Chanchez was born in Montgomery, Alabama, and spent the majority of his childhood in Atlanta. He was raised by a loving family who recognized his talents and encouraged him to pursue his dreams. From the moment he sang along to his grandmother’s records, Chanchez displayed an inherent knack for performance. He knew by the age of 10 that he wanted to be an actor. Soon after graduating from high school, he headed to Hollywood. Although he ran into the classic rough start that many young actors encounter, he found a job as a car salesman and used his free time to learn the audition process and perfect his craft. He honed his craft through various classes and workshops and ultimately found an agent. Soon after, he landed the first of approximately 50 commercial bookings. Chanchez humbly considers his “big break” to be the moment he became a working actor, and appreciates every day he has on set.
While in between acting jobs, Chanchez took the time to develop a non-profit organization, Watch Me Win, which is dedicated to enriching the lives of urban youth through mentorship, leadership development, encouragement, and empowerment. Watch Me Win celebrated the foundation’s first successful year with a celebrity benefit gala in Los Angeles. Aside from his organization, when not working Chanchez loves to read, paint, and write music. He also considers himself a “foodie,” loves to eat out, and has the best restaurant recommendations. As far as being a cook himself, he is learning to master the grill and is forever experimenting with ingredients in his quest to make the perfect salad. To stay in shape and allow himself his foodie indulgences, he visits the gym regularly. He also stays well grounded by being in constant contact with his family in Georgia, and by being a good dad to his spoiled English bulldog, Lola.
Chanchez has been developing his craft in film, television, and theater over the past few years. Chanchez is best known for his current, starring role as “Malik Wright” – a star quarterback who is brash, yet sweet, and is dealing with his sudden success – on the hit BET comedy “The Game,” a smart, cutting-edge show about professional football players and the women entangled in their lives.
Chanchez relishes his comedic role on “The Game,” but he has also shown great promise in dramatic roles evidenced by his work in film, on the stage, and in episodic television. He had the lead role in the feature “Rich Quick”, and has held supporting roles in “The Outsider”, and “My Brother”. In 2011, he appeared in “96 Minutes”, which premiered at the SXSW Music and Film Festival, and he co- starred in independent features “Dysfunctional Friends” and “The Cost of Heaven”, both are in post-production. His theater credits include productions of Royal Oats and Glory, Shop Life, The Wiz, and The Long Walk Home. His television credits include: CBS’ “NCIS,” FX’s “The Shield,” Warner Bros’ “Everwood,” CBS’ “Close to Home” plus recurring roles on “Robbery Homicide Division” and “For Your Love” [WB].
In 2012, Chanchez looks forward to continuing to work on “The Game,” hopes to continue to work in film, and will create more projects with his newly established production company: Kelp Productions.
