She may be starring as Harrison Ford’s love interest on Apple TV’s Shrinking, but Wendie Malick’s impressive list of screen credits just keeps on expanding: Most recently, the always-in-demand star has also joined the casts of both NBC’s Night Court and Hallmark’s The Chicken Sisters.
Malick’s TV career took off in the 1990s: She won four CableACE Awards for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on the HBO series Dream On and went on to score lead roles on Just Shoot Me! and Hot in Cleveland. She has also appeared in high-profile hits such as Young Sheldon, Frasier, Mom, Grace and Frankie, NYPD Blue, This Is Us, and BoJack Horseman.
The actor is just as passionate about environmental and animal-welfare issues as she is her career, and she and her husband enjoy the life they’ve built in the hills away from L.A.’s hustle and bustle. Here, Malick shares all the natural wonders, unique food finds, and awesome attractions she most enjoys soaking up throughout the Golden State.
Where do you live? I live on a ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Why there? As a transplant from New York City, my dream was to live on the beach. After several years there, we were invited to live in a cabin on a friend’s ranch property, and we fell in love with it. Eventually, we were able to buy land nearby, where we built our ranch, and rescued horses and two miniature donkeys.
Who or what is your greatest California love? The things that most sustain my love affair with California: Disney Hall concerts; hiking in our state parks (Point Lobos is my favorite); The Greek Theatre; the Dodgers, the Lakers, and the Rams; the symphony of crickets, coyotes, and owls that share these canyons; and the kick-ass sunsets that never disappoint.
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? I think many people assume Californians are blond, tan surfers who say “like” a lot.
What is the stereotype that most holds true? Wherever you live in this state, there are natural wonders nearby. Our climate allows us to live most of our lives outdoors.
Time for a splurge-worthy road trip—where are you going? Our go-to road trip is up the coast. Stopping at The Sea Chest for dinner in Cambria, then onward to the Mission Ranch in Carmel, and on down to Big Sur—the most glorious stretch of coastline in the country. Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, the deck at Ventana, and the Esalen Institute are favorite destinations.
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? I love the Funk Zone in Santa Barbara. My friend Sherry Villanueva opened The Lark here years ago, and started a movement. The whole area is now filled with cuisines from all over the world, tasting rooms, and shops—a great area to eat, drink, and stroll.
What is your favorite way to play in California? I love hiking with my dog, trail riding, and playing tennis. After pooh-poohing it, I actually had a blast playing pickleball.
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? The most extravagant shopping spree for us was buying a wonderful horse sculpture by Max DeMoss at the Hawthorne Gallery in Big Sur. We had our eyes on it for years before pulling the trigger.
Best California song? I’ve been a Joni Mitchell fan since 1970. I saw her recently at the Hollywood Bowl and she’s as brilliant as ever. “California” remains this state’s best anthem, as far as I’m concerned.
How would your California dream day unfold? My perfect day is checking on the herd, then a little hike with my canine sidekick, Phoebe, followed by my favorite breakfast: a smoothie (frozen blueberries, kale, ginger, almonds, coconut water), hard-boiled eggs, and toast. I have a great playlist to accompany me on my commute to the studio, where I get to play with my fellow thespians, and later maybe a dinner at home with friends—where they bring most of the dinner!