Robin Thede (/ˈθiːdi/ THEE-dee) is an American comedic actress, writer, sketch and improvisational comedian. Raised in Iowa, she has also worked as an entertainment correspondent, host, and radio personality. In 2015, she became the first African-American woman to be head writer for a late-night talk show (The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore). From 2017 to 2018, Thede hosted The Rundown with Robin Thede on BET.
Born in Spencer, Iowa, Thede is of mixed race heritage. Her parents are Phyllis Thede, who is African American, and educator Dave Thede, who is German American. She grew up in Davenport, Iowa, where her father was an educator and her mother also worked in community schools and served with the union for school staff. Thede's two sisters were born there. Thede and her sisters attended local schools in Davenport. Later her parents moved to Bettendorf, Iowa.
Her mother was elected in 2009 as Iowa State Representative for House District 93 and has been repeatedly re-elected. She continues to serve in the legislature.