Candace Smith

Candace Smith was born on February 1, 1977, in Dayton, Ohio. She began her performing arts journey at a young age at the Dayton Playhouse. Her academic pursuits led her to the University of Dayton, where she attended on a full academic scholarship. During her studies, Candace spent a summer at the University of London focusing on media and communications, which deepened her interest in theatre. She graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Communications. Furthering her education, Candace attended Northwestern University School of Law. While in Chicago, she engaged in community work, volunteering for an outreach program at a juvenile detention center and leading a research project trip to Cuba. After graduating and being admitted to the Ohio Supreme Court, she practiced commercial real estate in Ohio. A turning point in her early career was winning the Miss Ohio USA 2003 title.

Following her reign as Miss Ohio USA 2003, Candace Smith relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment. Her acting credits include roles in prominent films such as “My Father Die” (2016) where she starred as Nana, “End of Watch” (2012) playing a distraught mother opposite Jake Gyllenhaal, and “Gimme Shelter” (2013) as West African social worker Marie Abeanni. She has also appeared in television series like ABC’s “Same Time, Next Christmas” (2019), Netflix’s “The Wrong Missy” (2020) alongside David Spade, CBS’s “Hawaii Five-0” (2015), and NBC’s “Heroes” (2009). Candace’s comedic talent led her to perform stand-up at The Comedy Store and study at Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles. She has been featured in three Broken Lizard films: “Beerfest” (2006) as Naomi, “The Slammin’ Salmon” (2009) as Mrs. Eva Salmon Parente, and “The Babymakers” (2012) as Roxie.

Beyond acting, Candace has established herself as a television personality and expert. She has appeared as a lifestyle and love expert on Bravo’s “The Millionaire Matchmaker” and WE TV’s “Million Dollar Matchmaker,” E!’s “The Platinum Life,” and the Hallmark Channel’s “Home & Family.” As a producer, she has served as an associate producer on several network shows, including “Finding the Funk” (2013), and has worked as a casting producer for “Match Made in Heaven” (2015). Currently, Candace is developing both unscripted and scripted projects, continuing to expand her reach within the entertainment industry while also coaching clients in life and love through her “Love By Candace” brand.