There’s nothing quite like watching a seasoned pro take the screen by storm. As a guest star on Apple TV+’s hit comedy Shrinking, Wendie Malick proves she’s still got what it takes. In this new role, she plays Harrison Ford’s doctor, and their chemistry is undeniable. “I told him he was like an old pair of jeans—which I mean as the ultimate compliment,” Wendie, 72, shared with Closer. “Harrison and I clicked right away. We had such a great time working together, and it was like slipping into a comfortable routine. It was pure fun.”
Throughout her illustrious career, whether she’s portraying a doctor on Shrinking, a six-time divorced former actress on Hot in Cleveland, or any of the other unforgettable characters she’s brought to life, Wendie always seems to be having the time of her life. “I’m always eager to take on new challenges that push me out of my comfort zone,” she says. “Even though I don’t have a series of my own right now, I love collaborating with different people and exploring new roles. It keeps things fresh and exciting!”
From Opera Singer to Veterinarian: Wendie's Early Dreams
When asked about her childhood aspirations, Wendie reveals she had two distinct paths in mind. “I was either going to be an actress or a veterinarian,” she recalls. “I’ve always been crazy about animals. Today, I live with a miniature donkey, three horses, and a dog. Over the years, we’ve had a whole zoo at different times. While I adored animals, I wasn’t great at math or science, so that kind of sealed the deal for me. But as a kid, I was already putting on plays, directing them, writing them, and starring in them. It was clear where my heart truly lay.”
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Family Ties: A Legacy of Creativity
Wendie’s love for the arts didn’t come out of nowhere. Her grandmother was an opera singer who gave it up after getting married and starting a family. “She used to sing while giving me massages,” Wendie reminisces. “Her fingers were magical, and hearing her sing made those moments even more special.” Her mother, too, was a character in her own right, providing endless inspiration for Wendie’s work. “I’ve shamelessly borrowed from her and her friends over the years,” she admits. Her father also dabbled in amateur theater and played saxophone in a band. “Clearly, I come from a long line of creative types,” she jokes.
Breaking Through: Wendie's Big Break
While Wendie had been working steadily in the industry, it wasn’t until she landed a role on Dream On that her career really took off. “Before that, I was mostly playing villains, judges, or divorcees,” she explains. “One season, I even killed three husbands! But Dream On changed everything. They discovered I had a great sense of humor and timing. Suddenly, I went from being the straight man to a character actor. That was one of the greatest gifts anyone could ever give me, and I’ll always be grateful for it.”
Wendie’s time on Just Shoot Me for seven seasons created lasting bonds with her co-stars. “I just had lunch with Laura San Giacomo the other day,” she shares. “Rico [Enrico Colantoni] and I catch up whenever I’m in Canada. I recently got David Spade to cohost the Environmental Media Awards with me—I’m on the board. We feel like family forever. Losing George Segal was incredibly tough for all of us.”
“George was such a joy to be around,” she continues. “We used to do the New York Times crossword puzzle together every morning. Eventually, he started checking the obituaries and would say, ‘Oh, they’re calling my class.’ It was a sobering reminder of how difficult it can be to lose friends as you age. But honestly, that’s something we all face, no matter our age.”
Hot in Cleveland: Breaking Barriers with Female-Led Comedy
Wendie’s experience on Hot in Cleveland was nothing short of remarkable. “It was such a surprise!” she exclaims. “Jane Leeves and Valerie Bertinelli turned 50 on the show, I turned 60, and Betty White celebrated her 90th birthday. The idea of four women from different generations carrying a show seemed almost impossible. But after that first table read, we all looked at each other and thought, ‘This might actually work.’ It turned out to be an incredible journey.”
