American actress, Merle Dandridge is famously known for her work in movies, TV series, and theater. She also voiced several video games for which she also won an award. As of 2020, she is working in the TV series, Greenleaf in a lead role.
Regarding her personal life, the actress previously married her boyfriend, Christopher Johnston.
Who Are Merle Dandridge's Parents?
Merle Dandridge was born on 31st May 1975 in Okinawa, Japan under the birth sign Gemini. Dandridge is Japanese as per nationality and as far as her ethnicity is concerned, she is of Asian ancestry.
She is the daughter of a Japanese mother and an Afro- American father, who was in the US military. She is the only child of her parents. Soon after her birth, the family moved back to Memphis, Tennessee.
My mother. Survivor of 2 wars, the loss of 2 children, learned English while in nursing school. She is my hero. pic.twitter.com/uzI70Rn3NM
— Merle Dandridge (@MerleDandridge) May 8, 2016
Merle grew up with her family, and as a child was actively involved in sports as she played Karate and football. With short hair and small eyes, she grew up like a Tomboy and took interest in male kind of things. She has a good knowledge of the Japanese language and her English is very good too.
Merle Dandridge has also experienced military life closely as she lived for some time in the Beale Air Force Base in Sacramento, California, and also at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. There, she studied at the Papillion-La Vista High School, where she trained in drama and acting. She has graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts.
Initially not very interested, she played a small role as her best friend had forced her. But then, the impression changed and she was interested in acting, more. Thus she joined the production cla s s and theater department there and took part in many different plays and acts.
Upon graduation, she joined Roosevelt University and studied under the Theatre Conservatory department. Her work and dedication were impressive, and she got a scholarship to the International Thespian Festival.
Merle Dandridge's Career
Initially, Merle Dandridge started her career in theatre production in Chicago. She appeared in several theaters play including Once on the Island, As You Like It, Balm in Gilead, and Aida among others.
Dandridge also voiced in several video games. Her performance in the 2015's game EVerybody's Gone to the Rapture helped her to win BAFTA Awards.
TV-Series And Movies
Dandridge began her TV career in 2003 as Lacey in an episode of The WB's series, Angel, a spin-off from the TV series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Two years later, she had a recurring role in AMC's soap opera, All My Children. She shared the screen with Susan Lucci, Kelly Ripa, and David Canary.
Merle made her movie debut in 2008 in the drama film, Nothing but the Truth starring Kate Beckinsale, Matt Dillon, and Alan Alda. She then worked in several TV series in a minor role which includes Nikita, The Newsroom, The Mentalist, Stalker, Perception, and Suits among others.
Since 2016, Dandridge is portraying the role of Mae and Bishop's eldest child who returns home after 20 yePastorastoe Grace ''Gigi'' Greenleaf in Oprah Winfrey Network's drama series, Greenleaf. Her acting is highly appreciated. The series starred Lynn Whitfield, Oprah Winfrey, and Keith David.
Merle Dandridge's Net worth
The talented actress, Merle Dandridge has an estimated net worth of $1 million, but, the amount is not made public and still under review. Dandridge is earning an impressive amount from her movies and TV series.
As per some online sources, a TV star averagely earns a salary that ranges from $150k to $1 million.
Merle Dandridge's Married Life With Her Husband
Dandridge married her boyfriend turned husband, Christopher Johnston in 2011. They were known to each other from a very small age and even attended college together. Their wedding ceremony was conducted at Sherman Oaks on May 21, 2011. She even shared the sweet moments with her husband in the interview.
My besties and our husbands. This doesn't happen often and we're savoring every moment. Happy 2015, everyone!!! pic.twitter.com/Fi1lmky2Op
— Merle Dandridge (@MerleDandridge) January 1, 2015
The former couple used to live in Los Angeles, California. The couple, nonetheless, could not last long and ended their marriage after seven years of relationship. In June 2018, Merle filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences for the split. It is yet to be revealed, their divorce is finalized or not. The two don't have any children.
With the mixed ethnicity of her parents as well as the difference in religious backgrounds, Merle says she doesn’t follow any religion in particular. For her, the greatest religion is to be harmless and do well to others, and she says that she is influenced by Buddha, whom her mother follows.
Merle Dandridge is of average complexion, not very fair and her small eyes suggest her link to the Asian community. There were rumors that she had undergone some plastic surgery to look much young and beautiful, but she has come out with open denials about the rumor.
Merle Dandridge's Body Measurement
Merle Dandridge stands at a height of 5 feet 8 inches.
he has a perfectly toned body.
Check out the interview with Merle Dandridge:
by sanjeet, 17 Aug, 2021
