Actress Wendie Jo Sperber, who starred opposite Tom Hanks on TV's "Bosom Buddies" and who in his words became "a walking inspiration" after she contracted cancer, has died. She was in her 40s.

Sperber died at home Tuesday after an eight-year battle with breast cancer, publicist Jo-Ann Geffen said Wednesday. A Los Angeles native, Sperber appeared in dozens of television shows and movies, including all three "Back to the Future" films.

Sperber also had roles in Steven Spielberg's "1941," Robert Zemeckis' "I Wanna Hold Your Hand," and Neal Israel's "Moving Violations" and "Bachelor Party." Her television credits include "Murphy Brown," "Private Benjamin," "Will & Grace" and "8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter."

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997, the actress became an advocate for cancer care. In 2001, she founded the weSPARK Cancer Support Center, which provides free emotional support, information and social activities for individuals and families affected by cancer. Sperber helped unveil and promote a breast cancer stamp for the U.S. Postal Service in 1998, Geffen said.

"The memory of Wendie Jo is that of a walking inspiration," Tom Hanks said in a statement. "She met the challenges of her illness with love, cheer, joy and altruism. We are going to miss her as surely as we are all better for knowing her."

Sperber is survived by a son and daughter, her parents, two sisters and a brother.

Source: New York Daily News

--I totally loved "Bosom Buddies" back in the day.

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Posted by Lawren at December 1, 2005 07:26 AM | Trackbacks (0)

You Said

Great show.

Says: Kelly at December 1, 2005 11:49 AM

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Bosom Buddies did rock. She was a great comedic actress and was everywhere in the 80's. A shame cancer took her from us.

Says: Brian D. at December 1, 2005 03:20 PM

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