Actor Biography

Javicia Leslie is an actress, visionary and philanthropist committed to making her mark on the world. She is best known for her reign over Gotham City as Ryan Wilder in DC's "Batwoman." Her casting made global history as the first bisexual Black actress to portray Batwoman. Since her debut in 2019, she has quickly become recognized as one of young Hollywood's most heralded stars and was featured on The Hollywood Reporter's highly coveted Next Big Thing list.

Currently, Leslie is shooting a series regular lead role in the new ABC drama "High Potential." Written by Drew Goddard ("The Good Place") and starring Kaitlin Olson, "High Potential" follows a single mom (Olson) with an exceptional mind whose unconventional knack for solving crimes leads to an unusual and unstoppable partnership with a by-the-book seasoned detective (Daniel Sunjata). On the show, Leslie will play Detective Daphne. The show is based on the popular French series "Haut Potentiel Intellectuel (HPI)" and will premiere fall 2024.

Not one to rest on her laurels, Leslie also stars on the hit BET+ series "The Family Business" playing the fan-favorite role of Paris Duncan. She stars opposite Ernie Hudson.

Leslie's past credits include lead roles on such TV shows as CBS' No. 1 drama, "God Friended Me," and the beloved CBS "MacGyver" reboot. In 2023, Leslie returned to the Arrowverse in a recurring arc as Batwoman and Red Death on the last season of "The Flash." Her lead feature film works include "Always A Bridesmaid" penned by actress/writer Yvette Nicole Brown, and "Double Life" for Paramount and Lighthouse Pictures, directed by Martin Wood, to name a few.

As a true artist and storyteller, Leslie directed two short films in 2021: the award-winning "Black Excellence" and "Howl." She also produced and stars in the short film "Ascension" (TBD 2024).

Raised in a military household, the young star knew at an early age that television and film were her destiny. It was her parents that inspired her gift of the arts and theater by encouraging her to enroll in classes that challenged and inspired her to dive deeper into the craft. During her time at the illustrious Historically Black Hampton University, her love for performing was nurtured and put on full display.

Always committed to living a purpose and spirit-driven life, she founded The Chandler Foundation to serve the brightest young stars in the Prince George's County community in Maryland. The Chandler Foundation produces an annual back-to-school celebration that provides students with backpacks, school supplies and haircuts to mark the new school year. She continues to work tirelessly to provide underserved youth with access to athletic resources and enrichment programs, and to improve the quality of life of young people. Leslie's ultimate passion is to provide children with the space and freedom to follow their dreams at their fullest capacity.

When she is not in production or in the community, Leslie spends her free time gardening in her backyard oasis in Los Angeles, gathering healthy vegan recipes, working out, and playing with her black Labrador mix, Judah, that she rescued in 2018.