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Wendy Raquel Robinson
Wendy Raquel Robinson
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Wendy Raquel Robinson (born July 25, 1967) is an American actress. She is best known for her roles as high school principal Regina "Piggy" Grier on The WB comedy sitcom The Steve Harvey Show (1996–2002), and as sports agent Tasha Mack on The CW/BET/Paramount+ comedy-drama The Game (2006–2015, 2022–2023).

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

Robinson was born in Los Angeles, California. She attended Howard University, where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drama.[3][4]

Career

[edit]

She made her acting debut in 1993 on an episode of Martin. That same year, she guest starred on episodes of Thea and The Sinbad Show.

From 1995 to 1996, Robinson co-starred on the short-lived NBC sitcom Minor Adjustments, starring Rondell Sheridan. The following year she won the role of Regina "Piggy" Grier in The WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show which aired for six seasons. After the series ended its run in 2002, she appeared on the short-lived sketch comedy series Cedric the Entertainer Presents with her former Steve Harvey co-star Cedric the Entertainer. Robinson also made guest appearances on The Parkers, All of Us, and The New Adventures of Old Christine. Robinson has also appeared in several films including The Walking Dead, followed by roles in A Thin Line Between Love and Hate (1996), Ringmaster (1998), Two Can Play That Game (2001), and Rebound (2005). In 2000, she played Miss California in the film Miss Congeniality.

In 2006, Robinson began portraying the role of Tasha Mack, in the comedy The Game.[5] After three seasons, the series was canceled by The CW on May 21, 2009.[6] BET struck a deal with The Game's parent company CBS to develop new episodes of the series, relocating taping of the show from Los Angeles to Atlanta,[7] and announcing its renewal at the April 2010 upfronts.[8]

The Game returned to the air for a fourth season on January 11, 2011,[9] The series ended in 2015. She also appeared in ABC's medical drama Grey's Anatomy in 2010. In 2014, she was cast as Cruella de Vil in the Disney's Descendants.[10][11] In 2017, she has appeared in the film Flatliners, and had a recurring role on the short-lived ABC comedy series, The Mayor.

In 2018, Robinson was cast in the ABC comedy-drama series Grand Hotel opposite Demián Bichir and Roselyn Sánchez.[12][13] In 2022, she featured in the Netflix series Family Reunion as Joyce.

Philanthropy

[edit]

In 1996, Robinson co-founded the Amazing Grace Conservatory, a school that predominantly serves children from 5 to 18 years old from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds in the fields of the arts and media production.[citation needed] Robinson serves as the school's artistic director.[14] The school has provided a safe haven and training for thousands of young people. Some notable members include Issa Rae, Rhyon Nicole Brown,[15] and Elle Varner.[16]

Personal life

[edit]

Robinson was initiated as an honorary member of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority during the organization’s Centennial Boulé in July 2022. [17]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1994 M.A.N.T.I.S. Ndiaye, Hawkins' Assistant TV movie
1995 The Walking Dead Celeste
Seven Thirty-Five Dana Short
1996 A Thin Line Between Love and Hate Gwen
1998 Ringmaster Starletta
2000 Miss Congeniality Leslie Davis, Miss California
2001 Two Can Play That Game Karen
2002 A Baby Blues Christmas Special Josie/Madge (voice) TV short
2003 With or Without You Serena
Mind Games Natalie, the Hairstylist
2004 Reflections: A Story of Redemption Maya Short
2005 Squirrel Man Sonya Wendell Short
Rebound Jeanie Ellis
2006 Something New Cheryl
2008 Peaches Peaches Video
2009 Contradictions of the Heart Kim Video
2010 When the Lights Go Out Sheila Video
2011 35 and Ticking Callise
He's Mine Not Yours Sophia
2014 My Dad's a Soccer Mom Holly Casey TV movie
2015 Mysterious Ways Marilyn
Descendants Cruella de Vil TV movie
I'll Text You Cindy Short
2016 A Weekend with the Family Nip Stankershet
Sugar Mimi Short
Grandma's House Cynthia
Boy Bye Veronica Love
2017 Flatliners Mrs. Jean Manning
2018 Revival! Woman With Blood Issue
2019 Hip Hop Holiday Paris
2020 The Sin Choice
A Christmas Surprise Tanya TV movie
2021 Fruits of the Heart Ella
A Christmas Family Reunion Mona Christmas TV movie
2022 Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story Cylestine

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1992 The New WKRP in Cincinnati Stacey Episode: "Strange Bedfellows"
1993 Martin Vanessa Tucker Episode: "Really, Gina Is Not My Lover"
The Sinbad Show Yvette Episode: "Pilot"
Thea Patrice Washington Episode: "Artie's Party"
1994 Dream On Tiffany Episode: "The Homecoming Queen"
Me and the Boys Amelia Episode: "Pilot"
Sisters Mannequin #2 Episode: "Scandalous"
1995 The Watcher Wendy Episode: "Pilot"
Vanishing Son Linda Episode: "Long Ago and Far Away"
1995–96 Minor Adjustments Rachel Aimes Main Cast
1996 NYPD Blue Lucy Kinley Episode: "Closing Time" & "He's Not Guilty, He's My Brother"
1996–2002 The Steve Harvey Show Regina "Piggy" Grier Main Cast
1998 Getting Personal Kaylene Recurring Cast
2000–02 Baby Blues Josie (voice) Recurring Cast
2002 Yes, Dear Andrea Episode: "Greg's New Friend"
Cedric the Entertainer Presents Various Characters Main Cast
2002–03 The Proud Family Katanga/Leslie (voice) Episode: "Behind Family Lines" & "Hooray for Iesha"
2003 Pyramid Herself/Celebrity Contestant Recurring Guest
The Parkers Dr. Shepherd Episode: "The Accidental Therapist"
2004–05 All of Us Sarah Willis Recurring Cast: Season 2
2006 The New Adventures of Old Christine Anita Episode: "The Other F Word"
Girlfriends Tasha Mack Episode: "The Game"
2006–15 The Game Tasha Mack Main Cast
2007 Family Guy Jackée Harry/Bernice (voice) Episode: "Believe It or Not, Joe's Walking on Air"
2009 Played by Fame Herself Episode: "Wendy Raquel Robinson" & "Kevin's Child's Play"
2010 Grey's Anatomy Officer Gina Thompson Episode: "Sympathy for the Parents"
2010–11 Glenn Martin, DDS Hair Dresser/Professor Randall (voice) Episode: "Courtney's Pony" & "Date with Destiny"
2012 Malibu Country Joan Episode: "Pilot"
2013 Kimmie's Kitchen Herself Episode: "Sweet Potato Pie/Wendy Raquel Robinson"
2015 Unsung Hollywood Herself Episode: "Vivica A. Fox"
Teens Wanna Know Herself Episode: "2015 Hollywood Award Season"
Being Herself Episode: "Wendy Raquel Robinson"
2016 Here We Go Again Loretta Walker Main Cast
2017 Tia Mowry at Home Herself Episode: "Game On"
Detroiters Councilwoman Gwinett Episode: "Sam the Man"
The Mayor Krystal Recurring Cast
2018 Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards Herself/Host Main Host
Raven's Home Dreamweaver Episode: "Weirder Things"
2018–19 Dear White People Tina White Guest Cast: Season 2–3
For Evan's Sake Dr. Cynthia King-Watkins Main Cast
2019 Annual Trumpet Awards Herself/Co-Host Main Co-Host
Annual African Pride Gospel SuperFest Herself/Host Main Host
Grand Hotel Helen "Mrs. P" Parker Main Cast
2020 Celebrity Game Face Herself Episode: "Sweatsuit Charades and Donut Holes"
Cherish the Day Dr. Coral LeRose Episode: "Synopsis"
Two Degrees Wendy Episode: "U.B.E.R."
2020–21 Insecure Lila Recurring Cast: Season 4, Guest: Season 5
2021 MacGyver Lauretta Bozer [18][19] Episode: "H2O + Orthophosphates + Mission City + Corrosion + Origins"
2021–23 The Game Tasha Mack Main Cast
2022 Family Reunion Joyce Episode: "Remember When the Raccoon Crashed the Wedding?"
Kid's Crew Gloria Thomas Recurring Cast
2024 Poppa's House Catherine Fulton Recurring Cast

Award nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Work Result
2000 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series The Steve Harvey Show Nominated
2001 Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated
2002 Nominated
2003 Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Cedric the Entertainer Presents Nominated
2008 The Game Nominated
2009 Nominated
2010 Nominated
2012 Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated
2013 Nominated
2014 Won
2015 Nominated

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Wendy Raquel Robinson is an American actress, producer, and philanthropist born on July 25, 1967, in Los Angeles, California, of African-American and Native American descent. She is best known for her portrayal of high school principal Regina "Piggy" Grier on the WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show from 1996 to 2002, and as single mother and sports agent Tasha Mack on the BET series The Game from 2006 to 2015 and 2021 to 2023. Robinson has also appeared in notable television roles such as a guest spot in Grey's Anatomy and a recurring role in The Chi, as well as Joyce in Family Reunion and Catherine in Poppa's House, establishing her as a versatile performer in comedy and drama. Robinson graduated cum laude from with a in drama, where she honed her skills in theater before transitioning to screen acting. Her early career included stage performances in productions such as , , and The Colored Museum, which showcased her dramatic range. She broke into television with guest spots and recurring roles in the mid-1990s, leading to her breakthrough on , which highlighted her comedic timing and earned her multiple award nominations. Beyond acting, Robinson is a committed philanthropist who co-founded the Amazing Grace Conservatory in 1996 with Tracy Lamar Coley, a nonprofit performing arts school in Los Angeles offering training in acting, voice, dance, and media arts to underserved youth aged 5 to 18. As executive artistic director, she has led the program to produce alumni who have attended prestigious institutions like Yale and Juilliard. Her contributions to the arts and education have earned her recognition, including a win at the Pacific Southwest Emmy Awards and multiple NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series, as well as acclaim as an Emmy Award-winning producer.

Early life and education

Early life

Wendy Raquel Robinson was born on July 25, 1967, in , . She is of African-American and Native American descent. Raised in , Robinson attended public schools including La Salle Avenue Elementary, Hughes Junior High, Byrd Junior High, Horace Mann Junior High, and Hollywood High. She faced disciplinary issues at Hollywood High, leading to her expulsion for marijuana use and subsequent transfer. She graduated from in . She began dancing at the age of seven and participated in backyard performances and small productions, which ignited her early interest in the . These formative experiences in South Central Los Angeles laid the groundwork for her passion for acting, leading her to pursue formal training at Howard University.

Education

Robinson attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she majored in drama within the College of Fine Arts. She graduated cum laude in 1989 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in drama. During her time at , Robinson immersed herself in the university's rigorous theater program, which featured intensive daily rehearsals from morning to evening. The drama department's small cohort provided focused training that honed her acting abilities. She starred as Agnes in a student production of , a role that significantly contributed to her maturation as a performer. Her classmates included future stars and , fostering an environment rich in collaborative stage experience. Robinson's education at laid the foundation for her in professional theater and television.

Career

Early career

After graduating from in 1989 with a in drama, Robinson returned to , her hometown, to pursue full-time. Her classical training at provided a strong foundation in , directing, and , which she applied to build experience in the competitive Hollywood scene. Robinson initially focused on theater to develop her skills and resume, appearing in local productions such as The Colored Museum at the Inner City Cultural Center in 1992, where she performed alongside a cast delivering exaggerated, satirical sketches on Black American experiences. These stage roles helped her hone her comedic timing and dramatic range amid the limited opportunities available for Black actresses in the early 1990s. Her television breakthrough came in 1993 with her on-screen debut as a guest star in the Martin episode "Really, Gina? Is Not My Lover?," playing Vanessa Tucker. That same year, she secured small parts in episodes of as Yvette and Thea as Patrice Washington, marking her entry into sitcom guest spots. These minor roles, though brief, demonstrated her versatility and persistence as she navigated the challenges of breaking into an industry often typecasting performers of color. To support herself during this period, Robinson took on various jobs while auditioning relentlessly, embodying the determination required for aspiring actors in Hollywood.

Breakthrough roles

Robinson's breakthrough came with her casting as the no-nonsense high school principal Regina "Piggy" Grier in the WB sitcom , which premiered in 1996 and ran until 2002. In this role, she portrayed a tough yet caring administrator navigating the chaos of an inner-city high alongside former musician Steve Hightower, played by . Over the course of 122 episodes across six seasons, Robinson demonstrated her versatility, blending sharp comedic timing with moments of emotional depth to highlight the challenges and triumphs of educators in underserved communities. The series provided a platform for her to evolve the character from a stern authority figure into a multifaceted mentor, contributing to its enduring appeal as a family-oriented . The Steve Harvey Show achieved significant success as a staple of The WB's lineup, earning praise for its authentic and positive depiction of educators and their impact on students. The show's run solidified its status as a cultural touchstone, emphasizing themes of resilience and community in Black-led narratives. Robinson's portrayal garnered critical recognition, including three NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series in 1999, 2000, and 2001. This prominent role also facilitated key industry connections, paving the way for guest spots like her appearance on The Parkers in 1999.

Film work

Robinson made her feature film debut in a supporting comic role as Leslie Davis, Miss California, in the Sandra Bullock-led comedy Miss Congeniality (2000), where she portrayed a pageant contestant amid an FBI undercover operation. Her performance contributed to the film's lighthearted ensemble dynamic, showcasing her timing in humorous ensemble scenes. In 2001, Robinson took on the role of Karen, the witty best friend to the protagonist, in the romantic comedy Two Can Play That Game, which centered on relationship dynamics within Black communities and emphasized themes of empowerment and fidelity. Directed by Mark Brown, the film highlighted her ability to deliver sharp, supportive dialogue that complemented the lead's narrative arc. She later appeared as Jeanie Ellis, the love interest and principal's assistant to Martin Lawrence's basketball coach character, in the family sports (2005), blending romantic and comedic elements in a story of redemption through youth coaching. This role allowed her to explore a more grounded, nurturing persona while maintaining her established comedic flair. Robinson's subsequent film work included supporting parts in romantic dramas like Something New (2006), where she played Joyce, the sister to the lead character, navigating interracial relationships and family expectations. In Contradictions of the Heart (2009), she portrayed Kim, a figure entangled in themes of race, friendship, and intimacy following a late-night encounter. These roles often positioned her as a confidante or strong ally, reflecting a pattern in her cinema appearances. Throughout her film career, Robinson has frequently been cast in portrayals of sassy, resilient , a she has addressed in discussions on the constraints faced by Black actresses in Hollywood, noting the pressure to conform to specific stereotypes while seeking diverse opportunities. In a 2020 conversation, she emphasized the joys and challenges of embodying multifaceted female characters in an industry with limited roles beyond archetypal figures. This comedic sensibility, initially honed through television, translated effectively to her big-screen supporting turns, enhancing ensemble casts without overshadowing leads.

Later television roles

Following the success of her role on , Robinson transitioned into more prominent television work with her portrayal of Tasha Mack, a no-nonsense and single mother, on the BET sitcom The Game from 2006 to 2015. As a series regular across nine seasons totaling 147 episodes, her character became a fan favorite for its blend of humor, toughness, and emotional depth, contributing to the show's status as one of BET's longest-running scripted series. Robinson also took on dramatic guest roles during this period, showcasing her versatility beyond comedy. In 2010, she appeared as Officer Gina Thompson in the Grey's Anatomy episode "Sympathy for the Parents," delivering a tense performance in a storyline involving family conflict and medical crisis. She guest-starred as Angela, a sharp-witted associate, in the 2012 Scandal episode "Grant: For Your Consideration," adding intensity to the political thriller's ensemble. In the 2020s, Robinson reprised Tasha Mack in the The Game revival on Paramount+ from 2021 to 2022, appearing in all 20 episodes of the two-season run and exploring the character's evolution in the streaming era. She continued with recurring roles in edgier dramas, including Riley Dalton, a resilient widow navigating community challenges, on Showtime's The Chi in its 2025 seventh season. That same year, Robinson joined the CBS sitcom Poppa's House in a recurring capacity as Catherine Fulton, the ex-wife of the lead character, appearing in five episodes and drawing on her comedic roots while adapting to modern family dynamics, as discussed in interviews about the shift to shorter streaming formats.

Personal life and philanthropy

Marriage and family

Wendy Raquel Robinson married Marco Perkins in 2003 after the couple began dating in the early . The wedding was a private affair, and the pair generally maintained a low public profile throughout their relationship. Robinson and Perkins had no children together. The couple faced challenges beginning in 2015, when Perkins suffered a and claimed Robinson left him shortly after; this led to their separation and Perkins filing for divorce in August 2018 after 15 years of marriage. Robinson filed for divorce in September 2020, and the divorce was finalized on May 18, 2022. Robinson resides in the Los Angeles area.

Philanthropy

Robinson's philanthropic efforts center on empowering youth through arts education and supporting organizations that promote cultural and . In 1997, she co-founded the Amazing Grace Conservatory (AGC), a nonprofit school in South dedicated to providing accessible training in , voice, , media arts, and to children and young adults aged 5 to 18 from underserved communities. The organization, initially launched as All God's Children, serves as a safe haven for inner-city youth, fostering professional skills and self-confidence while addressing barriers to arts access in low-income areas. As , Robinson has mentored hundreds of students, many of whom have pursued careers in , and she continues to oversee programs that emphasize creative expression as a tool for personal growth. As of 2025, Robinson continues to serve as executive of the Amazing Grace Conservatory, overseeing programs for underserved youth. She has hosted NAACP Theatre Awards events, using her platform to highlight emerging Black talent and promote equity in the performing arts. A Howard University alumna with a BFA in drama, Robinson has donated to scholarships for drama students at her alma mater and delivered keynote addresses at alumni events, including a 2020 gathering where she shared insights on career paths in the arts.

Filmography

Film

Robinson has appeared in approximately 20 feature films spanning genres such as romantic comedies, dramas, animated features, and sports comedies.
YearTitleRole
1995The Walking DeadCeleste
1996A Thin Line Between Love and HateGwen
1998RingmasterStarletta
2000Miss CongenialityMiss Texas
2001Two Can Play That GameShanté Smith
2005ReboundMolly McFadden
2006Something NewCheryl
2009The Princess and the FrogEudora (voice)
201135 and TickingCallise
2011Jumping the BroomShondra
2011He's Mine Not YoursSophia
2014My Dad's a Soccer MomHolly Casey
2015Mysterious WaysMarilyn
2015DescendantsCruella de Vil
2016A Weekend with the FamilyNip Stankershet
2016Grandma's HouseCynthia
2016Boy ByeTrina
2017FlatlinersSophia's Mother
2018Revival!Woman with Blood Issue
2019Hip Hop HolidayParis
2021Welcome to the Christmas Family ReunionMona Christmas
2021Fruits of the HeartElla
2022Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson StoryCylestine

Television

  • 1993: Martin (UPN) – Guest role as Wendy (1 episode).
  • 1993: The Sinbad Show (Fox) – Guest role (1 episode).
  • 1993: Thea (ABC) – Guest role (1 episode).
  • 1993: Dream On (HBO) – Guest role (1 episode).
  • 1996: NYPD Blue (ABC) – Lucy Kinley (1 episode).
  • 1996–2002: The Steve Harvey Show (The WB) – Regina "Piggy" Grier (main role, 122 episodes).
  • 1998: Getting Personal (Fox) – Kaylene (3 episodes).
  • 1999: The Parkers (UPN) – Guest role (1 episode).
  • 2000–2002: Baby Blues (Adult Swim/WB) – Josie (voice, 4 episodes).
  • 2006–2015: The Game (The CW/BET) – Tasha Mack (main role, 145 episodes).
  • 2012: Scandal (ABC) – Guest role (1 episode).
  • 2017: The Mayor (ABC) – Krystal (recurring, 6 episodes).
  • 2019: Grand Hotel (ABC) – Olivia (recurring, 5 episodes).
  • 2021: Family Reunion (Netflix) – Joyce (guest role, 1 episode).
  • 2021: The Chi (Showtime) – Riley (guest, 1 episode).
  • 2021–2023: The Game (revival, Paramount+) – Tasha Mack (main role, 16 episodes).
  • 2024: Poppa's House (CBS) – Catherine (recurring role, 5 episodes).

Awards and nominations

Nominations

Robinson has received multiple award nominations, predominantly from the recognizing her comedic television performances. The following table lists her nominations in chronological order:
YearAwarding BodyCategoryFor
2000Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Series
2001Outstanding Actress in a Series
2002Outstanding Actress in a Series
2003Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Series
2008Outstanding Actress in a SeriesThe Game
2009Outstanding Actress in a SeriesThe Game
2012Outstanding Actress in a SeriesThe Game
2013Outstanding Actress in a SeriesThe Game
2015Outstanding Actress in a SeriesThe Game
2016Outstanding Actress in a SeriesThe Game

Wins and honors

Wendy Raquel Robinson received the Image Award for Outstanding in a Series in 2014 for her portrayal of Tasha Mack on the BET series The Game, recognizing her dynamic performance as the resilient mother and . In addition to her acting accolades, Robinson has been honored for her behind-the-scenes contributions to educational programming. She won a Pacific Southwest Emmy Award in 2021 for producing Theatre Corner on KPBS, an interview/discussion series highlighting theater artists and their work. The following year, in 2022, she earned another Pacific Southwest Emmy for the same program in the Interview Discussion category, underscoring her impact in promoting arts education through television.

References

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