These days, Merle Dandridge may be best known to the general public for her regular and recurring roles in numerous TV series — “Chicago Fire,” “Sons of Anarchy,” “Greenleaf” and “The Flight Attendant” among them. Earlier this year, the Japan-born actress was promoted to full-fledged series regular status on ABC’s hit firefighter drama “Station 19,” and she’s also appeared in Broadway productions (“Spamalot,” “Tarzan,” “Jesus Christ Superstar”).
But to a big segment of millennials around the globe, Dandridge probably remains most famous for voicing iconic character Alyx Vance in “Half-Life 2,” one of the best video games ever produced. She also voiced Vance in the franchise’s “Episode 1” and “Episode 2” sequels, though she was controversially replaced as Vance in the recently-released “Half-Life: Alyx,” a surprise casting decision that angered many longtime fans.
Still, the “Half-Life” gig is arguably what kickstarted Dandridge’s showbiz career and made her a video game legend. Soon after that, she voiced primary antagonist Marlene in the equally iconic “The Last of Us” game franchise; last year, it was announced Dandridge would reprise her role in HBO’s upcoming TV series adaptation of the title.
With her slow-burning success finally reaching a crescendo, it’s no surprise Dandridge has finally invested in real estate. Tucked away in the leafy Los Angeles suburb of Sherman Oaks, Dandridge’s new home cost her $1.7 million. While not overly fancy or flashy, the quietly plush digs are certainly a long way from the wreckage of Black Mesa and City 17.
Originally built in the 1950s, the Sherman Oaks bungalow was given a complete overhaul in 2016, per the listing, and now includes hardwood floors and white walls throughout. While it probably won’t set many pulses racing, the stripped-down color scheme serves as an ideal base for a good interior designer, one who can customize the premises to Dandridge’s personal taste.
From the street, a walkways leads past a tree-shaded front lawn and steps up to a wooden porch with ample room for lounging. Inside lies a spacious living area with dedicated areas for dining, sitting and cooking, and the open kitchen offers an eat-in island and stainless appliances. The primary bedroom, one of three in the 1,800-square-foot structure, includes an ensuite bathroom with dual sinks.
While there’s no outdoor pool, the 6,300-square-foot flat lot does include a detached two-car garage that could easily be converted to an ADU, per the listing. There’s also a grassy backyard with space for a built-in barbecue area, patio or water feature.
