Elmarie Louise Wendel (born November 23, 1928) is an American actress, best known for her role as Mrs. Dubcek in the NBC sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun.Born on a farm in Howard County, Iowa, one of five siblings, Wendel spent her childhood traveling with her musical parents and dancing with her sisters in and around the Midwest in club and concert hall venues, including the Grand Ole Opry.