Wendi McLendon-Covey explains surprise absence from 2026 Oscars 'Bridesmaids' reunion

Wendi McLendon-Covey clarifies why she wasn't at the funny 2026 Oscars Bridesmaids reunion.

The movie's lead stars — Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Rose Byrne, Ellie Kemper, and Maya Rudolph — gathered on stage at the event on Sunday (March 15), to present the award for Best Score, commemorating 15 years since the well-loved comedy hit the theaters and set box office records.

Nonetheless, McLendon-Covey was clearly absent from the event.

She shared her reasoning in an Instagram post, stating, “For those who've sent me DMs: I recently had a neck lift because I'd grown tired of resembling a melting candle. So, I missed the Academy Awards. No issues here. All is well.”

McLendon-Covey, who portrayed Rita in the iconic movie, posted the update along with a picture of herself with a head bandage.

The actress’ explanation followed comments from Bridesmaids director, Paul Feig, who discussed McLendon-Covey’s absence, mentioning to Entertainment Tonight, “I just learned she was unavailable.”

“Maybe she is traveling, but we will certainly miss her greatly, as I adore Wendy,” he told the media while at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, emphasising that McLendon-Covey is “constantly working.”

During the cast’s reunion at Sunday’s event, Wiig, 52, began by saying, "It’s wonderful for us to all be together here tonight.”

She jokingly remarked on the film’s anniversary, "It’s hard to believe that it has been 15 years. Now, we aren’t great with numbers, but backstage we calculated and realised we filmed this in 1883."

The cast then proceeded to share “messages” from some of their cast mates, with Rudolph, 53, opening hers and stating, "Oh, this is amusing. Well, mine states, 'Firstly, you ladies look incredibly lovely tonight.' Thank you. 'You’re aging gracefully.' Regards, Stellan Skarsgård."

McCarthy, 55, similarly referred to another “message" from Skarsgård, humorously criticising his penmanship, “He experiences this frequently. I must admit, mine is nearly unreadable. The handwriting is quite bad.”

Bridesmaids, released in 2011, was penned by Wiig and Annie Mumolo, securing them a nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

 McCarthy also achieved her first Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actress back then.