Theresa Duncan was born in Michigan. Details about her early childhood are scant, but it is known that she developed an early interest in art and culture that would significantly shape her future endeavors. This foundation in her formative years likely fueled her later creativity and critical lens.

Duncan moved to New York City and immersed herself in the city's vibrant underground art and music scene. She became known for her sharp wit, stylish persona, and participation in various creative projects, marking the start of her public artistic life. This exposure refined her aesthetic sensibilities and helped develop her voice as a critic.

Duncan began experimenting with filmmaking, creating short films that often explored themes of femininity, beauty, and pop culture. Notably, she wrote, directed, and starred in 'The History of Glamour,' a short film which showcased her unique blend of style and social commentary. These early film ventures laid the groundwork for her later interest in immersive, narrative-driven media.

Duncan relocated to Los Angeles and began a significant personal and professional relationship with artist Jeremy Blake. This move marked a shift towards the West Coast art scene and fostered a period of intense creative collaboration. Their partnership would impact both of their respective careers profoundly.

Duncan achieved significant recognition for her groundbreaking work in interactive media for young girls. She designed the critically acclaimed computer games 'Chop Suey' (1995) and 'Smarty' (1996) for the Humongous Entertainment. These titles were celebrated for their unique visual style, quirky humor, and empowering messages, offering an alternative to the mainstream games marketed to girls at the time. 'Chop Suey' in particular is now seen as an important contribution to the independent game development community.

Duncan became an active blogger, using her platform to share her thoughts on art, fashion, politics, and culture. Her writing was known for its intelligence, wit, and keen observations. The blog also served as an outlet for her personal experiences and social commentary, furthering her influence on broader intellectual discussions.

Duncan co-directed and co-wrote, with Laurie Gwen Shapiro, the documentary film 'Keep the River on Your Right: A Modern Cannibal Tale,' based on the book of the same name. The film offered an intimate portrait of anthropologist Tobias Schneebaum. It explores themes of identity, cultural difference, and the limits of understanding, showcasing a darker and more complex side of Duncan's artistic vision.

Theresa Duncan tragically passed away in New York City on July 10, 2007. Her death, along with that of Jeremy Blake shortly after, became the subject of considerable media attention and speculation. Duncan's artistic legacy continues to be celebrated, and her contributions to interactive media, film, and cultural criticism remain influential and relevant.