Candice Patton

Biography

Candice Patton was born in Jackson, Mississippi, but grew up in Plano, Texas. Her mother was an opera artist, and her father was an engineer, which exposed her to a blend of creativity and discipline from an early age. Patton attended Plano East Senior High School, where her interest in acting blossomed.

After high school, she pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. During her college years, Patton honed her acting skills and gained valuable experience on stage, laying the groundwork for her future in the entertainment industry.

Career Beginnings

Patton’s first big break came in 2004 when she won a spot on the CBS Soap Star Contest, a nationwide talent search aimed at finding fresh faces for daytime television. Her success in the competition led to a brief role in the soap opera The Young and the Restless. This marked the beginning of her professional acting career.

Following this, Patton worked steadily in television, appearing in guest roles on popular shows such as Entourage, Castle, Heroes, Grey's Anatomy, and CSI: Miami. Her early performances demonstrated her versatility and ability to adapt to a wide range of genres, from drama to crime procedurals.

Breakthrough with The Flash

Candice Patton’s career skyrocketed in 2014 when she was cast as Iris West in The Flash, a superhero series on The CW. As the love interest of Barry Allen (played by Grant Gustin) and a key member of Team Flash, Iris is an integral character in the Arrowverse franchise.

Patton’s portrayal of Iris West brought a fresh, dynamic energy to the role. Her character evolved from a reporter to a courageous leader, showcasing her intelligence, empathy, and resilience. Patton’s chemistry with the cast, particularly Gustin, became one of the highlights of the series.

Her role in The Flash also represented a milestone for diversity in superhero media, as Iris West is traditionally depicted as white in the comics. Patton’s casting was celebrated for breaking barriers and bringing representation to the genre.

Other Projects

While her work on The Flash has been her primary focus, Patton has appeared in other projects, including independent films and TV movies. She also had a recurring role in BET’s The Game before her breakthrough on The Flash.

In recent years, Patton has expressed an interest in expanding her career to include producing and directing, reflecting her ambition to diversify her contributions to the entertainment industry.