gym, and you'll have the career you want. Talent always wins out in the long run."