Elmarie Louise Wendel (November 23, 1928 – July 22, 2018)  was an American actress and singer.

Life and career

Born on a farm in Howard County, Iowa, one of five siblings, Wendel spent her childhood traveling with her musical parents and dancing with her sisters in and around the Midwest in club and concert hall venues, including the Grand Ole Opry. She eventually made her way to New York City where she enjoyed success in both Broadway and off-Broadway productions.

A national touring company of Annie took her to Los Angeles, where she made a successful transition into film and television. She garnered the role of the eccentric Mrs. Dubcek on 3rd Rock from the Sun. She made appearances on such shows as Seinfeld, Love & War, Murphy Brown, Murder, She Wrote, and Empty Nest. She appeared in And the Band Played On and Far from Home. Most recently, she played Gina, an assembly line worker at the aviation factory on The George Lopez Show.

Her musical theater credits include Wonderful Town, Cole Porter Revisited, Little Mary Sunshine and Gigi.

Wendel's death was announced on her daughter J.C.'s instagram on July 22, 2018. No cause of death was given by J.C. 

Personal life

Wendel is the mother of Jennifer "J.C." Wendel, who is also an actress (Dave's World).