Last updated on: October 8, 2025
Here’s the thing about Wendie Malick: she’s one of those actors you instantly recognize, even if you can’t place her name right away. You’ve seen her before — maybe as the sharp-tongued diva in a sitcom, maybe as the quirky voice of a cartoon witch, or maybe as a guest star who suddenly steals a whole episode of Law & Order: SVU. She’s been around for decades, yet she always feels fresh, like she’s just getting started.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve had that moment where you hear her voice or see her on screen and think, Oh, I love her! That’s the magic of Wendie Malick. She doesn’t just play characters; she makes them unforgettable.
So today, let’s take a walk through her television career. Not the entire thing (because honestly, we’d be here all night), but the top five shows that really define her talent. And by the time we’re done, I bet you’ll want to rewatch at least one of them — or maybe discover one you missed.
Who Is Wendie Malick?
Let me give you a little backstory, because knowing where she came from makes her career even more impressive. Wendie Malick wasn’t one of those actors who started acting as a kid. She actually began in fashion, working as a model in New York. But somewhere along the way, she realized she had more to say than just posing in front of a camera.
In the late ’70s, she shifted to acting, and by the early ’90s she was starring in Dream On, an HBO comedy where she played Judith, the sharp ex-wife of the lead character. But the real game-changer? Her role as Nina Van Horn in Just Shoot Me! — a fashion editor who was equal parts glamorous, ridiculous, and lovable. That role earned her Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, and honestly, it made her a TV icon.
Since then, she’s popped up everywhere. Sitcoms, dramas, animated shows — you name it. From Hot in Cleveland to BoJack Horseman, she’s proven she can do it all. And that’s exactly why narrowing down her top five TV shows is so fun.
How I Picked These 5
Now, you might be wondering: with so many shows under her belt, how did I land on these five? Simple. I thought about which shows made the biggest splash — culturally, critically, and for Wendie herself. I also asked: did her role actually stand out? Did she bring something only she could bring?
The answer, in these five cases, is yes.
1. The Owl House (2020–2023)
Let’s start with a favorite of mine: The Owl House. If you’ve never seen it, picture this — a quirky animated fantasy where a human girl, Luz, stumbles into a magical realm full of witches and demons. And at the center of it all? Wendie Malick as Eda Clawthorne, a.k.a. “The Owl Lady.”
Eda isn’t just a mentor. She’s rebellious, hilarious, and kind of a mess — but in the best way possible. Wendie’s voice acting is what makes her shine. It’s raspy, warm, and brimming with personality. You hear it and instantly know: this is a character with history, flaws, and heart.
And fans loved her. Eda became the breakout character of the show, a mix of sass and soul that appealed to both kids and adults. It’s not easy to stand out in a Disney series that’s already packed with creativity and representation, but Wendie did it. For many younger fans, this might even be their first introduction to her work — and what a great introduction it is.
2. Grace and Frankie (2015–2022)
If you ever binge-watched Netflix during its early days of original programming, you probably stumbled onto Grace and Frankie. It stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as two women whose husbands leave them… for each other. It’s funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly deep.
Wendie Malick pops up here in a recurring role, and while she wasn’t part of the main duo, she made every appearance count. Her presence added humor and spice to the show’s mix of quirky characters. It reminded me of that one friend who doesn’t need to say much to completely change the vibe of the room.
And let’s be honest: seeing Malick share scenes with comedy legends like Fonda and Tomlin felt like TV royalty colliding. The show itself was groundbreaking in how it centered stories about women in their 70s — something TV rarely does — and Wendie fit into that world effortlessly.
3. Law & Order: SVU
Here’s where things get interesting. Most people think of Wendie Malick as the funny one. The glamorous one. The one delivering biting one-liners. But in Law & Order: SVU, she proved she could flip the script.
Her guest-starring role showed a completely different side of her acting. Instead of laughs, she brought intensity and drama. And honestly? It worked. Watching her on SVU felt like watching a totally different Wendie Malick, which is exactly why it was so memorable.
It’s kind of like when a musician suddenly switches genres and nails it. You realize they’re more talented than you gave them credit for. That’s what Malick did here. She reminded audiences (and maybe even casting directors) that she could hold her own in serious, high-stakes dramas.
4. Young Sheldon (2017–present)
Now, if you’re a fan of The Big Bang Theory, you probably checked out its prequel, Young Sheldon. It’s about Sheldon Cooper’s childhood, growing up as a genius kid in Texas. And guess who shows up? Yep, Wendie Malick, as President Linda Hagemeyer of East Texas Tech.
Her role is smaller compared to some of her other work, but it’s a gem. She plays the university president who interacts with young Sheldon, and the chemistry is hilarious. Malick has this way of playing authority figures who are both intimidating and endearing, and that’s exactly what she does here.
It also shows how she continues to stay relevant. Think about it — she started in TV decades ago, but here she is, popping up in one of CBS’s most popular modern sitcoms. That’s not luck. That’s talent that stands the test of time.
5. Shrinking (2023–present)
Finally, let’s talk about one of her newest roles: Shrinking on Apple TV+. The show stars Jason Segel as a grieving therapist who starts breaking all the rules with his clients, and Harrison Ford as his grumpy mentor.
Wendie Malick joins the ensemble with a role that may not dominate screen time but adds layers to the story. She brings humor, empathy, and a human touch that balances the show’s heavier themes. Watching her here feels like watching an old friend who still knows how to surprise you.
And that’s the beauty of it. Even now, she’s taking on projects that are smart, funny, and deeply moving. She doesn’t just coast on her past success — she keeps building, keeps evolving.
Other Notable Shows
Of course, we can’t talk about Wendie Malick without mentioning a few other hits. Just Shoot Me! is probably her most iconic role, playing the unforgettable Nina Van Horn. That show alone could earn her a spot in TV history. Then there’s Hot in Cleveland, where she held her own alongside legends like Betty White. And let’s not forget Dream On, Frasier, and her voice work in BoJack Horseman.
All of these shows prove one thing: Malick’s career is packed with variety. She’s never been stuck in one box, and that’s rare in Hollywood.
Why She Stands Out
So what makes Wendie Malick different from other TV actors? For me, it’s her ability to connect. When she’s funny, she’s not just funny — she’s relatable. When she’s serious, she makes you feel it in your gut. And when she’s voicing an animated character, she somehow makes you believe that cartoon has lived a whole life.
It’s also about longevity. Think about it — she’s been on our screens for over 40 years, and she’s still booking new, exciting roles. That kind of career doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because audiences love her, and because she never phones it in.
Conclusion
Here’s the takeaway: Wendie Malick isn’t just a familiar face on TV. She’s a chameleon. A legend. Someone who can make you laugh in one role, cry in another, and feel like you’re catching up with an old friend in the next.
From The Owl House to Shrinking, these five shows highlight just how much range she has. And the best part? She’s still going strong.
So if you’re looking for your next binge-watch, maybe start with one of these. And the next time Wendie Malick shows up on your screen? Don’t be surprised if she steals the show.
