Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Ode to Wendie Jo, Funny Lady


Wendie Jo Sperber was one of those women that didn't knock you over with stunning beauty. While looking around for the hot babes, you find yourself in a conversation with someone like Wendie Jo, and she's funny, and she's bright and she's cute, and you find yourself having such a good time with her that when you finally have a chance to give your best line to the hot babe -- who is finally alone and within speaking distance -- you ask yourself, "Why would I give up this experience?"

Soon enough, the world around you and Wendie Jo disappears. As your rapport flows freely, you look in her eyes, notice how wide she smiles, and see how much closer the two of you are standing to each other. And you realize that sexiness comes in all shapes and sizes...and you are being rewarded for looking beneath the surface with the gift of her company.

As you can tell, I was a big fan of Wendie Jo, and real-life versions of the women she portrayed.
Wendie Jo was a scene-stealer and had spot-on punch line skills. She had a talent for rising above her material. Bosom Buddies, Bachelor Party, Babes, etc. She was great in Robert Zemeckis' I Wanna Hold Your Hand, an extraordinary film for a first-time director. She was wasted in Zemeckis' Back to the Future movies in her bit part as Marty's sister, but it was nice to know that while she was ill, she was getting plenty of residual checks.

There aren't enough funny ladies like Wendie Jo Sperber nowadays. She will be missed even more than she was already now that we know she won't be coming back.