Candis Cayne
Biography
Candis Cayne is an American actress and performance artist. Born on August 29, 1971, in Maui, Hawaii, she began performing in New York City nightclubs in drag since the 1990s. Cayne came out as transgender in 1996. She gained national attention in 2007 for her role as Carmelita on the ABC drama Dirty Sexy Money, becoming the first transgender actress to play a recurring transgender character in primetime. Cayne is also known for her recurring role as the Fairy Queen on the fantasy series The Magicians. With 36 known credits, she has established herself as a notable figure in the entertainment industry.
Career overview
Candis Cayne is an American actress who began her career performing in New York City nightclubs in drag since the 1990s. Cayne came to national attention in 2007 for a role on ABC's prime-time drama. She is notable for being the first transgender actress to play a recurring transgender character in primetime television.
Cayne has appeared in a variety of roles throughout her career. She is perhaps best known for her recurring role as the Fairy Queen on the fantasy series The Magicians. Cayne's work in the entertainment industry spans multiple mediums, including television and performance art.
Cayne has accumulated a significant number of acting credits throughout her career, with 36 known credits listed. Her performances have been recognized through her work in television and other mediums.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
39 titles- Witchy Ways (2025) as Penny
- Her Curve (2023)
- How Not to Be a Junkie (2022)
- Visible: Out on Television (2020) as Self
- Disclosure (2020) as Self - Actress
- I Hate New Year's (2020) as Zelena / Marley
- The Advocate Celebrates 50 Years: A Long Road to Freedom (2018) as Self
- Candis for President (2018)
- Candis for President (2018) Executive Producer
- Hollywood Medium with Tyler Henry (2016) as Self - Guest
- The Magicians (2015) as Fairy Queen
- I Am Cait (2015) as Self
- Transparent (2014) as Jolene
- Crazy Bitches (2014) as Vivianna
- Meth Head (2013) as Pinkie
- The Little House That Could (2013) as Self
- Elementary (2012) as Ms. Hudson
- She's Living for This (2012) as Candis Cayne / Various Characters
- Groom's Cake (2012) as Candis
- Making the Boys (2011) as Self
- RuPaul's Drag Race (2009) as Self - Choreographer
- RuPaul's Drag Race (2009) as Self - Guest Judge
- Drop Dead Diva (2009) as Allison Webb
- Starz Inside: Sex and the Cinema (2009) as Self
- Libanesa Loira (2008) as Libanesa
- Keeping Up with the Kardashians (2007) as Self
- Dirty Sexy Money (2007) as Carmelita
- Starrbooty (2007) as Annaka Manners
- Grey's Anatomy (2005) as Michelle Velez
- The House of Venus Show (2005) as Self
- CSI: NY (2004) as Quentin Conrad
- Nip/Tuck (2003) as Alexis Stone
- Mob Queen (1998) as Glorice Kalsheim
- Dragtime (1997) as Self
- Always Something Better (1997) as Billee
- To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995) as Candis Cayne
- Stonewall (1995) as Diva 1
- Stonewall (1995) Choreographer
- Wigstock: The Movie (1995) as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Candis Cayne best known for?
Candis Cayne is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Disclosure (2020), The Magicians (2015), Transparent (2014), Party Monster (2003).
When and where was Candis Cayne born?
Candis Cayne was born on August 29, 1971 in Maui, Hawaii, USA.
How many credits does Candis Cayne have?
Candis Cayne has accumulated over 39 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1995 to 2025.
What is Candis Cayne's background in cinema and television?
Candis Cayne is an American actress and performance artist. Born on August 29, 1971, in Maui, Hawaii, she began performing in New York City nightclubs in drag since the 1990s. Cayne came out as transgender in 1996. She gained national attention in 2007 for her role as Carmelita on the ABC drama Dirty Sexy Money, becomi...