Poster: owepar
(see this users gallery) (Catherine Duke)
"I feel blessed as an actress to have the opportunity to portray such a wide range in roles on national television," says actress/dancer/choreographer Khandi Alexander, who portrays Jackie, the sister of Eriq La Salle's character on NBC's critically acclaimed drama "ER," as well as Catherine on the ensemble comedy "NewsRadio." "My role on 'ER' is a very down-to-Earth urban mother. I based 'NewsRadio's' flamboyant radio anchor Catherine on my version of a female Bryant Gumbel. She's ambitious and very intelligent."
Born and raised in New York City, Alexander began her acting career while simultaneously nurturing a dance and choreography career. Her most recent endeavor was as choreographer for Whitney Houston's music video "I'm Your Baby Tonight."
A major turning point came when Alexander met Houston backstage at an American Music Awards ceremony. The meeting resulted in a friendship and four-year-job as Houston's choreographer on her international tours. When Houston decided to take a break from the road, Alexander began to focus on her acting career.
Alexander says her interest in the performing arts is inspired by Ann-Margret, "a dancer and actress who continues to sustain her career. That's inspiring to any career woman." Her television series credits include "A Different World," "The Edge," "Duet" and "The Tracey Ullman Show."
Alexander's film credits include two movies with her "NewsRadio" co-star Phil Hartman: "Greedy" and "CB4." Her additional film credits include "Sugar Hill," "Menace II Society," "What's Love Got to Do With It?", "Poetic Justice," "Maid to Order" and "House Party II."
Her theater credits include Broadway's "Dreamgirls," "Color of Blue" and performing with the international touring company of "Bob Fosse's Dancin'."
The multi-talented performer spends most of her free time watching films to further her knowledge and appreciation of the industry. Alexander lives in Los Angeles. Her birthday is September 4. |