Melanie Chandra is an accomplished American actress, producer, and writer, renowned for her captivating portrayal of Dr. Malaya Pineda on CBS's Code Black and her star-studded role in the groundbreaking holiday comedy Hot Mess Holiday, alongside Surina Jindal and Kal Penn.
Throughout her extensive television career, Melanie has showcased her impressive range, appearing in a diverse array of drama and comedy productions, including Grey's Anatomy, New Amsterdam, Law & Order: SVU, Elsbeth, Parenthood, Nashville, Rules of Engagement, and recurring roles on HBO's The Brink and Netflix's Brown Nation.
In addition to her television work, Melanie has also made a significant impact in the world of film, starring in the indie horror comedy Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls, which premiered at the prestigious 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
Melanie's educational background is equally impressive, having graduated from Stanford University with a degree in mechanical engineering and a strong foundation in improvisational comedy. Prior to pursuing acting full-time, she left a successful career in corporate consulting to follow her passion.
This multifaceted individual is also a black belt in karate, co-founder of the nonprofit Hospital for Hope India, and one of the first Indian American women to front a global beauty campaign as part of Bare Escentuals' "Be a Force of Beauty" initiative, cementing her status as a trailblazing figure in the entertainment industry.
