Cassandra James is a multifaceted American-Canadian actress with a rich cultural heritage. Born in Pasadena, California, to Debbie Li, a devoted teacher, and James Watzke, a respected gerontologist, James' early life was marked by a strong sense of family and a passion for the performing arts. Raised in Vancouver, Canada, her paternal great-grandparents hailed from Germany, while her maternal ancestry is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, with her maternal grandparents hailing from Shanghai and her mother born in Hong Kong.
As a child, James was already exhibiting a natural flair for performance, singing in choir and taking dance classes throughout elementary school. Her theatrical inclinations continued to flourish throughout high school, where she actively participated in various productions. Following her high school graduation, James relocated to Toronto, Canada, to pursue her higher education at Ryerson University, where she successfully completed the Theatre Acting Program.
James' professional journey took off at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, where she quickly rose through the ranks of their Youth Program after college, ultimately premiering in two productions during their 2013 season. In 2017, James made the bold decision to relocate to Los Angeles, where she continues to hone her craft.
Notably, Cassandra James is an openly transgender woman, having come out to her family in late 2015 and publicly announcing her identity in the summer of 2016. Her medical transition began in the spring of the same year. As a vocal advocate for her community, James is dedicated to promoting visibility and diversity within the entertainment industry, using her platform to raise awareness and drive positive change.
