'The Goldbergs' Star Wendi McLendon-Covey on the TV Moms That Inspire Her (Exclusive)

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Wendi McLendon-Covey became an instantly iconic television mom the moment she donned Beverly Goldberg's feathered locks on. But even after nine seasons of her hit ABC comedy, the hilarious actress has a hard time counting herself among the greats.«That anyone would consider me an iconic TV mom is such a compliment, because I grew up with Marion Cunningham and June Cleaver and all the greats,» McLendon-Covey told ET's Kevin Frazier as she was honored as one of ET's Iconic TV Moms this Mother's Day. «I loved watching those moms, and now that I’m playing a mom, oh my god, I have such a new respect for moms everywhere, because it is not up for the faint of heart.»As for what other TV character she'd compare Beverly to, the star named Cloris Leachman's memorable nosy neighbor, Phyllis Lindstrom, from «She was actively helicopter parenting,» she noted with a laugh. «I will say that she runs neck and neck with my own mother, who will deny this — but I don't.»McLendon-Covey's character is based on the real-life mother of ' producer, Adam F.

Goldberg, which adds an extra wrinkle to her role — she can receive acting notes from the woman herself!«I finally met Bev about 10 episodes in,» she said of taking on the part in the first season.