Khandi Alexander is a multi-talented actress and dancer who has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Born on September 4, 1957, in New York City, Khandi began her career as a dancer before transitioning to acting. She has starred in numerous hit television shows and movies, including "ER," "CSI: Miami," "The Corner," and "Scandal."
Throughout her career, Khandi Alexander has received critical acclaim for her performances and has been recognized with several awards and nominations, including an Emmy Award nomination for her role in "The Corner." Her talent, dedication, and hard work have earned her a rightful place among the most successful African-American actresses in Hollywood.
In this comprehensive biography, we will take a closer look at Khandi Alexander's life, career, and personal details, including her age, height, figure, and net worth. We will also explore some of her most noteworthy accomplishments, as well as challenges she has faced along the way.
Join us as we delve deeper into the life and career of the talented Khandi Alexander.
Khandi Alexander Biography
Khandi Alexander is an American actress, dancer, and choreographer. She was born on September 4, 1957, in New York City, USA. Alexander started her career as a dancer and choreographer in the 1980s, and she later transitioned to acting, making her debut in the 1985 film, A Chorus Line.
Over the years, Alexander has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including CB4, Poetic Justice, ER, NewsRadio, CSI: Miami, Treme, Scandal, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. She is best known for her role as Catherine Duke on the NBC sitcom NewsRadio, and as LaDonna Batiste-Williams on the HBO drama Treme.
Alexander has also received critical acclaim for her performances on stage. She received the NAACP Theatre Award for Best Actress for her role in the play, The Talented Tenth, and the Drama Desk Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her performance in the play, Brother/Sister Plays.
In addition to her acting career, Alexander has also choreographed for various music videos and live performances. She worked as a choreographer for Whitney Houston's "I'm Your Baby Tonight" music video, and for Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation World Tour.
As of 2021, Khandi Alexander's net worth is estimated to be around $8 million. She stands at a height of 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) and has a fit, athletic figure.
Early Life and Education
Khandi Alexander was born on September 4, 1957, in New York City, USA. She was raised by her parents in a middle-class family. Her father was a jazz musician and her mother was a social worker. Khandi's parents encouraged her to pursue her interests and she started taking dance classes at a young age.
During her childhood, Khandi also developed an interest in acting and began appearing in school plays. This passion for acting led her to attend Queensborough Community College in Bayside, New York, where she studied acting and theater. After completing her degree, Khandi moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting.
In Los Angeles, Khandi continued her education at the Herbert Berghof Studio and the Actors and Writers Workshop. She also worked as a dancer and choreographer, touring with famous artists like Whitney Houston and Janet Jackson. Khandi's diverse background and experience would later help her excel in her acting career.
Khandi Alexander: A Comprehensive Biography
Career Beginning
Khandi Alexander's career in entertainment began in the mid-1980s when she appeared in small roles on various TV shows and movies such as "Night Court" and "Gremlins." She then landed a recurring role on the soap opera "Days of Our Lives" playing the character of Jackie Robbins. This role allowed her to gain more visibility and eventually led to larger roles.
In 1991, Alexander had a breakthrough role in the film "Poetic Justice" alongside Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur. She played the role of Simone and received critical acclaim for her performance. This role helped her gain more recognition and led to other notable roles in films such as "Menace II Society" and "What's Love Got to Do with It."
Alexander also began to make a name for herself in television, appearing in popular shows such as "ER" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." In 1995, she portrayed the character of Catherine Duke in the NBC sitcom "News Radio." Her performance in the show was praised by critics and helped her expand her fan base.
Throughout her career, Alexander has consistently worked in both film and television, showcasing her versatility and range as an actress. She has also worked behind the scenes, directing episodes of popular shows such as "Scandal" and "How to Get Away with Murder."
Rise to Fame
Khandi Alexander's rise to fame began when she was cast as a dancer in the music video for Whitney Houston’s hit song “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”. This led to her being noticed by choreographer Debbie Allen, who cast her in the Broadway production of “Dreamgirls”.
Later, Khandi landed her breakthrough role as Catherine Duke on the hit TV series “NewsRadio”. Her performance as a tough and smart reporter earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. She went on to appear in several other successful TV shows and films, including “ER”, “CSI: Miami”, and “Scandal”.
However, it was her portrayal of LaDonna Batiste-Williams on HBO’s “Treme” that brought Khandi Alexander widespread recognition and critical acclaim. Her nuanced portrayal of a struggling bar owner in post-Katrina New Orleans struck a chord with audiences and earned her numerous award nominations.
Today, Khandi Alexander is considered one of the most talented and versatile actresses in the industry, with a successful career spanning over three decades.
Personal Life and Net Worth
Khandi Alexander is known not only for her successful acting career but also for her intriguing personal life. She has kept her love life private, but it is known that she was married to an American musician and composer named Armani Jackson. Unfortunately, their marriage did not last, and the two divorced.
Despite having a private personal life, Khandi Alexander's professional career has brought her enormous success and immense wealth. According to various sources, her net worth is estimated to be around $8 million.
Khandi Alexander's salary mainly comes from her acting career, which has been very successful over the years. She has played prominent roles in numerous movies and TV shows, including CSI: Miami, Treme, and Scandal, among others. Her portrayal of the character LaDonna Batiste-Williams in Treme earned her critical acclaim and a nomination for an NAACP Image Award.
In addition to her acting career, Khandi Alexander is also a successful dancer and choreographer. She has worked with several renowned musicians, including Whitney Houston and Prince. Her skills as a choreographer and dancer have contributed significantly to her net worth.
Overall, with her talent and hard work, Khandi Alexander has managed to amass enormous wealth over the years, and her personal life has not hindered her success and achievements in any way.
FAQ
Who is Khandi Alexander?
Khandi Alexander is an American actress, dancer, and choreographer, known for her roles in popular TV shows like CSI: Miami, ER, and Scandal.
