Wendy Makkena was born Wendy Rosenberg Makkena on October 4, 1958, in Manhattan, New York City, to Diana K. Rosenberg, an astrologer, and an unknown father. She attended the prestigious Juilliard School, where she trained as a classical harpist and performed at Carnegie Hall before shifting her focus to acting.

Her career began on stage, with her Broadway debut in the production of "Pygmalion" in 1987. She later appeared in "Lend Me a Tenor" and "Side Man," showcasing her versatility as an actress.

In 1988, she made her film debut in "Eight Men Out," but it was her role as Sister Mary Robert in the 1992 musical comedy film "Sister Act" that catapulted her to fame.

She reprised the role in the sequel "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit" the following year. Her filmography includes a diverse range of roles in movies such as "Air Bud" (1997), "State of Play" (2009), and "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" (2019).

On television, she has had recurring roles on shows like "NYPD Blue," "Judging Amy," and "NCIS," as well as starring in short-lived series such as "A League of Their Own" and "The Mob Doctor."

Wendy Makkena is married to Bob Krakower, an acting coach, and they have a child together.