What Is Chandra Wilson’s Net Worth?
Chandra Wilson, a multifaceted American actress, producer, and director, has accumulated a net worth of $10 million [1]. This financial standing is primarily attributed to her successful career in television, film, and theater, with a significant portion stemming from her long-standing role on the hit ABC medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy” [1].
Chandra Wilson’s Career and Earnings
Wilson’s most prominent role is that of Dr. Miranda Bailey on “Grey’s Anatomy,” a character she has portrayed since the show’s inception in 2005 [1]. Her portrayal of Dr. Bailey has not only garnered critical acclaim but has also translated into substantial earnings over the years. In addition to acting, Wilson serves as a co-executive producer on “Grey’s Anatomy,” further contributing to her income [1]. Furthermore, she has directed over 20 episodes of the show, showcasing her versatility and adding to her revenue streams [1].
Beyond “Grey’s Anatomy,” Wilson has expanded her directing portfolio to include episodes of other television series such as “The Fosters” (2015–2017), “Scandal” (2015), and “Good Trouble” (2019; 2022) [1]. She also co-produced the 2015 documentary “Autism in America,” demonstrating her commitment to diverse projects within the entertainment industry [1].
Wilson’s acting career extends beyond television, with appearances in films like “Philadelphia” (1993), “Lone Star” (1996), “A Single Woman” (2008), and “Frankie and Alice” (2010) [1]. She also starred in the TV movie “Accidental Friendship” (2008), for which she received a Primetime Emmy nomination [1]. Her early television work includes guest roles on series such as “Law & Order” (1992), “Sex and the City” (2002), “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (2002; 2005), and “The Sopranos” (2004) [1]. She also had a recurring role on “General Hospital” (2014–2023) [1].
In addition to her screen work, Wilson has a notable stage career, with Broadway productions including “On the Town” (1998–1999), “Avenue Q” (2003), “Caroline, or Change” (2004), and “Chicago” (2009) [1]. These performances have contributed to her overall earnings and solidified her reputation as a versatile performer.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Chandra Wilson was born on August 27, 1969, in Houston, Texas [1]. Her mother, a postal worker, recognized her daughter’s potential and enrolled her in numerous after-school activities from a young age [1]. Wilson’s early exposure to performing arts included dance lessons, acting classes, and modeling, which shaped her career path [1]. She began appearing in musicals with the Theatre Under the Stars Company in Houston, further honing her skills [1]. Wilson attended Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and later earned a BFA in drama from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in 1991 [1]. From 1991 to 1995, she studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, further refining her craft [1].
Wilson’s professional career began in 1991 with a role in “The Good Times Are Killing Me,” which earned her a Theater World Award for Outstanding Debut Performance [1]. She also appeared in off-Broadway productions of “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Paper Moon: The Musical,” gaining valuable experience and recognition [1].
Detailed Look at Chandra Wilson’s Roles and Recognition
Her television debut came in 1989 with an appearance on “The Cosby Show” [1]. Following this, she had guest roles on “One Life to Live” (1991), “CBS Schoolbreak Special” (1992), and “Law & Order” (1992) [1]. Her first feature film was “Philadelphia” (1993), a critically acclaimed and commercially successful film that grossed $206.7 million at the box office and received five Academy Award nominations [1].
Wilson’s career gained significant momentum with her role as Dr. Miranda Bailey on “Grey’s Anatomy.” This role has not only provided her with a steady income but also numerous accolades. She has received four Primetime Emmy nominations for her work on the show [1]. Additionally, she reprised her role as Dr. Bailey in one episode of “Private Practice” (2009) and in over 20 episodes of “Station 19” (2018–2024) [1]. Since joining “Grey’s Anatomy,” she has also appeared on “Sesame Street” (2008) and played different characters in multiple episodes of “General Hospital” (2014–2023) [1].
In 2021, Wilson participated in “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune,” playing for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, demonstrating her philanthropic efforts [1].
Awards and Nominations
Chandra Wilson’s talent and dedication have been recognized through numerous awards and nominations. She has received five Primetime Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for “Grey’s Anatomy” in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009, and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie for “Accidental Friendship” in 2009 [1].
“Grey’s Anatomy” has also earned her a Gold Derby Award, four NAACP Image Awards (three for acting and one for directing), a People’s Choice Award, a Prism Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award [1]. She has also received nominations from the BET Awards, Satellite Awards, Monte-Carlo TV Festival, and Online Film & Television Association [1]. The “Grey’s Anatomy” cast won a Satellite Award for Best Ensemble, Television, in 2006 and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2007 [1].
For “Accidental Friendship,” Wilson won a Prism Award for Performance in a TV Movie or Miniseries and received an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special [1]. She also received an Online Film & Television Association Award nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture or Miniseries [1]. Additionally, she won a Festival Prize for Best Acting Performance for “Muted” at the 2015 SoHo International Film Festival [1]. In 2016, she was inducted into the Texas Film Hall Of Fame, solidifying her legacy in the entertainment industry [1].