From improv stages to some of the most beloved comedies of the last two decades, Wendi McLendon-Covey joins Media Path for a lively, laugh-infused conversation about finding and trusting her voice.
Wendi looks back on her Groundlings run where she honed fearless comedic instincts and created characters that would define her career.
Though she always knew she wanted to perform, it took time, and a leap of courage for her to fully pursue it. While holding down a full time job, she signed up for a bunny slope Groundlings class called “Fun Shop” and stayed for ten years, moving all the way up to seven years in the main company!.
She shares behind-the-scenes Reno 911 deep dish! like how she created “Clementine Johnson” (based on a Groundlings character who was based on her real-life aunt) and the back stories behind iconic moments like the drunk catwalk and her Ill-fated “lottery win.”
Wendi’s favorite Reno 911 movie iteration is The Search For QAnon which was shot on The Queen Mary during the pandemic. And ghosts being vaccinated by death, the ship was still haunted!
A Steely Dan fangirl, Wendi recounts how a storyline revealing her Clementine as a groupie led to an unexpected real-life live show invitation, and an onstage shoutout from Walter Becker!
The conversation inevitably turns to The Goldbergs set, where a decade-long run fostered deep bonds among the cast. Wendi reflects on what she misses most, shares what it was like to meet the real Beverly Goldberg, and offers memorable stories about The Goldbergs’ beloved George Segal.
Now starring in St. Denis Medical, Wendi tells us how she embraced the role of Joyce and reflects on her career’s ongoing evolution. She also credits her husband Greg as a constant source of support and encouragement throughout her journey.
And we learn how Wendi has lent her impeccable comic skill and timing to some beloved and feel-good favorites in a memorable round of IMDB Roulette!
Plus, in a perfect Wendi moment, the episode wraps with a roll call of her eight cats!
And in current media recommendations, Lisa and Weezy discuss the Netflix comedy competition series, Funny AF with Kevin Hart.
Path Points of Interest:
Wendi McLendon-Covey on Instagram
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Have you ever become obsessed with a topic and taken a deep dive into consuming all you could uncover about it?
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Fritz Coleman is a legendary Los Angeles weatherman/humorist. Louise Palanker is a filmmaker/columnist and co-founder of Premiere Radio.
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