Chandra West was born in Alberta, Canada, as the youngest of nine siblings. Her upbringing in Oakville, Ontario, a charming suburb of Toronto, fostered an early fascination with the arts. This innate curiosity led to an impressive 10-year stint of intense ballet training, honing her skills and laying the groundwork for a future in the performing arts.
As she approached her 16th birthday, West seized the opportunity to enroll in a prestigious summer theater program at Oxford University in England. This formative experience served as a catalyst, propelling her towards a career in acting. Her academic pursuits continued at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, where she excelled in the Theater Performance Program.
Throughout her career, West has demonstrated her versatility by taking on a diverse range of roles. One of her earliest notable performances was in the Canadian miniseries, Revenge of the Land (1999),directed by the acclaimed John N. Smith. She subsequently appeared in the feature film, The Salton Sea (2002),opposite the talented Val Kilmer.
West's television credits include a significant recurring role on the popular NBC series, Mister Sterling (2003),alongside Josh Brolin. She also starred alongside Michael Keaton in the feature film, White Noise (2005). Her impressive resume also includes a major recurring role on NYPD Blue (1993),playing the bi-polar doctor girlfriend of Mark-Paul Gosselaar.
In addition to her on-screen work, West has demonstrated her range in various television series. She played a significant role in the HBO series, John from Cincinnati (2007),created by the renowned David Milch. Her work in the Canadian television movie, Of Murder and Memory (2008),earned her a Gemini nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
West's most recent notable performance was in the ABC supernatural series, The Gates (2010),showcasing her ability to adapt to a wide range of genres and characters.