Wendel Meldrum was a Canadian actress who was best known for her roles as the “low talker” in the 1993 Seinfeld episode “The Puffy Shirt”, and as Miss White/Mrs. Heimer on The Wonder Years. She also appeared in several other television shows and movies, such as The Big Lebowski, A Mighty Wind, and Less Than Kind. She was nominated for an Emmy Award for her performance as Grandpa Arnold on The Wonder Years, and won multiple awards for her role as Anne Blecher on Less Than Kind. She was also a writer and producer, who wrote the screenplay for the 2005 independent film Cruel But Necessary, in which she also starred.
A Brief Illness
Unfortunately, Wendel Meldrum passed away on January 27, 2021, at the age of 66. According to her obituary published in the Edmonton Journal, she died after a brief illness. The exact cause and nature of her illness were not disclosed to the public, but it was reported that she died peacefully at home with her family by her side.
Tributes from Friends and Fans
Many of her friends and fans expressed their condolences and paid tribute to her on social media. Her ex-husband Mark Humphrey, who also co-starred with her in Cruel But Necessary, wrote on Twitter: “My heart is broken. Wendel Meldrum was my wife, my friend, my partner in crime. She was brilliant, beautiful, funny, and kind. She was a loving mother to our son Luke. She was a force of nature and I will miss her terribly.”
Her co-star from Less Than Kind, Jesse Camacho, also tweeted: “Wendel Meldrum was one of the most talented people I ever had the privilege of working with. She was hilarious, generous, and a joy to be around. She made every scene better and every day brighter. I will always cherish the memories we made on Less Than Kind.”
Many fans of The Wonder Years and Seinfeld also shared their favorite moments of her on those shows, and thanked her for making them laugh and cry with her performances.
A Legacy of Laughter and Love
Wendel Meldrum left behind a legacy of laughter and love through her work and her life. She was a versatile actress who could play both comedic and dramatic roles with ease and charm. She was also a creative writer and producer who brought her own stories to life on screen. She was a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend who touched many lives with her kindness and generosity. She will be remembered and missed by many people who admired and loved her.
