American actress and singer Merle Dandridge is currently unmarried. She used to be married to Christopher Johnston. She played Marlene, Leader of the Fireflies, in HBO’s 2023 post-apocalyptic drama series The Last of Us. She was also the voice of Marlene in the video games.
Dandridge was born in Japan, and then later relocated to Nebraska. She graduated from Roosevelt University’s theater program in 1998. She received a “Chicago College of Performing Arts Distinguished Artist Award” from her alma mater. She has made a significant impact in both theater and film. She portrayed Fire Chief Natasha Ross in the 2018 Grey’s Anatomy spin-off “Station 19.” In the 2019 mystery drama “Truth Be Told,” she plays Zarina Killebrew and in the 2016 Oprah Winfrey drama “Greenleaf” she stars as Grace Greenleaf. She also features in CW’s “Starcrossed (2014),” FX’s “Sons of Anarchy (2008),” and HBO’s “The Flight Attendant (2020).”
In the theater space, she has taken on leading roles in several Broadway productions including Lady of the Lake in “Spamalot,” Joanne in “Rent,” Aida in “Aida,” and Kala in “Tarzan.” Dandridge also serves on the Board of Directors of the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles and Harvest Home.
Merle Dandridge's relationship history
Merle Dandridge married Christopher Johnston in 2011. The pair tied the knot in a private ceremony and largely kept their marriage away from the Hollywood spotlight. In a 2016 interview with Architectural Digest, Dandridge shared her love for the Sunday farmer’s market, hinting that they source fresh vegetables from there. She also mentioned that the very first thing she did upon returning home was kiss her husband and her dog, offering a rare glimpse into her personal life.
A new year post from 2015 on X (formerly Twitter) captures Dandridge celebrating with her best friends and their husbands, cherishing the moment together.
However, according to The Blast, Dandridge reportedly filed for divorce in 2018 after nearly a decade-long marriage, citing “irreconcilable differences” between the pair. The couple did not have any children and worked through matters related to spousal support before finalizing their separation in 2019.
FAQs about Merle Dandridge
A. She has earned 3 awards including a BAFTA Award and 6 nominations including a Grammy Award nomination.
A. Merle Dandridge was born on May 31, 1975.
A. No, Merle Dandridge is unmarried as of 2025.
