Stole was born Nancy Stoll in Baltimore, Maryland. She is perhaps best known for her work in the films of John Waters. Her film career began with Waters' first film, Roman Candles, in 1966. Since then, she has appeared in every John Waters movie up to and including 2004's A Dirty Shame, except Hag in a Black Leather Jacket, a black and white short film made in 1964. She has also appeared in a number of films and television shows, and presently writes a column for the Baltimore City Paper titled "Think Mink". She is currently the lead singer of the musical band Mink Stole and her Wonderful Band of which musician Kristian Hoffman is a part.