Who is Wendy Schaal?
Wendy Schaal is an American actress, who achieved fame by appearing in a number of Joe Dante films, which include “Innerspace” (1987), then “The ‘Burbs” (1989), and “Small Soldiers” (1998). She’s also voiced Francine Smith in the popular animated series “American Dad!” since 2005.
Wendy Schaal Wiki: Age, Childhood, and Education
Wendy Joy Schaal was born on 2 July 1954 under the Cancer zodiac sign, in Chicago, Illinois.
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She is the daughter of the late great actor Richard Schaal, and his first wife Louis Schaal, (nee Tracy). Her parents divorced when she was five years old and she moved with her mother to Newport Beach, California. Influenced by her father actor, Wendy started studying acting herself under Viola Spolin when she was just nine years old, and moved between Wisconsin and California in her formative years, spending time with both of her parents.
Across the years, Wendy studied acting, and later enrolled at Los Angeles City College, where she featured in several plays but also worked in set construction. Wendy attended an acting workshop organized by her father, after which she began auditioning for television roles.
Career Beginnings
Wendy’s career started in the mid-‘70s, with minor roles in such TV series as “Welcome Back, Kotter” and “Rhoda” both in 1976.
She continued her career with minor roles until the end of the ’70s, appearing in such 1977 projects as the TV series “Phyllis”, then “Fish”, and “Little House on the Prairie” in 1979.
In 1980 she secured her first major role as Vicki Allen, one of the main characters in the TV comedy series “It’s a Living”. However, her character was written out after only 13 episodes, but she then joined the “Fantasy Island” cast to star as Julie in 24 episodes from 1981 until 1982. She was Bonnie Hornback in the TV series “AfterMASH” in 1983, while in 1984, Wendy co-starred in the comedy film “Where the Boys Are”, next to Lisa Hartman and Lorna Luft. The following year, Wendy starred in the sci-fi horror film “Creature”, alongside Stan Ivar and Lyman Ward.
Rise to Stardom
Wendy took a huge step forward in her career in 1987, when she appeared in Joe Dante’s Academy Award-winning action-adventure film “Innerspace”, starring Dennis Quaid, Martin Short and Meg Ryan. Wendy and Dante collaborated again two years later, as he cast her in the comedy mystery-thriller film “The ‘Burbs”, starring Tom Hanks, Bruce Dern and Carrie Fisher, and the same year she portrayed Liz Dooley in the short-lived TV fantasy-comedy series “Nearly Departed”. From 1990 to 1991, Wendy was Debbie Lapidus in 13 episodes of the TV comedy series “Good Grief”, starring next to Howie Mandel and Joel Brooks.
Wendy enjoyed success throughout the ‘90s, guest-starring in several TV series including “Northern Exposure” (1992), then “Red Shoe Diaries” (1993), and “Murder, She Wrote” (1995), before she starred in the television sci-fi comedy film “Out There” (1995), with Billy Campbell and Rod Steiger, while in 1997 she was Jeannine in an episode of the popular TV comedy series “Friends”.
Before the ‘90s ended, Wendy featured in another of Joe Dante’s films, this time the action-adventure film “Small Soldiers”, which starred Kirsten Dunst, Gregory Smith and David Cross.
She started the new millennium with a guest role in the popular TV series “The X-Files”, and continued to feature in such TV series as “Boston Public”, “The Huntress” and “Six Feet Under” all in 2001.
She made a few other on-screen appearances until the mid- 2000s, including the role of Senator Tillman in the romantic drama film “Loving Annabelle” (2006), starring Erin Kelly, Diane Gaidry, and Laura Breckenridge.
Since then, Wendy has been more focused on her career as a voice actress, and has provided the voice of Francine Smith and other characters in the animated Primetime Emmy Award-nominated comedy TV comedy series “American Dad!” (2005-present).
Personal Life, Marriage, Husband, Children
When it comes to her private life, Wendy rarely talks about her personal aspirations, but when you are a public magnet like she is, it’s impossible to keep many secrets.
She was married to Stephen M. Schwartz from 4 September 1977 until October 1987, during which time they welcomed a son they named Adam Victor Schwartz. Since then, she’s apparently remained officially single
Net Worth
As of mid-2021, Wendy Schaal’s net worth has been estimated to be around $6 million, earned through her successful career as an actress, during which she’s appeared in more than 65 film and TV titles, all of which have added to her wealth.
Appearance and Vital Statistics
This prominent actress has blue eyes and blonde hair. She stands at a height of 5ft 5ins (1.65m), weighs approximately 125lbs (57kgs), while her vital statistics are 32-24-35, bra size 32B.
Hobbies, Interests, and Trivia
Although in her late 60s, Wendy is still physically active, and enjoys jogging and doing light exercise, by which she maintains her perfect form.
Wendy is an avid traveler, and in addition to living in several USA states, she’s also spent time in European countries, including France and Poland among others.
She is a cat lover, and has two pet cats.
An actress herself, she’s influenced by many great actors, including Al Pacino, Angelina Jolie and Meryl Streep.
