Cassandra James is a multifaceted American-Canadian actress, born in Pasadena, California to Debbie Li, a dedicated teacher, and James Watzke, a renowned gerontologist. Her paternal great-grandparents were of German descent, while her maternal ancestry is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, with her maternal grandparents hailing from Shanghai and her mother being born in Hong Kong.
From a tender age, James demonstrated a keen passion for performing, singing in choir and taking dance classes throughout elementary school, and later, honing her theatrical skills through various productions throughout high school. This early exposure to the performing arts laid the foundation for her future endeavors.
After completing her high school education, James relocated to Toronto, Canada, where she enrolled in Ryerson University's esteemed Theatre Acting Program, graduating with distinction. She swiftly made a lasting impression at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, ascending through their Youth Program immediately after college, and culminating in two premiere performances in their 2013 season.
In 2017, James made the bold decision to relocate to Los Angeles, marking a significant milestone in her career. Throughout her journey, James has been an ardent advocate for her community, proudly proclaiming her status as a transgender woman. She publicly came out in the summer of 2016, and began her medical transition in the spring of the same year.
With unwavering dedication to her craft and unshakeable conviction in her identity, Cassandra James has become a beacon of visibility and diversity in the industry. Her unrelenting passion for promoting inclusivity and representation has earned her a reputation as a trailblazing figure in the entertainment world.
