
EXCLUSIVE: Bridesmaids co-star Wendi McLendon-Covey has been tapped as the female lead in ABC’s comedy pilot Only Fools And Horses. The deal caps a couple of days of frenzy surrounding the actress, who suddenly became available for broadcast pilots when she was released from the HBO pilot Viagra Diaries on Friday following star Goldie Hawn’s surprising exit. McLendon-Covey’s reps were immediately inundated with calls. The Reno 911! alumna received five offers, ultimately settling on Only Fools And Horses. Based on the British format, the multicamera comedy chronicles the misadventures of two streetwise brothers, Del (John Leguizamo) and Rodney (Dustin Ybarra), and their aging grandfather (Christopher Lloyd) as they concoct outrageous, morally questionable get-rich-quick schemes in their quest to become millionaires. McLendon-Covey will play Del’s ex-wife Ruby, owner of The Lost And Found Lounge, who kicked him to the curb after he traded her wedding ring for a truckload of ostrich meat. Groundlings alumna McLendon-Covey, repped by UTA and manager Gladys Gonzalez, will next be seen in the features Magic Mike and What To Expect When You’re Expecting. She recently reunited with her Bridesmaids castmates at the Oscars where they served as presenters.
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What does McClendon-Covey’s exit from THE VIAGRA DIARIES say about that show’s future? Is it dead?
I’m a bit confused. The stories about Hawn’s exit on Friday (including the one posted here) said that HBO was moving forward with the show, re-casting Hawn’s role, and keeping McClendon-Covey on board.
Was she released because of the potential difficulty in casting an actress who resembled her close enough to play her mother, or did she ask to be let out to pursue more “sure things” in time for this pilot season?
You have a lot of questions, Jennifer? Are you an investor?
Good for them! She’s a huge get. She elevates this one for sure.
She was hilarious on Rules of Engagement, should be great in this.
Wendi is hilarious! What a score. I will tune in for sure!!!
Are you fucking serious?! Is nothing sacred anymore?! This is fucking sacrilege.