Wendy Kilbourne may be the most obscure actress that I have profiled in the What Ever Happened to series. She only had a few credits, and all of them were on TV. I don’t believe she ever made a feature film.
Yet, some of her work was very memorable.
Wendy began in TV, appearing on TV series such as MATT HOUSTON (in two episodes), DYNASTY, KNIGHT RIDER, COVER UP, RIP TIDE, THE A-TEAM, HOTEL and MURDER SHE WROTE (it must have been a policy that every actress working in the 80’s had to appear on this).
She played a model in the 1984 film THE CALENDAR GIRL MURDERS. The film would probably be forgotten today if not for the fact that her co-star in the film was a then unknown Sharon Stone. Because of that, you can find the DVD in the budget bin at Wal-Mart.
In 1985 she had one of her biggest roles. She played Constance in the epic mini-series NORTH AND SOUTH. This is where I first noticed her (although I had seen CALENDAR). Playing the wife of James Read’s character, she appeared in all three parts of the Civil War mini-series, 1986’s BOOK 2 and 1994’s BOOK 3.
In 1988, she appeared as Devon King, the radio station manager in the Gary Cole series MIDNIGHT CALLER, another favorite show of mine at the time (“Good night America, wherever you are.”)
The late 80’s saw her appearing in a few more TV movies, the most notable being GOING TO THE CHAPEL.
Her final credit was a guest starring role in 1996’s Corbin Bernson series THE CAPE.
And that was it.
So, what ever happened to her?
It seems that in real life, this scene soon occurred.
In 1988, Wendy married her NORTH AND SOUTH husband, James Read. They have two children.
As I stated, I don’t know if you would have called her a big star. In searching around the internet, I could only find 2 photos of her online. But, she was a very good actress. I spent many hours in the 80’s watching all parts of the NORTH AND SOUTH mini-series. I think the first 2 Books of the film ran a total of 24 hours. So, to be part of that instantly made you a star to those that watched it. And, I never missed an episode of MIDNIGHT CALLER.
But, Wendy seems to be another case where family is more important than fame. And, since Wendy and James have been married for almost twenty years, that is a good thing.
EDIT 11-5-07: Wendy has been found! You can read our interview with her here.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO: Wendy Kilbourne
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8 comments:
Thought you might appreciate a very brief update on Wendy Kilbourne, now Wendy Kilbourne Read. Wendy and James have just celebrated 19 years in a very happy marriage; they have two children, Jackson (16) and Sydney (12). Wendy is a lawyer, and the Founder/CEO of The Children's Project of Santa Barbara, whose purpose it is to create the first charter boarding school for foster children in Santa Barbara County (check their website). She is following her life-long passion of empowering children to find, and to live, their fullest potential. Her television work was a powerful stepping-stone in her life work, and it was great to see your up-date. Jacqueline Langley, Ph.D.
I am VERY pleased to see that Wendy has some updated information! She truly did use her television work to further her deepest visions, to help children. As a former foster parent, it is commendable to see her creating a dream out of her personal experiences of helping other children who have been faced with life altering challenges. In a world full of divorce and uncertainty it is also commendable to see her family happy and together!!!
If only I knew what happenned to James Read....
--Bailey
www.heybaileykay.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for the update!! I have been a fan for a very long time and its great to hear her doing so well. God bless her and her family! Martha
Thank you for the interview. Incidentally, the pics you'll find on this site originate mostly from me.
I've been a huge fan of Wendy Kilbourne Read and her husband James since North and South. Currently, I'm doing research on US history and culture sparked by North and South.
I thank Mrs. Kilbourne Read as well as her husband for the inspiration & remain their sincere admirer in all fields, including ethics:) I scarcely need to add that, as a romantic, their relationship has always touched me deeply in reality as well as on-screen.
All the Best,
Pasi Kallio, M.A.
Ph.D. Candidate
PS. For anyone interested, my email is crossroads11[at]suomi24.fi
I was talking to my mom and she told ne that i was named after her character in midnight caller. She said that she had a list of names and threw it out when she remembered the name devon but mine is spelled devin. I wish i could have seen the show
Would someone accept a bet on Mrs. Kilbourne-Read being as sweet and compassionate in real life as her character, Constance, in N&S? Besides the fact that she did a splendorous acting-job (although I suppose she didn't have to act that much for the role ;o), I think I can state that lots of guys of our generation admired her deeply back then in the 80's. So, let me say: Who wanders, that Mr. Read married her on the spot, and who wouldn't have? After 19 years of happy marriage sure he knows how lucky he is! However, all the best to the Kilbourne-Read family!
An admirer from Germany
Developed a crush for Wendy on N&S - reinforced on MC - and am glad she is happy and prospering. Clearly, not continuing in film/TV is rewarding, too!
John, England
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