Alexandra Chando

Here is a detailed, SEO-style biography of Alexandra Chando (born July 28, 1986):

Alexandra Chando – Life, Career, and Artistic Journey


Learn about Alexandra Chando (born July 28, 1986) — the American actress and director known for As the World Turns, The Lying Game, and her evolving work behind the camera. Explore her early life, breakout roles, creative growth, and lessons from her career.

Introduction

Alexandra Nicole Chando (born July 28, 1986) is an American actress and director who gained prominence for television roles in soap operas and teen dramas. She first earned recognition playing Maddie Coleman on As the World Turns, then achieved broader visibility by portraying twins Emma Becker and Sutton Mercer in the ABC Family series The Lying Game. Over more than two decades in entertainment, Chando has expanded into directing and producing, shaping a multifaceted career.

Early Life and Education

Alexandra Chando was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

She attended Liberty High School in Bethlehem. Manhattan College before fully committing to her acting career.

Her parents are Steve Chando (who ran a roofing company) and Rebecca Chando (a homemaker).

Career and Achievements

Breakthrough in As the World Turns

Chando’s first major break came in 2005, when she was cast as Madeline “Maddie” Coleman on the long-running CBS soap opera As the World Turns.

Her performance earned her a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2007 for Outstanding Younger Actress.

Expansion: Web & TV Roles

In 2009, Chando appeared in the web series Rockville CA, playing the character Deb. Remember Me, and auditioned for The Vampire Diaries.

But her signature role came in 2011, when she was cast as Emma Becker / Sutton Mercer (identical twins) in The Lying Game, an ABC Family series.

Beyond those, Chando guest-starred or recurred in shows such as Castle, Sneaky Pete, Hawaii Five-0, The Neighborhood, Vampire Diaries, and others.

Directing & Producing

In recent years, Chando has branched into direction and production. short film LPM, Likes Per Minute in 2018, which screened at the Mammoth Film Festival.

She has also developed projects such as The Dinner Party, a female-driven unscripted pilot, and shadowed direction on network shows (e.g. Mistresses, The Gifted) to gain experience.

Historical & Industry Context

  • Chando came up during a time when serialized and teen dramas were major platforms for emerging actors in TV, especially on cable and family networks.

  • Her role as twins in The Lying Game exemplifies a popular trope in drama (dual identities, secrets, rejoined lives) which has had enduring audience appeal.

  • The growth of web series and streaming gave opportunities for actors to explore nontraditional formats (e.g. Rockville CA). Chando leveraged such projects as part of her career expansion.

  • Her shift toward directing aligns with a broader movement of actors taking more control over content, storytelling, and production in recent decades.

Personality, Style, and Creative Traits

  • Chando is described as versatile, committed, and curious—willing to explore roles behind the camera.

  • Her choice to play identical twins with distinct personalities demonstrates her range and willingness to challenge herself.

  • In interviews, she has expressed interest in meaningful stories and telling diverse voices.

  • Her gradual transition into directing suggests she is not content remaining static but seeks to evolve artistically.

Selected Quotes

While Chando is not known for a large catalog of iconic quotes, a few statements and remarks in interviews reflect her perspective:

“I began my career as an actor … playing twins gave me a deeper interest in directing.”

On her career path: “with over 20 years of on-screen experience … she has accumulated over 400 hours on set while continuing to act in pilots”

These reflect her recognition of growth and learning through longevity and exposure.

Lessons & Takeaways from Her Path

  1. Build gradually, with persistence.
    Starting in soap operas, then moving into dual roles and later directing, Chando has shown patience and steady expansion.

  2. Challenge yourself by taking on complex roles.
    Playing twins pushed her to develop distinct character traits, which strengthens acting skill.

  3. Seize cross-disciplinary opportunities.
    Her transition into directing and producing underscores the importance of diversifying one’s creative repertoire.

  4. Learn through collaboration and exposure.
    Shadowing directors on projects teaches craft from within—a practical pathway many actors use to transition.

  5. Stay adaptable in an evolving media landscape.
    By working in web series, network and cable shows, and behind the camera, Chando has maintained relevance across changing industry norms.

Conclusion

Alexandra Chando’s career is a case study in evolving from actress to storyteller and creator. Her roles in As the World Turns and The Lying Game gave her visibility and depth, while her move into direction illustrates her ambition and love for storytelling beyond acting. Her path reminds us that creative careers can mature, change, and broaden over time.