Chandra Wilson, born on August 27, 1969, in Houston, Texas, is an accomplished American actress and director. She is best known for her role as Dr. Miranda Bailey on the hit ABC medical drama "Grey's Anatomy," a role that has earned her critical acclaim and numerous award nominations.

Her journey to stardom began at a young age, as her mother, a postal worker, enrolled her in various after-school activities to keep her busy. By the age of five, she was already performing in musicals with Houston's Theatre Under the Stars Company.

Her formal education in the arts includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Drama from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where she also trained at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. Her early career included guest spots on popular TV shows like "The Cosby Show" and "Law & Order," as well as her film debut in the critically acclaimed movie "Philadelphia" in 1993.

In 2005, her career took a significant turn when she was cast as Dr. Miranda Bailey on "Grey's Anatomy." Her portrayal of the strong, no-nonsense character has been widely praised, and she has received several awards and nominations for her performance, including four NAACP Image Awards and four Emmy Award nominations.

She has also directed multiple episodes of "Grey's Anatomy" and other TV shows, showcasing her versatility as a director.

She is in a long-term relationship with her partner, and together they have three children: Serena, Joylin, and Michael. She has been open about the challenges of balancing her career and family life, often sharing how she tries to be the best mother possible while continuing to work on the show.

Throughout her career, Chandra Wilson has appeared in various other TV shows and films, including "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "The Cosby Show," and the short film "Muted," which won her the Best Acting Performance Award at the 2015 SOHO International Film Festival. Her Broadway credits include roles in "Chicago: The Musical," "Avenue Q," and "Caroline, or Change."