Wendi McLendon-Covey Missed 'Bridesmaids' Oscars Reunion Due to Neck Lift Surgery

The actress explained her absence from the 15th anniversary celebration on Instagram.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:58pm

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Several of the main cast members from the 2011 comedy film 'Bridesmaids' reunited at the 2026 Academy Awards to present a pair of awards. However, Wendi McLendon-Covey, who played one of the bridesmaids in the movie, was absent from the reunion. McLendon-Covey later explained on Instagram that she had to skip the event because she had recently undergone neck lift surgery.

Why it matters

The 'Bridesmaids' reunion at the Oscars was a highly anticipated moment for fans of the beloved comedy, which was a major box office hit and earned multiple Academy Award nominations. McLendon-Covey's absence from the reunion was noticed by many, so her explanation provided clarity and reassurance that there was no drama behind the scenes.

The details

Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph and Ellie Kemper all took the Oscars stage to present awards and do a comedic bit where they read 'notes' from other stars in the audience. However, McLendon-Covey, who played one of the bridesmaids in the film, was not present. She later explained on Instagram that she had to skip the event because she had recently undergone neck lift surgery and was recovering.

  • McLendon-Covey had neck lift surgery the week prior to the 2026 Oscars ceremony.
  • The 'Bridesmaids' reunion took place on March 12, 2026 at the 98th Academy Awards.

The players

Wendi McLendon-Covey

An American actress best known for her role as Beverly in the comedy series 'The Goldbergs' and as one of the bridesmaids in the 2011 film 'Bridesmaids'.

Melissa McCarthy

An American actress, comedian, writer and producer who was nominated for an Academy Award for her supporting role in 'Bridesmaids'.

Rose Byrne

An Australian actress who was nominated for an Oscar this year for her leading role in the film 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You'.

Kristen Wiig

An American actress, comedian, writer and producer who co-wrote the screenplay for 'Bridesmaids' with Annie Mumolo.

Maya Rudolph

An American actress, comedian, and singer who played the role of the bride in 'Bridesmaids'.

Ellie Kemper

An American actress and comedian who played one of the bridesmaids in 'Bridesmaids'.

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What they’re saying

“In response to some of the dms I'm getting: I had a neck lift last week because I'm tired of looking like a melting candle. So I had to skip the Academy Awards. No drama. Everything is fine. 😘”

— Wendi McLendon-Covey

“Congratulations queen, I cannot WAIT to see her. (Your neck) 💙”

— Allison Tolman, Co-star on 'St. Denis Medical'

The takeaway

McLendon-Covey's absence from the 'Bridesmaids' reunion at the Oscars was due to a personal medical procedure, not any behind-the-scenes drama. Her openness about the situation and supportive comments from her co-star show that the cast remains close-knit despite the passage of time since the film's release.