Wendie Malick Embraces Unglamourous Role as a Witch in ‘The Chicken Sisters’

Wendie Malick is embracing a very different role in her new series, ‘The Chicken Sisters’. Based on the best-selling novel by K.J. Dell'Antonia Malick plays Augusta "Gus" Moore, the tough owner of Mimi's Fried Chicken restaurant. 

Her relationship with her daughters, Amanda and Mae, is strained, and her rivalry with the competing fried chicken joint in town, Frannie’s, run by Nancy, adds more tension.

Speaking about her character, Malick says, "Gus is sparky and edgy, not easy to get along with. She’s clashing with pretty much everyone." Despite her rough exterior, Gus is on a journey of growth. 

Image Courtesy: People

"Slowly, you can chip away at that stern exterior, and we get to the heart of the misunderstood woman that she is," Malick adds.

Gus also has a unique appearance compared to Malick's previous roles in ‘Hot’ in Cleveland and ‘Just Shoot Me’!. She’s dressed in flannel shirts and jeans, with long grey hair. Malick jokes, "This woman is kind of a witch. One of her daughters even calls her ‘that old witch’ in the book. That’s why I wanted her to have long, grey hair."

Image Courtesy: People

Malick admits her look is true to her personal style. "These clothes are all mine," she says. "I wear this on my ranch at home. The only difference is, I have better hair in real life!"

While Gus’ look is a key part of the character, the heart of ‘The Chicken Sisters’ lies in its exploration of strong, complex women. "This story is about generational trauma and how women can hold onto things, blinding themselves to the wonders around them," Malick reflects. The show highlights the ups and downs of the women in this small town, their relationships, and their journeys to growth.

-Sushmita Sarkar