'Bridesmaids' Star Wendi McLendon-Covey Joins 'What to Expect When You're Expecting' (Exclusive)

Another Bridesmaid is enjoying her honeymoon in the wake of the Universal comedy's success.

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Wendi McLendon-Covey, who played unhappily married mother of three Rita in the film, is the latest to book a big-screen part in Lionsgate's ensemble comedy What to Expect When You're Expecting.

The news comes on the heels of Monday's move by co-star Rebel Wilson, who landed a part in Expecting as an employee at the Breast Choice store. McLendon-Covey, who like Bridesmaids’ Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy was a member of the Groundlings, will play Kara, Jennifer Lopez's co-worker and friend. (Other stars cast in the film -- an adaptation of the best-selling pregnancy guide and slated for a 2012 Mother's Day weekend release -- include Cameron Diaz, Anna Kendrick and Brooklyn Decker, among others.)

McLendon-Covey is also nearing a deal for a part in the indie Sleeping Around, a Herb Nanas and M. Gohar-produced film. The screwball sex comedy, directed by Thinkfactory Media's Leslie Greif, follows two couples and their 10 rules to a happy, healthy open relationship. She'll play Emma Cooney, a proper, respected and famous children's book author who is looking for a new publisher for her upcoming work, The Magical Princess.

On the small screen, the actress, comedian and Hillshire Farms spokesperson is set to reprise her recurring role on CBS' Rules of Engagement, where she plays unlikable neighbor Liz. The long-running comedy will move to Saturday nights in the fall.

McLendon-Covey, whose credits include Comedy Central's Reno: 911 and Lifetime's Lovespring International, is repped by Gladys Gonzalez of John Carrabino Management and David Krintzman of Morris Yorn Barnes.

Email: Lacey.Rose@THR.com
Twitter: @LaceyVRose