Wendie Malick, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in various television series, recently shared her strategies for maintaining her fitness and overall well-being at the age of 75. In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE during the promotional event for her latest series, “Shrinking,” Malick spoke candidly about her active lifestyle and the philosophies that guide her daily routines.
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Malick, who currently stars as Dr. Julie Baram in Apple TV’s “Shrinking,” credits her health to a mix of daily exercise and outdoor activities. Living on a ranch, she embraces an active lifestyle that starts with hiking alongside her dog every morning, even before indulging in her morning coffee or breakfast. Her commitment to fitness extends to horseback riding and regular sessions in her home gym, where she practises Pilates. “Yeah, I exercise pretty much every day,” Malick confirmed in her interview.
While her fitness routine is essential, the star also acknowledges the significance of moderation in her diet and social habits. “I love martinis, but I’m trying to do a few less of those because I know it’s not as good for us as we once thought,” she noted, striking a balance between enjoyment and health consciousness. Despite her efforts, Malick maintains a relaxed attitude towards fitness, stating, “I try to stay healthy and not overthink it.”
Beyond physical health, Malick places great importance on emotional well-being. She insists that laughter is a key component in her life, embodying the notion that humour can lead to a joyful existence. Drawing on her late mother’s philosophy, she stated, “My mom had wrinkles, but they were happy ones because she spent an awful lot of her life in humour.” This perspective highlights her belief that a light-hearted approach can enhance one’s quality of life, particularly as one ages.
The actress emphasised the role of comedy in her friendships. “Funny people and animals never fail to make me laugh,” she said, recognising the joy her friends bring into her life. Additionally, she practises daily gratitude rituals to foster a sense of appreciation for life’s fleeting moments. “You realise we don’t have forever… you want to savour every day,” she explained, reflecting on the importance of mindfulness.
In “Shrinking,” Malick’s character forms a meaningful bond with Harrison Ford’s Dr. Paul Rhoades. Their on-screen chemistry has translated into a friendship off-set, with Malick expressing her surprise at how quickly Ford felt like a familiar presence. “He felt so familiar to me, like someone I had known forever,” she shared, describing him as “my favourite old pair of jeans,” a compliment she intended to convey warmth and comfort.
The conversation also turned to the topic of a potential reboot of the beloved sitcom “Hot in Cleveland,” which aired from 2010 to 2015. Former co-star Valerie Bertinelli has suggested revisiting the series, expressing a desire to honour their late colleague Betty White, who passed away in December 2021. Bertinelli noted, “We have to figure out something to do to honour her, to honour the show that people love so much.”
However, Malick expressed reservations about the idea of continuing “Hot in Cleveland” without White, who played a pivotal role in its success. “I don’t know because it would be so weird without Betty,” she said, contemplating the impact of White’s absence on the show’s dynamic. She added, “Sometimes the experience was so wonderful that you want to just savour that and hold on to it.”
Though uncertainty looms over the future of the sitcom, Malick remains focused on the present, cherishing the memories created during her time on the show. Her reflections serve as a reminder of the bonds forged through laughter and creativity, underscoring the sentiment that some experiences are too precious to rehash without their original essence.
Wendie Malick’s insights into fitness and life reflect a balanced approach to well-being, demonstrating that exercise, humour, and gratitude can intertwine to create a fulfilling existence. As she navigates new projects and reflects on cherished memories, her philosophy is clear: every day is a gift, and laughter is one of the best ways to celebrate it.