Robin Duke was born on March 13th, 1954

Robin Duke: The Laughter Queen of Canada

A Canadian Comedic Icon

Robin Duke is a household name in Canada, renowned for her brilliant comedic skills as an actress, comedian, and voice actress. She shot to fame with her exceptional work on the television comedy series SCTV and later, Saturday Night Live, leaving an indelible mark on the world of comedy.

Early Life and Career

Born on March 13, 1954, in Etobicoke, Ontario, Duke attended Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Institute, where she met her future collaborator, Catherine O'Hara, in homeroom class. She joined the Toronto version of the stage comedy troupe The Second City in 1976, alongside O'Hara, and made several appearances in the troupe's television series, SCTV. This marked the beginning of her illustrious career in comedy.

Breakthrough with SCTV and Saturday Night Live

Duke became a regular on SCTV from 1980 to 1981, before joining the cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 1981. She replaced Catherine O'Hara, who had initially been chosen as a cast member but decided to return to SCTV instead. During her time on SNL (1981-1984), Duke created memorable characters, including Wendy Whiner, a whiny woman who annoyed everyone she met, and Mrs. T, the equally bizarre counterpart to Mr. T in a faux commercial.

Film and Voiceover Career

Duke has appeared in several films, such as Club Paradise (1986), Groundhog Day (1993), Stuart Saves His Family (1995), and Portrait of a Serial Monogamist (2015). She has also lent her voice to various animated television series, including the children's show Penny.

Teaching and Women Fully Clothed

Duke is currently a faculty member at Humber College in Toronto, where she teaches writing in the Comedy Writing and Performance program. She is also the co-founder of Women Fully Clothed, a sketch comedy troupe that has toured Canada, providing a platform for female comedians to showcase their talents.

Recurring Role in Schitt's Creek

In recent years, Duke has had a recurring role as Wendy Kurtz in the hit sitcom Schitt's Creek, further solidifying her presence in the world of comedy.

A Legacy of Laughter

Throughout her remarkable career, Robin Duke has left an indelible mark on the world of comedy, inspiring generations of comedians and actors. Her tireless efforts to promote laughter and creativity have cemented her place as a Canadian comedic icon.