Khandi Alexander, born Harriet Rene Alexander on September 4, 1957, in Jacksonville, Florida, is an American dancer, choreographer, and actress. Her mother, Alverina Yavonna Masters, was an opera and jazz singer, while her father, Henry Roland Alexander, owned a construction company.

Raised in Queens, New York, she discovered her passion for dance while fulfilling a physical education requirement at Queensborough Community College. This passion led her to Broadway, where she starred in productions like Chicago, Bob Fosse's Dancin', and Dreamgirls.

Her career took off in the 1980s when she began working as a dancer and choreographer. She gained significant recognition as the choreographer for Whitney Houston's world tours from 1988 to 1992.

Transitioning to acting, she made her television debut on the sketch-comedy show "FTV" in 1985. Over the years, she appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "CB4," "What's Love Got to Do with It," "Sugar Hill," and "There's Something About Mary." She also had a major recurring role in the NBC medical drama "ER" as Jackie Robbins and starred as Dr. Alexx Woods in the CBS police procedural series "CSI: Miami."

In addition to her acting career, she released a jazz music album titled "Khandi Alexander" in 1993, showcasing her vocal talent and passion for music. Her role in the HBO miniseries "The Corner" earned her critical acclaim, and she received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for her performance in the ABC drama "Scandal" as Maya Lewis.

She also received a Critics' Choice Television Award nomination for playing Bessie Smith's sister Viola in the HBO film "Bessie."

Her personal life is marked by her dedication to her craft and her involvement in charitable activities. She is married to Joshua Beckett, an American film producer and director, and they share a passion for the arts.