Wendy Moniz is an iconic American actress who became famous through her outstanding performance in the ABC drama series Betrayal, in which she played the role of Elaine McAllister from 2001 to 2004. She began her acting career in 1999 when she joined the cast of the CBS soap “Guiding Light” and played the leading role of Dinah Marler in the series from 1995 to 1999.
In addition to her acting skills, Wendy has also appeared in numerous television commercials for various companies. Join us as we guide you through her biography, career, personal life, and other facts.
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Who Is Wendy Moniz?
The actress was born Wendy Moniz on January 19, 1969, in Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America. Wendy is of Irish and Portuguese ethnic origin and has American citizenship. She spent her early years in Kansas City, where she completed her basic education. As a teenager, the actress developed a keen interest in acting at a very young age, and while in high school, she took part in various theater performances organized by her school.
She attended Durfee High School, and while there, she also took part in various sporting events, including field hockey, sprints, and other field events. After graduating, Wendy enrolled at Siena College in Loudonville, New York, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and Theater in 1991.
Career and Rise to Fame
After graduating, Wendy started her acting career and made her first appearance in the CBS soap opera Guiding Light. When she joined the cast of the series in 1995, Wendy played the recurring role of Dinah Marler alongside Nia Long, Ellen Parker, and Melissa Hayden until 1999. Her outstanding performance quickly earned her a place in the limelight, which is why she received two nominations for the Soap Opera Digest Award as Outstanding Emerging Actress and Outstanding Young Leading Actress respectively.
After leaving the series in 1999, she landed a spot in another CBS drama pilot, Partners. Her performance in the film made room for her to later secure more prominent roles. The following year she played the role of Maria DiCenzo in the television sitcom Battery Park along with Justin Louis and Elizabeth Perkins. Later that year she played the role of Eva in The Others.
This was followed by an appearance in the police drama Nash Bridges, in which she played Inspector Rachel McCabe from 2000 to 2001. From 2001 to 2004 Wendy Moniz played the recurring role of Louisa in the CBS drama series The Guardian.
From 2009 to 2010 she played the lead role in Damages in the role of Jill Burnham. In 2012 Wendy starred alongside Rachael Taylor and Dave Annable in David Wilcox’s horror fiction series 666 Park Avenue alongside Rachael Taylor and Dave Annable. She gained great popularity when she played the role of Elaine McAllister together with Henry Thomas in Betrayal from 2012 to 2014. Her next major role was in House of Cards, where she played the role of Laura Moretti from 2016 to 2017. Since 2018 she has played the leading role of Governor Lynelle Perry in the series Paramount Network, Yellowstone alongside Kevin Costner and Wes Bentley, to name but a few.
Family: Parents, Spouse, and Children
Wendy Moniz came from a middle-class American family and was born to Bob Moniz and his wife Billie. She grew up with her sister named Dawn Moniz. However, there is not much information about her parents and her sister. Meanwhile, the actress has attributed her success in her professional career to the unconditional support and love of her family.
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While she enjoys a flourishing acting career, Wendy is also successful in her love life. She is a happily married woman and mother of two children. The actress was married to her Guiding Light co-star Frank Grillo in October 2000. The couple was blessed with two children (sons) named Liam and Rio. Their first son Liam was born in June 2004, and four years later Rio followed in January 2008. She is also the stepmother of Grillo’s son Remy Grillo from his previous relationship.
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Before her marriage, Wendy was married to a man named David Birsner. The duo formed the bond of marriage in 1991 and decided to end their relationship five years later. They had no children from their marriage, and the divorce process was completed in 1996.
Other Interesting Facts About the Wendy Moniz
1. Wendy Moniz is 5 feet 6 inches (1.67 m) tall and has a corresponding body weight of 121 lbs (55 kg).
2. She has perfect body measurements (bust waist-hip) of 33-24-33 inches
3. Her net worth is currently unavailable, but that of her husband Frank Grillo is currently set at $3 million.
4. She has appeared in over 50 commercials for well-known companies
5. Her zodiac/astrological sign is Capricorn.