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Wendi McLendon-Covey

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Wendi McLendon-Covey
McLendon-Covey in 2012
Born
Wendi McLendon

(1969-10-10) October 10, 1969 (age 55)
Alma materCalifornia State University, Long Beach
Occupations
  • Actress
  • comedian
Years active2001–present
Spouse
Greg Covey
(m. 1996)

Wendi McLendon-Covey (née McLendon; born October 10, 1969)[1] is an American actress known primarily for her work in comedic and improvisational roles. From 2013 until 2023, she played the role of family matriarch Beverly Goldberg 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 from high school before earning a degree from California State University, Long Beach, 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 series Reno 911! (2003–2008, 2020–present). 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), What Men Want (2019), Sylvie's Love (2020), Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021), and Elemental (2023). In 2019, after years in comedy roles, McLendon-Covey played a leading role in the independent drama film Blush.

Early life

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McLendon-Covey was born in Bellflower, California, in the family of Carolyn and Robert McLendon.[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

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

2001–2010

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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

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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] The series lasted ten years and 229 episodes was produced.[33] She also served as a producer and later as an executive producer of the series.[34]

McLendon-Covey in 2007

In 2015, McLendon-Covey co-starred opposite Sally Field in the comedy-drama film Hello, My Name Is Doris.[35] Also that year, McLendon-Covey hosted ABC reality comedy series Repeat After Me, produced by Ellen DeGeneres.[36] Also in 2015, she played the female leading role opposite Nicolas Cage in the comedy film Army of One, directed by Larry Charles.[37][38]

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.[39] She later played a leading role in the independent drama film Blush that premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival.[40][41] 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. Since 2018, she has played the voice role of Nancy Green in the Disney Channel animated series Big City Greens. In 2020, she continued appearing in a dramatic roles co-starring opposite Tessa Thompson in Sylvie's Love.[42] 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.[43]

From April 2020 to July 2022, McLendon-Covey co-hosted the pop culture podcast Generation Ripe with surfographer/photo art director and producer Dfernando Zaremba. The podcast's audience was teenagers over 40 and featured interviews with guests from all realms of the entertainment industry and the arts. Also in 2020, McLendon-Covey returned for the seventh season of Reno 911! which was aired on Quibi. In 2021, the movie Reno 911! The Hunt for QAnon was released on Paramount+. The eighth season of the series, now titled Reno 911!: Defunded, premiered on The Roku Channel in February 2022. She co-starred with Owen Wilson in the comedy-drama film Paint, it was released on April 7, 2023.[44]

In 2023, McLendon-Covey played Vicky White in the Lifetime movie Bad Romance: The Vicky White Story based on the manhunt for escaped inmate Casey White and Lauderdale County jailer Vicky White.[45]

Personal life

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McLendon-Covey has been married to Greg Covey since 1996.[46]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Film Role Notes
2001 Henry and Marvin Judy Short film
2005 Bewitched E! Anchor
2007 Reno 911!: Miami Deputy Clementine Johnson
Closing Escrow Hillary US Comedy Arts Festival for Best Comedy Performance in Film
Cook Off! Pauline Solfest Also co-writer
US Comedy Arts Festival for Best Comedy Performance in Film
Goldfish Mrs. Jenkins
2008 Over Her Dead Body Lona
2009 Boutonniere Mrs. Pruitt
Spooner Linda
Jesus People: The Movie Jenna Bosch
2010 Starlight & Superfish Dawn
Douchebag Mary Barger
Tug Taylor
Public Relations Candice
The Search for Santa Paws Ms. Stout
2011 Sometimes Pretty Girls Tootsie Short film
Bridesmaids Rita[47] 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
LA Femme Film Festival Comedic Actress Award
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
What to Expect When You're Expecting Kara
Magic Mike Tara Scenes deleted[48]
2013 10 Rules for Sleeping Around Emma Cooney
All American Christmas Carol Marjorie
2014 Date and Switch Linda
Cuban Fury Carly
The Single Moms Club Jan Malkovitch
Blended Jen
Think Like a Man Too Tish
A Merry Friggin' Christmas Shauna
2015 The Breakup Girl Sharon
Hello, My Name Is Doris Cynthia
2016 Army of One Marci
2017 Speech & Debate[49] Joan
Mark Felt: The Man Who Brought Down the White House Carol Tschudy
2018 Status Update[50] Ann Moore
Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween Kathy Quinn
2019 Blush Cathy
What Men Want Olivia
Braking for Whales Aunt Jackie Hillhouse
2020 Sylvie's Love Lucy
2021 Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar Mickey Revelet
Long Weekend Patricia
2023 Prom Pact Alyssa Yang
Paint Wendy
Elemental Gale Cumulus Voice
Sick Girl Carol Pepper
2024 Big City Greens the Movie: Spacecation Nancy Green Voice[51]

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
2003–2008, 2020–2022 Reno 911! Deputy Clementine Johnson Series regular, 106 episodes
2006 Lovespring International Lydia Mayhew Series regular, 13 episodes
2008 Greek Connie Episode: "Spring Broke"
The Office Concierge Marie Episode: "Business Trip"
Kath & Kim Lucy Episode: "Friends"
2009 10 Things I Hate About You Vivian 2 episodes
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!"
Svetlana Phoebe 2 episodes
I Hate My Teenage Daughter Deanna 2 episodes
2012 Hot in Cleveland Sandy Episode: "God and Football"
2012–2019 Bob's Burgers Mudflap Voice, 3 episodes
2012 Wedding Band Barb Henderson Episode: "I Don't Wanna Grow Up"
Only Fools and Horses Ruby Ross Television pilot
The Looney Tunes Show Patricia Bunny Voice, 3 episodes
RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars Herself Episode: "Dynamic Drag Duos"
You're Whole Jenny Episode: "Finger Puppets/Saxophone/Fish Tank"
2012–2013 Modern Family Pam 2 episodes
2013–2023 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
Mike Tyson Mysteries Sugar Monahan, Elsa Schmidt Voice, 2 episodes
2015–2016 American Dad! Autograph Seeker, Monkey Trainer, Scottie's Mom Voice, 4 episodes
2018–present Big City Greens Nancy Green Voice, 42 episodes; recurring, then series regular
2018, 2020 Puppy Dog Pals Alberta, Mrs. Claus Voice, 3 episodes
2019 Schooled Beverly Goldberg 2 episodes
2020 Crossing Swords Doreen Voice, 5 episodes
2021 M.O.D.O.K. Monica Rappaccini Voice, 10 episodes
Reno 911!: The Hunt for QAnon Deputy Clementine Johnson Television film; also executive producer
Nominated — Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie[52]
Reno 911!: It's a Wonderful Heist Television film; also executive producer
2023 StoryBots: Answer Time Disco Delilah Episode: "Area"
History of the World, Part II Russian Peasant Episode: III
Bad Romance: The Vicky White Story Vicky White Television film, also executive producer
2024 Grimsburg Chief Patsy Stamos Voice, 9 episodes
St. Denis Medical Joyce Main role, also executive producer (upcoming)

References

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  2. ^ a b c "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. Archived from the original on July 2, 2017. 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. Archived from the original on July 3, 2020. 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. Archived from the original on July 3, 2020. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  7. ^ a b c d e McLendon-Covey, Wendi (May 4, 2017). "Episode 808". WTF Podcast (Interview). Interviewed by Marc Maron. Retrieved June 29, 2017.[dead YouTube link]
  8. ^ McLendon-Covey, Wendi (May 25, 2011). "Wendy McLendon-Covey". Conversations with Ross (Interview). Interviewed by Ross Carey. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
  9. ^ a b "Talking with... Wendi McLendon-Covey". TV Guide. Vol. 54. 2006. p. 9. 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. Archived from the original on January 25, 2013. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
  13. ^ Masters, Megan (September 13, 2011). "Exclusive: I Hate My Teenage Daughter Casts Bridesmaids Scene-Stealer". TVLine. Archived from the original on January 1, 2014. 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 16, 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. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  19. ^ Brooks, Brian (March 1, 2012). "Mary Kay Place, Sarah Paulson, Mamie Gummer Set For 'Claire's Cambodia'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 3, 2014. 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. Archived from the original on June 22, 2014. 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. Archived from the original on June 22, 2014. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
  22. ^ Bustos, Kristina (March 7, 2012). "'Only Fools and Horses' US casts 'Bridesmaids' Wendi McLendon-Covey". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on June 22, 2012. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  23. ^ Sneider, Jeff (November 8, 2012). "McLendon-Covey married to 'Single Mom's Club". Variety. Archived from the original on December 20, 2012. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  24. ^ "Tyler Perry Casting Up 'Single Mom's Club' Adds 'Bridesmaids' Star Wendi McLendon-Covey". IndieWire. November 8, 2012. Archived from the original on November 9, 2013. 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. Archived from the original on March 20, 2013. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  26. ^ Shaw, Lucas (July 24, 2014). "'Bridesmaids' Actress Joins Adam Sandler Comedy for Warner Bros. (Exclusive)". TheWrap. Archived from the original on August 3, 2013. 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. Archived from the original on January 2, 2014. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
  29. ^ Andreeva, Nellie. "Wendi McLendon-Covey To Star In Adam Goldberg's 1980s Comedy Pilot At ABC". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved January 14, 2015.
  30. ^ "Wendi McLendon-Covey cast in Adam Goldberg's ABC comedy pilot". Digital Spy. January 12, 2013. Archived from the original on May 26, 2013. 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. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. 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. ^ Rice, Lynette (May 4, 2023). "'The Goldbergs': How The Comedy Ended Its Decade-Long Run On ABC".
  34. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (April 28, 2022). "Wendi McLendon-Covey Inks First-Look Deal With Sony Pictures Television".
  35. ^ "Natasha Lyonne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Kyle Mooney, Kumail Nanjiani Join Indie Comedy (Exclusive)". TheWrap. Archived from the original on June 28, 2014. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  36. ^ "ABC orders prank show inspired by Ellen DeGeneres". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  37. ^ Kit, Borys. "'Goldbergs' Star Wendi McLendon-Covey Joins Nicolas Cage in Bin Laden Comedy (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on April 17, 2015. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  38. ^ 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.
  39. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. "Watergate Deep Throat Movie 'Felt': Cast Surrounding Liam Neeson – Deadline". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 6, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
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  42. ^ N'Duka, Amanda (March 27, 2019). "'The Goldbergs' Star Wendi McLendon-Covey Joins Tessa Thompson In 'Sylvie'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 7, 2020. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  43. ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (July 15, 2019). "Wendi McLendon-Covey, Damon Wayans Jr. Join 'Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 15, 2019. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  44. ^ N'Duka, Amanda (April 16, 2021). "Owen Wilson, Michaela Watkins, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Stephen Root To Star In 'Paint' From Director Brit McAdams". Archived from the original on February 10, 2023. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
  45. ^ Thornton, William (September 14, 2023). "Vicky White story made into Lifetime movie 'Bad Romance'". al.
  46. ^ "'The Goldbergs' star Wendi McLendon-Covey credits marriage for career success". ABC7 San Francisco.
  47. ^ "Wendi McLendon-Covey insists Bridesmaid sequel is not going to happen". celebretainment.com. Celebretainment. January 18, 2021. Archived from the original on August 5, 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.
  48. ^ Perricone, Kathleen (May 10, 2012). "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.
  49. ^ Lincoln, Ross A. (July 23, 2015). "'Speech & Debate' Casts 'The Goldbergs' Wendi McLendon-Covey". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 24, 2015. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  50. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (July 19, 2016). "Rob Riggle, Famke Janssen, Wendi McLendon-Covey & More Round Out 'Status Update' Cast". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
  51. ^ "Big City Greens the Movie: Spacecation Reveals Premiere Date, Trailer (Exclusive)".
  52. ^ "Wendi McLendon-Covey". Television Academy.
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