Wendy Robie was born on October 6, 1953, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and grew up in northern California on a ranch where Arabian horses were raised. She attended the College of Marin, studying theater arts, and later earned a degree in English literature.

Before pursuing acting full-time, she worked as an English teacher for a decade while raising her daughter, Samantha. Wendy Robie is best known for her role as Nadine Hurley in David Lynch's television series Twin Peaks, which aired from 1990 to 1991, and the prequel film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me in 1992.

She reprised her role as Nadine in the 2017 revival series Twin Peaks: The Return.

Wendy Robie starred in two of Wes Craven's films: The People Under the Stairs in 1991 and Vampire in Brooklyn in 1995. She has also appeared in numerous television shows, including Baywatch, Quantum Leap, Viper, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Sister, Sister.

Wendy Robie made her voice-over debut in the video game Zork: Nemesis in 1996 and has continued to work in theater, earning nominations for the Joseph Jefferson Award for her performances in The Trojan Women and Elizabeth Rex.

Her lifestyle reflects her passion for the arts and her dedication to her craft. She has been a competitive 100-mile endurance runner and has taught college English.

Wendy Robie is known for her red hair and her ability to portray mentally or emotionally disturbed characters. Her personal life includes her daughter, Samantha, and her involvement with the Shakespeare troupe Will & Company, where she serves as an associate art director.

Throughout her career, Wendy Robie has received recognition for her outstanding body of work, including the After Dark Award in 2005.