The Unexpected Journey of Wendie Malick: From Hallmark Star to New Adventures

Wendie Malick, a familiar name for Hallmark fans, first graced the channel in the 2013 mystery “After All These Years.” Since then, she’s starred in several films including “Darrow & Darrow” and the beloved “Father Christmas” series. However, as time passed, she shifted her priorities to various projects like “About Fate,” “A Little White Lie,” and TV shows such as “Young Sheldon” and “Dear White People,” leading to a decrease in her appearances on Hallmark.

In a 2018 interview with We Live Entertainment, Malick reflected on her Hallmark experience, noting that the audience differs significantly from what she’s used to. She remarked on the wholesome vibe of her viewers and was pleasantly surprised by the extensive fanbase Hallmark has cultivated.

In an exciting return, it was announced that in 2024, Malick would star in the new family series “The Chicken Sisters,” with co-stars Lea Thompson, Schuyler Fisk, and Genevieve Angelson. This show, which debuted on Hallmark’s streaming service Hallmark+ on September 10, 2024, is based on KJ Dell’Antonia’s 2020 book and explores the rivalry between two feuding sisters in the fictional town of Merinac, Kansas.

Currently, Wendie Malick enjoys a peaceful life away from Hollywood’s hustle, living in Topanga Canyon with her husband Richard Erickson, a lifestyle they’ve cherished since 1993. Their expansive ranch is a tranquil retreat filled with dogs and horses, reflecting their affinity for nature. Malick emphasized that it was her husband’s preference for a quieter existence that led them to this serene lifestyle.

Sharing her thoughts, Malick likened her country life to a perpetual summer camp, enhanced by the charm of the close-knit community where she can run errands in pajamas. She appreciates the contrast between her lively work life in the entertainment industry and her calm home life as a rancher, finding joy in both.

Unlike Malick, Erickson is more reserved and values his privacy. The couple met in Tijuana shortly after Malick’s divorce from her first husband, screenwriter Mitch Glazer. She has often highlighted Erickson’s thoughtful nature, stating that their relationship is built on intellectual stimulation and humor—she makes him laugh while he inspires deep reflection in her.