In Memory of 'Bosom Buddies' Actress Wendy Jo Sperber: 2 Decades After Her Tragic Death From Cancer

Photo byClassic TV Preservation Society

It’s been twenty years since actress Wendie Jo Sperber, best known for starring with Tom Hanks on the 1980s TV sitcom Bosom Buddies, died from breast cancer. She was only 46 years old, and this is her story.

A Closer Look

Wendy Jo Sperber was born on September 15, 1958, in Hollywood, CA., and had wanted to act since her teens. She attended the Summer Drama Workshop at California State University, Northridge, and producer Allan Carr later discovered her talent after she invited him to see her perform live on stage.

Shortly after, she was cast in an uncredited role in Carr’s hit movie musical Grease (1978). Other big-screen opportunities followed with films like I Wanna Hold Your Hand, Back to the Future, Corvette Summer, Moving Violations, Stewardess School, and Bachelor Party, the latter starring Tom Hanks.

It was with a then fairly unknown Hanks and Peter Scolari that she earned her biggest laughs with the two-year run of Bosom Buddies.

Sperber also starred in TV shows like Private Benjamin, Women in Prison, Babes and Hearts Afire, Murphy Brown, Will & Grace, and 8 Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage Daughter.

Additional live stage performances in L.A. included Pizza Man, Isn’t It Romantic, Reality and Other Nightmares, and Shakespeare’s As You Like It.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997, Sperbert became an advocate for cancer care. In 2001, the actress founded the weSPARK Cancer Support Center on Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks. The center provides free emotional support, information, and social activities for individuals and families affected by cancer.

In 1998, Sperber helped the U.S. Postal Service unveil the breast cancer stamp. One year later, she was named Woman of the Year by the Los Angeles County Commission for Women.

Lasting Impression

Wendy Jo Sperber, who died on November 28, 2005, was the rare kind of Hollywood talent who utilized her public persona for the highest good of humanity.