 She made her debut at just four years old as a model for ads, and at the age of seven she made her film debut in the Tonino Valerii's giallo film "My Dear Killer" (1972).She also appeared as Mario Adorf's daughter Rita in "Manhunt" (1972), directed by Fernando Di Leo, and as the young Silvia in "The Perfume of the Lady in Black" (1974), directed by Francesco Barilli.Wendel had her first main role at 12 years old in the controversial erotic drama "Maladolescenza" (1977), which involved both nudity and simulated sex among preadolescents.