Born Diandra Linda Woon-A-Tai in Kingston, Jamaica sometime during the late seventies, Diandra received her name from an article in the National Enquirer. At the time of her birth, actor Michael Douglas married producer, Diandra Luker, and upon viewing the article, Diandra's mother immediately choose the name for her daughter. At the age of four Diandra moved to Toronto, Canada and continues to call the city her home base.
Her childhood was less then typical as she had been born into a family of internationally known Shotokan Karate-Do instructors, with both her parents currently holding high ranks. Therefore, since the age of three she has formally practiced the martial art, currently holding the rank of Sandan, or third degree black belt. Since that time she has gone on to compete in Provincial, National and World competitions, as well as become a part-time instructor at the Toronto Japan Karate Association, located in the Beaches Area in Toronto.
Film has always been a passion for Diandra who, according to her parents 'saw' her first film at two weeks of age. She also had a knack for music, learning several instruments as a child and continues to expand her musical knowledge well into the present day by currently working on her vocal skills.
Diandra (voted 'most likely to be the next Bruce Lee' in high school), says that the acting bug first bit her while attending drama classes at Senator O'Connor College School. Although she had little theatre experience before, her drama teacher at O'Connor inspired her to look further into her newfound love of acting, writing and working in all aspects of theatre.
From O'Connor she then went on to study Drama and English at the University of Toronto however, it wasn't until her second year of University that she decided to audition for the University College Drama Program. Once accepted she spent the next three years intensively studying all aspects of her craft as well as honing her audition and writing skills. Since leaving the program she has continued to pursue her career on a professional level and is currently represented by AAB Talent Mangement.
Part this, that and the other, Diandra's multi-ethnic background has prompted her to travel all over the world. She has spent time living in the United States, Europe and all over Canada where she practices her knowledge of French, Spanish, and Dutch and attends various acting workshops. She is now living and working as an actress in Toronto (for the time being) where she auditions under the name of Diandra Lee (the maiden name of her grandmother).
As a former member of the Canadian Improv Showcase (a touring, improv, games style comedy troupe) Diandra found a home in improv comedy for five years, and was given the opportunity to travel both locally and internationally performing for audiences of all ages from Toronto to as far away as Singapore. She is currenty a full company member with the Award Winning Toronto Playback Theatre Company (improv dedicated to the telling of personal stories) and continues to expand her knowledge and skill in the area of improvised performance.
Her career thus far includes, two seasons with the Candy Factory Theatre, extensive theatre experience performing not only with the Canadian Improv Showcase, but also in various plays ranging from Canadian Theatre to numerous Shakespeare roles; several feature and short film roles, television appearances, commercials, print ads and voiceovers - most notably portraying the evil umbrella toting witch in a Play Station 2 video game (Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny).
Diandra hopes to continue to advance her steadily growing professional acting and writing career and sees “no end in sight” for her life in this business. She would like to give special thanks to all those who have supported her since the day she decided to become an actor.
