In 1989, Mendenhall starred opposite Christina Applegate in the drama Streets, once again working with Roger Corman, who produced.
On television, Mendenhall had a recurring role for two seasons on the NBC drama Our House, starring Wilford Brimley.
In 1994, Mendenhall enrolled in the theater arts program at California State University, San Bernardino.
[citation needed] In 1996, he transferred to the University of Southern California and graduated magna cum laude in 1998 with a bachelor's degree.
[citation needed] In 2012, he returned to acting with a brief role in Bobcat Goldthwait's God Bless America.