Every morning, before the sun even thinks about rising too high, Wendie Malick laces up her boots and takes her dogs for a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains. This isn't just any hike; it's her personal morning ritual, a sacred time where she connects with nature and her furry companions. "People are often surprised to learn that I'm not all glitz and glamour all the time," Wendie says with a laugh, best known as the neurotic ex-soap star Victoria Chase from Hot in Cleveland.
“In my jeans, surrounded by animals, that’s the real me,” she confides exclusively to Closer. She’s not afraid to get dirty, quite literally. “I’m perfectly at ease in my dusty old boots and ratty jeans, covered in dust from head to toe,” she shares. At 67, Wendie hasn't become complacent. Instead, she’s become more driven than ever, embracing life’s challenges and joys with open arms.
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A Life of Constant Growth
Between those tranquil moments communing with nature and her beloved animals, Wendie loves to push herself to new heights. "I describe myself as a work in progress," she says, her voice filled with determination. "There’s still so much I don’t know, and so much I want to improve upon—including my acting." The star, who recently tackled a play and a new Hallmark movie, credits her relentless drive for keeping her engaged and passionate about her craft. "I keep working because I love it, and I work with people I truly admire," she explains.
Wendie has always had a knack for seizing opportunities. Back in the 1970s, a scout from Wilhelmina Models spotted her in New York City, sparking a five-year journey on international runways. "I’ve always had this wanderlust, so modeling became my passport to seeing the world," she recalls fondly. After returning home, she found steady but modest acting roles until her big break on HBO's Dream On in 1990. "That show really opened doors for me," she reflects.
Embracing Life’s Moments
As time goes by, Wendie emphasizes the importance of cherishing each day. "When you’re older, you don’t put off the things on your bucket list as much," she notes thoughtfully. "When you feel an urge to reach out to someone, you don’t ignore it. Little acts of kindness mean so much more now." This perspective has served her well, as good deeds often come back around. Wendie met her husband of 22 years, Richard Erickson, while building homes for the poor in Tijuana. "You never know what can happen when you’re out there trying something new," she says with a chuckle. "Life is full of surprises, and people should embrace them."
Her adventurous spirit recently led her to star in a new play by Paul Rudnick, Big Night, on the LA stage. "Theater is such a rich, immersive experience," she says, her enthusiasm palpable. She also stretched her acting muscles in the role of a lawyer and a hip grandma in Hallmark’s Darrow & Darrow, which premiered in October. "She’s like Auntie Mame—right up my alley!" Wendie exclaims.
