If you’re a fan of comedy, you’re a fan of Wendi McLendon-Covey. And the actress, best known for roles like Beverly Goldberg in “The Goldbergs” and Deputy Clementine Johnson in “Reno 911!,” is a fan of New Orleans. A casualty to the spirit of the city that sinks its teeth in you and never lets go, McLendon-Covey has decided to make the Crescent City her second home. We chat with the star ahead of her new TV show “St. Denis Medical” about her love of the city and the start of a new chapter as “Joyce.”
Q: Where did your love of New Orleans start? And how did it lead you to having a home here?
The first time I made it out to [New Orleans] (it was my sister’s idea) was Memorial Day weekend right when the world opened back up for a little bit [following COVID-19]. I had never been, and I felt like I lived here in another life or something. [New Orleans] has a hold on me that I can’t explain, but it’s something that people who’ve experienced it know what I’m saying. So, cut to last summer; it’s about 112 degrees. It’s July, but I looked at my husband and I said, “Greg, I think you would really like NOLA. It’s going to be hot, but let’s just go.” We went out and mind you, we had to change our clothes every time we came back, and we were just dripping, soaking wet the entire trip. But he loved it so much, as much as I did, that when we got a line on a condo that was being sold, it didn’t even take 30 seconds for us to make the decision. So that was the following month, and we ended up getting something. And a lot of people will be like, ‘Well, you don’t want to get a place closer to home, like Palm Springs or something?’ And I think, well I don’t go there anyway. [I’m] minutes away, I haven’t been there in nine years. I’m not going to get a place there. But NOLA, it’s a pleasure to go there, because every time we go, something magical happens. And I love the history. I love that we can open our door in the morning and hear live jazz playing just on the street. I love live music, so you couldn’t give me a better present. We’re in the French Quarter, so it’s like living in the middle of adult Disneyland.
Q: Since you’ve been coming here a few years now, what do you enjoy about the city?
Oh my god, City Park. I have dreams about it. I love it so much. What a gorgeous place. And boy, again, NOLA athletes go hard because if you are running at noon on a random Thursday in July. Respect, right? And I love NOMA. I’ve obviously been to the exhibits there, but I’ve also seen documentaries there and done different things. And City Park at Christmas. It’s just a special place. I also like to head outside of the city to Slidell and go out with the Cajun Encounters to see gators and stuff, which might be stupid, but I love it. We’re still investigating neighborhoods and finding new things to do every single day, but I gotta say, just talking to the locals is quite entertaining in itself.
Q: You’re starting a new show “St. Denis Medical.” Tell us more about what made you want to sign on to this type of show?
Well, [“St. Denis Medical”] came about literally hours after “The Goldbergs” was canceled. So, the same day Goldbergs ended its 10-year run, I got this script, and I thought, ‘Oh God, another one. I don’t know. I don’t know.’ I’m fine with not taking any time off. For my mental health, I need to jump into something, but it’s got to be the right thing. So, I knew I wanted to do something that was not at all like “The Goldbergs.” And I’m reading this and thinking, ‘Oh, this is a woman who can’t keep a plant alive, thank god she’s good at her job, but her interpersonal skills are really lacking, which is opposite of Beverly Goldberg. This woman can’t stand to be touched? OK, ding, ding, ding, I love this. I love that. She is really good at her job but will probably die alone.’ Because, you know, sometimes you’re really embedded in your job, and it’s your whole life. You wake up one day and 25 years have gone by and, you know, in the blink of an eye, you forgot to have a family. Yeah. OK. That happens. So I like Joyce. I like that she really wants to make a difference. She is good at her job, but her people are like, ‘Oh, Joyce, you’re a lot. Yeah, just back off. I’m operating right now. I don’t want to look at pictures of a koi pond you might want to install in the front.’ And when they said David Alan Grier has been offered the role of so and so, I said, ‘Yes, I’ll take it!’ I’ve always wanted to work with him. I’m such a fan. So, it’s been a pretty good transition, yeah, yeah. I lucked out. I really did.
Q: When you’re in the city, what are some of your favorite restaurants?
I’m a breakfast person, so I love Wakin’ Bakin’. They never disappoint and it’s just amazing food that starts your day off right. I also love Coffee Science!
Q: Do you have any local musicians or artists that you love or have found while you’re here?
Oh! Jon Batiste. His stuff is always the right stuff to play. I put him in a category with David Bowie in that no one is ever going to argue that playlist. And Trombone Shorty, because I’m a human being with a pulse. And, honestly, going to Preservation Hall and seeing those gentlemen just bring us into their heritage, my husband and I were just smiling ear to ear with tears streaming down our face. I love, love, love those folks.
Q: What’s something fun you recently did in the city?
We just went to the new Storyville Museum. It was really cool! Who knew you could do so many things with Lysol… that’s all I’m going to say.
