Wendie Jo Sperber of ‘Bosom Buddies’ dies

Actress fought breast cancer and became advocate for care




Wendie Jo Sperber also appeared in the "Back to the Future" films.
Business Wire file


Updated: 12:21 a.m. ET Dec. 1, 2005
LOS ANGELES - Actress Wendie Jo Sperber, who starred opposite Tom Hanks on TV’s “Bosom Buddies” and who in his words became “a walking inspiration” after she contracted cancer, has died. She was in her 40s.

Sperber died at home Tuesday after an eight-year battle with breast cancer, publicist Jo-Ann Geffen said Wednesday.

A Los Angeles native, Sperber appeared in dozens of television shows and movies, including all three “Back to the Future” films.

Her publicist first said Sperber was 46, but later said she was 43 based on an Internet resource. The Associated Press in September reported Sperber’s age as 47.

Sperber also had roles in Steven Spielberg’s “1941,” Robert Zemeckis’ “I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” and Neal Israel’s “Moving Violations” and “Bachelor Party.” Her television credits include “Murphy Brown,” “Private Benjamin,” “Will & Grace” and “8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter.”

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997, the actress became an advocate for cancer care. In 2001, she founded the weSPARK Cancer Support Center, which provides free emotional support, information and social activities for individuals and families affected by cancer.

Sperber helped unveil and promote a breast cancer stamp for the U.S. Postal Service in 1998, Geffen said.

“The memory of Wendie Jo is that of a walking inspiration,” Hanks said in a statement. “She met the challenges of her illness with love, cheer, joy and altruism. We are going to miss her as surely as we are all better for knowing her.”

Sperber is survived by a son and daughter, her parents, two sisters and a brother.

[nanumanu]

Aww, that's sad. I remember her from Back to the Future and Bosom Buddies mainly. R.I.P. Wendie Jo.

[Hedo_Tfan1]

OMG! i liked her in BTTF, but i remember her also from "moving violations" and "bachelor party" I had no idea she had cancer....Rest In Peace

[losman]

I remember her from so many comedies and shows, she was always the funny friend of the star but always ready to steal the spotlight with her wonderful presence. I remember seeing her recently on Sorority Boys and commented she looked great considering her health issues. A real loss but her name and foundation will live on in her memory

[SpurInDallas]

"that was so stupid, grandpa hit him with the car."

RIP

[Taco]