David Mendenhall’s career began at the age of four, when he appeared in a commercial for Mattel Toys. By the time he reached his teens his appearances included more than 150 commercials for both television and radio, plus roles on such television shows as “Our House” (two seasons), “Taxi” (two seasons as Marilu Henner’s son), “Diff’rent Strokes,” “The Twilight Zone,” “The David Copperfield Special” (as the young Copperfield), and “The Wayne Newton Special” (as the young Wayne Newton).
From 1979 – 1986, David regularly appeared as “Mike Webber” on ABC’s “General Hospital” for which he was honored with a Soapie for “Best Youth Actor In a Daytime Continuing Drama” by the Soap Opera Digest Awards. He also collected several Youth in Film Awards during the same time span, including “Best Youth Actor In A Daytime Drama Series.” Soon he became heavily involved in feature films, and by the late 80s, David’s image was seen in every major teen magazine. Along the way, he had the opportunity to work alongside major entertainment industry figures representing a spectrum of media and eras, including Danny Kaye, Sammy Davis, Jr., Roger Corman, Danny DeVito, Bill Bixby, Janusz Kaminski, Ruth Buzzi, Brock Peters, Burgess Meredith, Demi Moore, and Menahem Golan.
Movie appearances included opposite Christina Applegate in the gritty thriller “Streets” (1990); with Sally Kellerman and Michael Moriarty in “Secret Of The Ice Cave” (1990); “Going Bananas” (1988) with Dom DeLuise and Jimmy Walker; as the son of Sylvester Stallone in “Over The Top” (1987, for which he infamously “won” two Razzies in the same year – Worst New Star and Worst Supporting Actor); with comedian Johnny Yune in “They Still Call Me Bruce” (1987); as part of an ensemble including Shelley Winters in the thriller “Witchfire” (1985); and co-starring in his first feature with Vince Edwards in Roger Corman’s “Space Raiders” (1983).
David’s experience in the 80s extended to performing voice-over roles for many cartoon specials, series, and feature films, including: “The Cabbage Patch Christmas Special,” “Robo Force,” “Puff The Magic Dragon,” “The Smurf’s Christmas Special,” “Kangaroo,” “Potato Head Kids,” “Galtar,” “The Berenstain Bears” (as Brother Bear), “G.I. Joe,” “Transformers,” “The Transformers Movie,” and “The Rainbow Brite Movie.” In addition, David recorded several story-albums for Disney Records, including “The Black Stallion,” “E.T.,” “Gremlins,” “Goonies,” and “The Swiss Family Robinson.”
After the very busy 80s came to a close, and after coping with the loss of his father from cancer, David began a course towards achieving a higher education. In 1998 he graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Cinema- Television. Next, in further pursuit of his goal to one day form his own production company, he proceeded to earn his Juris Doctor degree from Southwestern University School of Law (2001). Credentials in hand, David began his career anew in the entertainment industry, first, as a contract attorney inside major studio law departments, including the NBC network and Universal Studios. A devoted writer from an early age, Mendenhall also spent time during the 2000s as a journalist for such publications as Indie Slate Magazine and the Daily Journal.
In 2008, Mendenhall pivoted back towards his true passion, entertainment production. He first had the opportunity to spend time behind-the-scenes at work for Lock and Key Productions (Endemol) seasons 3 & 4 of the hit NBC program, “Deal or No Deal.” Since then, he’s earned producing credits on other prime time network programs.
Over the years, David has also channeled his energy into supporting many non-profit causes. He’s participated in numerous special events on behalf of such organizations as the American Cancer Society, The Adam Walsh Foundation, The Just Say No Foundation, The Motion Picture and Television Hospital, the D.A.R.E. program, the March of Dimes, Actors and Others for Animals, the Starlight Children’s Foundation, and Make-A-Wish.
A true “theatre person,” David continues to participate in stage productions on a regular basis, having appeared in and/or been directly involved with many live productions in the Los Angeles area since the early 90s. He is currently a member of Above The Curve Theatre group. As a professional actor, 2016 marked his 40th anniversary as a member in good standing of Screen Actors Guild-AFTRA; he recently enjoyed playing a feature role in Bobcat Goldthwait’s dark comedy “God Bless America.” On a regular basis, David also participates as a member of the SAG-AFTRA National Young Performers Committee, which advocates for protections on behalf of children who work in front of the camera.
David’s engaged with several productions in various stages of development for worldwide digital, television, and theatrical distribution.
