Merle Dandridge

About Merle

Merle is currently filming the lead role of Grace Greenleaf in the Oprah Winfrey/Lionsgate produced television show, Greenleaf, premiering June 2016.

Born in Japan, raised in Nebraska and schooled in Chicago at Roosevelt University, Merle began her acting career with leading roles on Broadway in Spamalot (Lady of the Lake), Rent (Joanne), Aida (Aida), Tarzan(Kala) and Jesus Christ Superstar. She has toured the U.S. and Europe 6 times, been featured in several regional theatre productions (including multiple stints at The Geffen Playhouse and Pasadena Playhouse). Merle has commanded the stage in front of world class orchestras at such venues as The Hollywood Bowl and Royal Albert Hall. She is also known for her award winning turns in video games including Alyx Vance in the Half Life 2 series and Marlene in The Last of Us.

Among numerous guest starring appearances, she is most known for recurring on FX’s Sons of Anarchy, CW’s Starcrossed and NBC’s The Night Shift. However, her favorite roles include the many ways she has been able to be of service to the community through various charitable organizations. Merle currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Geffen Playhouse which also makes a large impact with its community, education and veteran programs. While in leadership for a downtown church, she led in partnering with the Los Angeles Police Department to provide hygiene kits to the homeless of Skid Row. Most recently, she’s lent her support and voice to the reputable Harvest Home organization which has provided housing and holistic care to homeless pregnant women for the past 30 years in Los Angeles. She has also previously been active with PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) which houses, furnishes and gives “Welcome Home” parties to homeless veterans. This is particularly close to her heart having grown up on military bases.

During her time in Chicago, she co-founded and produced the now defunct theater company, Gilead. It’s primary focus was to create cutting edge theatrical experiences that shed light on difficult issues while providing an entertaining and unforgettable, immersive experience for audiences.

Merle is on staff with Lachey Arts, partnering with her good friends Drew and Lea Lachey in their endeavor to bring quality professional training to the youth of Cincinnati and beyond.

In her Nebraska hometown, Merle has been inducted into the Hall of Fame where she spends time giving workshops, speeches, performances and participating in projects to raise arts awareness for the school district she grew up in.

Merle's Thoughts

"When I can no more stir my soul to move, and life is but the ashes of a fire; When I can but remember that my heart once used to live and love, long and aspire; Oh, be thou then the first, the one thou art, be thou the calling, before all answering love, And in me wake hope, fear, boundless desire."
- Diary of an Old Soul
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
- Philippians 4:12-13
"To my friend, my comforter, my provider, my father…I give all my thanks, praise and passionate love to a tremendous God who has carried me over the highest mountains and lit my path in the darkest valleys. May everyone experience such a love!"