Wendy Schaal (born July 2, 1954)[1] is an American actress. She is known for her work in Joe Dante films such as Innerspace, The 'Burbs and Small Soldiers. Her other film credits include starring in films such as Where the Boys Are '84, Creature, Going Under and Munchies. She had many guest roles in television series of the mid-1980s, most notably as Marilyn Kelsy in Airwolf. Since 2005 she has primarily worked in voice acting, most notably voicing Francine Smith in the animated comedy television series American Dad!
Schaal was born on July 2, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Lois Schaal (née McCullough) and actor Richard Schaal.[1] Schaal's father was married to actress Valerie Harper from 1964 to 1978, during which time Harper was her stepmother.[2] From birth until she was five, Schaal lived with her parents in Crete, Illinois, at which time she moved with her mother to Newport Beach, California after her parents divorced.[3] Schaal studied acting with Viola Spolin in Chicago when she was nine years old, later moving to Wisconsin and then California when she was 11. When she was 14, a trip to New York to be with her father and Harper soon led her to California again when her father and stepmother chose to settle in Hollywood.[4]
Schaal earned an Associate of Arts degree from Los Angeles City College,[3] acting and working in set construction. After she attended an acting workshop led by her father, she began to work on television.[4]
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