Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Robertson started diving into the world of performing arts at just 10 years old, studying acting, voice, and dance. It wasn’t long before she landed her first major role—still a teenager—playing Tina Edison, the brainy daughter in the quirky TV series Maniac Mansions. The show, centered around a family of inventors, aired on “The Family Channel” in the U.S. from 1990 to 1993, giving Robertson early exposure and experience. By 1992, she had already stepped into a co-starring role in the Canadian film Lapse of Memory. That same year, she traveled to Los Angeles for its screening and, impressed by the energy and opportunities, made the bold decision to stay and pursue her dreams in Hollywood.
At only 19, Robertson quickly found her footing. In fact, within less than a year, she was portraying intense roles—like a young woman battling the threat of plague in Quiet Killer (CBS, 1992) and another caught in the crosshairs of a street gang in Survive the Night (USA Network, 1993). But it was her breakout role as Clare Arnold on Beverly Hills, 90210 (Fox, 1990–99) that truly put Robertson on the map. Introduced partly to fill the gap left by Shannen Doherty’s departure, Clare brought a sharp edge and complexity to the show. During her time on the series, Robertson’s character became deeply woven into the fabric of the cast—romancing Brandon (Jason Priestley), sharing an apartment with Kelly and Donna (Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling), and getting involved with both David and Steve (Brian Austin Greene and Ian Ziering).
When Robertson decided to leave the show, it coincided with the release of Gregg Araki’s cult favorite Nowhere in 1997. She hoped the film would open doors to more diverse and daring roles. While stardom didn’t come overnight, Robertson continued to build a solid and versatile career throughout the late ‘90s and beyond. She starred in Beautiful, a film directed by Sally Field, released in 2000, and brought humor and charm to the spoof hit Scary Movie 2 in 2001. In 2003, Robertson took on a particularly bold role in the indie drama XX/XY, which premiered at Sundance. Her performance as a woman entangled in a complex three-way relationship that resurfaces hauntingly a decade later signaled her interest in more layered, emotionally demanding parts.
Over the years, Robertson has remained consistently active in both television and film. She appeared in recurring roles on The Business (IFC, 2006–08), Murder in the First (TNT, 2013–16), and Northern Rescue (Netflix, 2019), showcasing her range across genres. Alongside her TV work, she continued making films such as A Night for Dying Tigers (2010), Losing Control (2012), and the supernatural thriller The Vatican Tapes (2015). Through it all, Robertson has maintained a steady presence in the industry, quietly building a body of work that reflects both resilience and artistic curiosity. And even now, Robertson continues to explore new chapters in her evolving career.
When it comes to Kathleen Robertson’s career highlights, one film that really stands out is Splendor from 1999—it’s widely regarded as Kathleen Robertson’s highest rated movie. Critics and fans alike have praised her performance in this romantic comedy, which helped solidify her place in indie cinema. On the other hand, Kathleen Robertson’s lowest rated film to date is Losing Control, released in 2011. While the movie had its moments, it didn’t quite resonate with audiences or reviewers the way her earlier work did. Still, Kathleen Robertson has shown impressive range over the years, and her body of work continues to reflect her dedication to the craft. Whether it’s a beloved classic like Splendor or a less successful venture like Losing Control, Kathleen Robertson remains a compelling figure in the industry.