Wendie Jo Sperber is mostly known for her role in the Tom Hanks, Peter Scolari television show Bosom Buddies, and although she was quite good in that short-lived series, it's her work in her very first film that I believe really stands for the star that she should have been.
Her performance alone in Robert Zemeckis comedy from 1978, I Wanna Hold Your Hand, is living proof of the comic gift that she possessed. Other comedies came her way, like 1941, Used Cars and Back to the Future, but the roles were smaller and she just never caught on with the movie-going public.
Part Gilda Radner, part Vivian Vance, Wendie Jo Sperber should have been the female comedy sensation of the 1980's, but like so many talented performers before and after her, it just wasn't in the cards.
In 2005, after a long and courageous battle with Cancer, Wendie Jo Sperber passed away at the young age of 47. Her TV shows and movies are still around and are worth a look, but if you can, check out her work in I Wanna Hold Your Hand. I think you'll see for yourself what I am talking about.
Her performance alone in Robert Zemeckis comedy from 1978, I Wanna Hold Your Hand, is living proof of the comic gift that she possessed. Other comedies came her way, like 1941, Used Cars and Back to the Future, but the roles were smaller and she just never caught on with the movie-going public.
Part Gilda Radner, part Vivian Vance, Wendie Jo Sperber should have been the female comedy sensation of the 1980's, but like so many talented performers before and after her, it just wasn't in the cards.
In 2005, after a long and courageous battle with Cancer, Wendie Jo Sperber passed away at the young age of 47. Her TV shows and movies are still around and are worth a look, but if you can, check out her work in I Wanna Hold Your Hand. I think you'll see for yourself what I am talking about.
I WANNA HOLD YOUR HAND is such a fabulous movie. Thanks for reminding me of it. I think I'll write about it next week. Hopefully I can find a copy to watch. Wendie Jo was wonderful in anything she did.
ReplyDeleteShe was so talented. She guest starred on an episode of "Will & Grace" and had enough screen time time to make a memorable impression against one of television's most talented casts. She was definitely gone far too soon. The right role would have made her a star.
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