Khandi Alexander is a name synonymous with captivating performances across film and television. From her early days on the dance floor to her critically acclaimed roles in dramas like The Corner and Treme, Alexander’s artistic journey is a testament to her dedication and versatility.
Beyond the captivating characters she brings to life, Alexander’s background boasts a fascinating blend of artistic influences.
Khandi Alexander biography
Khandi Alexander, born Harriet Rene Alexander on September 4, 1957, is more than just an actress. She is a dancer, a choreographer and a brilliant example of how discovering a passion can change your life. Her early years, split between Jacksonville, Florida and Queens, New York, all located in the United States of America, laid the groundwork for the multifaceted entertainer she’d become.
Alexander’s background buzzed with artistic energy. Her mother, Alverina Yavonna Masters, was an opera and jazz singer, while her father, Henry Roland Alexander, owned a construction company.
Alexander’s foray into the performing arts was not a preordained path. It all began at Queensborough Community College, where she enrolled in a dance class to fulfil a physical education requirement. This seemingly ordinary choice turned into a life-altering discovery. The world of dance ignited a passion within her, a passion her teacher recognised and nurtured.
Fueled by this newfound passion, Alexander dedicated herself to dance. Queensborough Community College became her training ground, and her talent blossomed. Her dedication eventually led her to the bright lights of the West End (the British equivalent of Broadway).
There, she graced the stage in iconic productions like “Chicago”, “Bob Fosse’s Dancin'” and “Dreamgirls”. These experiences honed her skills and undoubtedly instilled in her the discipline and work ethic that would serve her well throughout her career.
Alexander’s talents extended beyond captivating audiences as a dancer. Her understanding of movement and her creative vision translated beautifully into choreography. In the late 1980s, she landed the role of choreographer for none other than the legendary Whitney Houston.
For several years, Alexander crafted the choreography for Houston’s world tours, videos and even a television special. This experience showcased her versatility and exposed her to the world of entertainment beyond the stage.
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Khandi Alexander career
Kicking off her acting career in the late 1980s, Alexander landed her first TV role on the sketch show, FTV. The early 90s saw her focus shift towards film and television, where she built a strong resume with supporting roles in movies like CB4 and What’s Love Got to Do With It.
In 1995, Alexander joined the cast of the sitcom NewsRadio, playing Catherine Duke for several seasons. She also became a familiar face in the medical drama ER, portraying the recurring character Jackie Robbins. Throughout her career, she has featured in numerous shows, including Law & Order: SVU and NYPD Blue.
A turning point came in 2000 with her critically acclaimed performance as Fran Boyd in the HBO miniseries, The Corner. Following this success, she continued to shine in films like Emmett’s Mark and Perfect Strangers.
From 2002 to 2008, Alexander became a fixture on CSI: Miami, playing medical examiner Alexx Woods. After leaving the show, she returned for guest appearances.
In 2010, Alexander landed a lead role in the acclaimed HBO drama Treme. Set in post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans, she played a bar owner, earning critical praise for her nuanced performance. This award-winning show ran for four seasons.
Continuing her rise, Alexander was cast as Maya Lewis in Shonda Rhimes’ hit drama, Scandal. Her role, as the mother of the show’s protagonist Olivia Pope, garnered her a Primetime Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Guest Actress”.
She played Bessie Smith’s older sister in the 2014 HBO film Bessie. This performance earned her a Critics’ Choice Television Award nomination, adding to her impressive list of accolades.
Awards and nominations
- In 1998, she was nominated for the NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series” for her role in “NewsRadio.”
- In 2000, she was nominated for the Online Film & Television Association’s “Best Actress in a Motion Picture or Miniseries” for her performance in “The Corner.”
- In 2001, she received a nomination for the NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series, or Dramatic Special”.
- She won the Black Reel Award for “Best Actress”.
- In 2002, she was nominated for the NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Supporting Actress” in a Drama Series for her work in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”
- In 2003, she received a nomination for the DVD Exclusive Award for “Best Actress” for her role in “Emmett’s Mark.”
- She won the NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series” for her performance in “CSI: Miami” in 2005.
- In 2006, she was nominated for “Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series”.
- In 2011, she won the Vision Award for “Best Performance in Drama” for her role in “Treme.”
- In 2012, she received a nomination for the NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series”.
- She was also nominated in 2013 and 2014 for the same award.
- In 2015, she won the NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series” for her work in “Scandal.”
- She was nominated for the Critics’ Choice Television Award for “Best Supporting Actress in a Movie or Miniseries” for her role in “Bessie.”
- Additionally, she received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for “Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series” for her performance in “Scandal.”
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Khandi Alexander movies
Here’s a glimpse into some of Alexander’s notable works:
Films
- CB4 (1993)
- What’s Love Got to Do With It (1993): Biographical drama depicting the life of legendary singer Ike and Tina Turner. Alexander portrays Tina’s one-time friend, Darlene.
- Sugar Hill (1994): Drama following the rise and fall of a fictional 1970s rap group. Alexander plays the ruthless mother of the group’s leader.
- There’s Something About Mary (1998)
- The Corner (2000): Hard-hitting HBO miniseries portraying the realities of drug addiction and poverty in Baltimore. Alexander delivers a powerful performance as a drug-addicted mother.
- Emmett’s Mark (2000)
- Dark Blue (2002)
- Bessie (2014): HBO biographical film chronicling the life of blues singer Bessie Smith. Alexander portrays Smith’s elder sister.
Television
- NewsRadio (1995-1998): Sitcom following the behind-the-scenes antics of a fictional New York City news radio station. Alexander plays a sharp-tongued and physically aggressive news anchor.
- ER (Recurring Role): Medical drama showcasing the hectic lives of emergency room staff at a Chicago hospital. Alexander portrays Jackie Robbins, the sister of a central character.
- CSI: Miami (2002-2008): Crime drama focusing on a team of investigators using forensic science to solve crimes in Miami. Alexander plays a medical examiner who helps solve cases.
- Treme (2010-2013): HBO drama depicting the lives of residents in New Orleans rebuilding their lives after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Alexander portrays a bar owner struggling to cope with the aftermath.
- Scandal (as Maya Lewis): Political drama following a crisis management expert, Olivia Pope, who tackles high-stakes scandals for powerful clients. Alexander portrays Olivia’s estranged mother.
Khandi Alexander’s net worth
According to reports, Alexander has an estimated net worth of $8 million.
Khandi Alexander family
As stated earlier, Alexander’s mother is Alverina Yavonna while her father is Henry Roland Alexander.
Concerning her immediate family, there are no reports of her being married or being involved in a relationship.
Khandi Alexander age
Alexander was born on September 4, 1957. She is currently 66 years old and will turn 67 in 2024.
Khandi Alexander now
There are no recent reports surrounding Khandi Alexander at the time of writing this report. However, she is still active in the entertainment industry.
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