If you just watched an episode of Night Court or caught a rerun of Hot in Cleveland and found yourself wondering about the firecracker on screen, you aren't alone. Seriously. People have been asking about how old is Wendie Malick for about three decades now, mostly because she seems to have unlocked some kind of secret level of aging that the rest of us weren't invited to.
Here is the straight answer: Wendie Malick was born on December 13, 1950. As we navigate through 2026, that makes her 75 years old.
But honestly? Age is the least interesting thing about her. While most Hollywood actors start looking for the "exit" sign once they hit their 60s, Malick is still booking series regular roles, voice-acting in massive hits like The Owl House, and showing up on red carpets looking like she’s about to steal your favorite scene.
The Buffalo Roots and a Modeling Detour
Wendie (born Wendy Diane Malick) didn't just wake up one day as a sitcom legend. She grew up in Buffalo, New York, the daughter of a former model and a salesman. You can kind of see the lineage there—she has that "tall, strike-a-pose" energy that clearly came from her mother, Gigi.
After graduating from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1972, she didn't jump straight into acting. She actually spent time as a fashion model with the Wilhelmina agency. She traveled through Europe and Asia, living that 1970s high-fashion life. But here’s a weird detail most people forget: she actually took a break from modeling to work for Republican Congressman Jack Kemp.
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Yeah. From the runway to Capitol Hill. That's a pivot you don't see every day.
Turning 30 and Finding Her Voice
Malick has been super open about the fact that her acting career didn't really catch fire until she was 30. In an industry obsessed with teenagers, that’s basically ancient for a "start." She spent her 30s being typecast as the "heavy"—the mean ex-wife, the icy businesswoman, or the "other woman."
Then came Dream On in 1990.
She was 40 years old when she landed the role of Judith Tupper Stone on the HBO hit. It was the first time casting directors realized, "Oh, wait. She's actually hilarious." That show changed everything. It paved the way for Nina Van Horn on Just Shoot Me!, which turned her into a household name and earned her two Emmy nominations.
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Why Wendie Malick Still Matters in 2026
It’s easy to look at a birth date and make assumptions. But if you look at Malick’s schedule over the last couple of years, it’s exhausting. She’s currently appearing in Shrinking on Apple TV+ and has been a recurring force on the Night Court revival.
She also became a cult icon for a whole new generation thanks to her voice work. If you have kids (or if you’re just a fan of great animation), you know her as Eda the Owl Lady from The Owl House. Her raspy, sophisticated, slightly mischievous voice is one of the most recognizable in the business.
Life Outside the Spotlight
When she isn't filming in LA, she’s usually at her ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains. She’s been married to Richard Erickson since 1995. They didn't meet at a fancy Hollywood party; they met while building houses for the poor in Tijuana.
That tells you a lot about who she is. She isn't just "celebrity-involved" in charity; she’s actually out there with a hammer. She’s a long-time advocate for wild horses and works closely with groups like Return to Freedom.
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- Born: December 13, 1950
- Current Age: 75 (as of 2026)
- Height: 5'10" (which explains why she always towers over her co-stars)
- Key Roles: Just Shoot Me!, Hot in Cleveland, Dream On, The Owl House, Shrinking
Longevity Lessons from a Pro
What can we learn from how Malick has handled her 70s? First, she never tried to hide her age. She leaned into it. She transitioned from the "sexy model" roles to the "glamorous but slightly unhinged older woman" roles with zero ego.
She once told AARP that she didn't even expect the success of Hot in Cleveland because she figured her "time" was up. Instead, that show became a massive hit and proved that audiences actually want to see women over 50 having a blast and being messy.
If you’re looking to follow her lead, the strategy is basically: stay active, don't take yourself too seriously, and keep saying "yes" to the weird projects. Whether she’s playing a soap star past her prime or a powerful witch in a demon realm, Malick proves that the number on your driver's license doesn't dictate your relevance.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Creatives:
- Check out her recent work: If you only know her from Just Shoot Me!, watch her in Shrinking. Her comedic timing has only gotten sharper with age.
- Support her causes: Look into Return to Freedom or Environmental Media Association. She’s been on their boards for years and actually does the work.
- Ignore the "timeline": Remember she didn't get her "big break" until she was 40. If you feel like you're behind in your career, use Wendie as your proof that the best stuff might happen in your second or third act.
Wendie Malick isn't just "still working." She is thriving. At 75, she’s a reminder that you don't have to fade into the background just because you've been around the block a few times.