| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Chandra Danette Wilson |
| Birth place | Houston, Texas |
| Age | 56 years |
| Relationship Status | Dating |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches |
| Weight | 67 kg |
| Nationality | American |
| Mother | Wilma Bradshaw Allen |
| College/University | New York University |
| Net Worth | $10 million |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
Black American performers have emerged in the film business from various perspectives. This is shown by the current large number of black performers in Hollywood, the very powerful parts they play, and, perhaps most importantly, the modern perspective they provide in juxtaposition to the stereotyped roles of the previous century. Among many such talents, today we will talk about Chandra Wilson.
Chandra Wilson is an American actress widely known for portraying the character of Dr. Miranda Bailey in the ABC drama series Grey's Anatomy. Similarly, she is an award-worthy actress who has been nominated in the genre of 'Supporting Actress' four years in a row in the Emmy Awards for her role as Miranda. Also, she has worked with some legendary actors such as Justin Chambers, Ellen Pompeo, Eric Dane, and Sara Ramirez, to name a few.
How Old Is Chandra Wilson?
Chandra Wilson's birthday is on August 27, and she was born in 1969 in Houston, Texas. Born on August 27, her zodiac sign is Virgo, and her nationality is American. In addition, Chandra belongs to mixed ethnicity, i.e., African-American, and she follows Christianity as her religion.
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In the same way, the actress was born and raised by her mother, Wilma Bradshaw Allen, a postal services worker. Further, there is no piece of information regarding the other parents, the father of Chandra, or other family members. So, it is difficult to tell whether she has other siblings.
Is Chandra Wilson Highly Educated?
As for the academic training of Chandra Wilson, she primarily attended the Houston-based Theater Under the Stars when she was five. Further, she studied at Houston High School to major in Performing and Visual Arts. Later, Wilson graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama.
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When Did Chandra Wilson Start Her Career?
Since childhood, Chandra Wilson has been extremely hardworking. Her mother taught her that using time wisely rather than remaining idle is one of the best traits a person can have. She learned to dance, act, and explore her talents whenever she could manage her schedule.
Wilson made her television debut in 1989 as Dina in The Cosby Show episode "The Lost Weekend." She then starred in the play The Good Times Are Killing Me in 1991, playing Bonna Willis. This performance earned her the Theatre World Award for Outstanding Debut Performance.
She continued to build her career with roles in films such as Philadelphia (1993) and Lone Star (1996). On television, she appeared in shows like Law & Order, The Sopranos, and Sex and the City.
In 2005, Wilson joined the original cast of Grey's Anatomy as Dr. Miranda Bailey. She became one of only two original cast members still on the show. During the first season, she balanced her acting career with a long-term temp position at Deutsche Bank.
She maintained this job because she was unsure whether the show would succeed. Her supervisors eventually asked her to stop calling in unavailable after seeing her on TV during the second season.
Wilson’s career reflects dedication and resilience. She successfully managed dual careers while steadily gaining recognition in theater, film, and television.
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Who Is Chandra Wilson Married To?
Chandra Wilson has been in a committed relationship with her partner, Grant Fairman, since 1988. She has never been legally married. In a 2007 interview with Parade magazine, she confirmed, "I'm in a relationship, but I'm not married." There have been no reports of a change in her marital status since.
Wilson and Grant are parents to three children. Their eldest daughter, Sarina McFarlane, was born in August 1993 and is now 32 years old. Their second child, Joylin McFarlane-Fairman, was born in late 1998 and is 27 years old.
She married in December 2023. Their youngest, Michael McFarlane, was born on October 31, 2005, and is now 20 years old. He is currently attending college.
The family lives in Los Angeles, near the filming of Grey's Anatomy. Wilson continues to balance her acting career with her family life.
What Is The Net Worth Of Chandra Wilson?
Chandra Wilson is one of the most critically acclaimed actresses of her generation. She has appeared in numerous movies and television shows over the past decades. She is frequently invited to major award shows, red carpets, and broadcast events, reflecting her prominence in the entertainment industry.
As of 2026, Wilson's net worth is approximately $10 million. The majority of her income comes from her long-running role as Dr. Miranda Bailey on Grey's Anatomy, which she has played for 22 seasons. Her salary from the show in 2025–2026 is estimated between $3 million and $4.5 million annually.
In addition to acting, Wilson earns income from directing episodes of Grey's Anatomy and other shows such as Scandal and The Fosters. She has also earned from endorsements, most notably her Folgers coffee commercials in the early 2000s.
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With the departure of high-earning cast members like Patrick Dempsey, Jesse Williams, and Justin Chambers, Wilson is now one of the top three highest-paid active cast members, alongside Ellen Pompeo and James Pickens Jr.
Compared to other original cast members, her estimated net worth is: Ellen Pompeo ($80 million), Patrick Dempsey ($85 million), Sandra Oh ($25 million), James Pickens Jr. ($13 million), and Chandra Wilson ($10 million).
How Tall Is Chandra Wilson?
The actress of Grey's Anatomy stands at a height of 5 feet 6 inches (1.52 m). Likewise, she has a slim body type with black hair and black eyes.
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