April Bowlby is an American actress who gained widespread recognition for her memorable performances as the airheaded Kandi in the long-running sitcom Two and a Half Men (CBS 2003–15) and as a recurring character in the comedy-drama Drop Dead Diva (Lifetime 2009–14). April Michelle Bowlby was born on July 30, 1980, in Vallejo, California. During her early years, she relocated with her family to Manteca, California, where she went on to attend East Union High School.
From a young age, April Bowlby displayed a wide range of interests, exploring disciplines such as ballet, French, and marine biology while attending Moorpark College. Despite her academic pursuits, she eventually chose to follow a different path—modeling. With that goal in mind, she made the move to Los Angeles. Interestingly, it was during this brief modeling phase that she first discovered her passion for acting.
In 2004, April Bowlby landed her very first acting role as an extra on the popular crime drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (CBS 2000–15). The following year, she also appeared in an episode of its spin-off series, CSI: New York (CBS 2004–2013), playing the role of a deceased victim. Although her initial foray into the entertainment industry was through the gritty world of forensic television, April Bowlby soon found her niche in comedy.
Her comedic talents shone brightly when she was cast in Two and a Half Men, where she portrayed Kandi Harper, the eccentric and somewhat clueless second ex-wife of Alan Harper, played by Jon Cryer. This role significantly boosted her visibility and established her as a capable and versatile actress in the sitcom genre.
April Bowlby’s next major opportunity came in 2009 when the Lifetime Network launched a new series called Drop Dead Diva. The show was a unique blend of legal drama and comedy, centered around a self-absorbed model who is given a second chance at life after dying in a tragic accident. In this series, April Bowlby took on the role of Stacy Barrett, the loyal and down-to-earth best friend of the main character, Deb Dobkins, portrayed by Brooke D’Orsay.
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When it comes to April Bowlby’s film career, one standout performance definitely shines through. April Bowlby’s highest rated movie is Unbroken: Path to Redemption, released in 2018—a powerful film that really showcased her acting range and earned strong praise from audiences. On the other end of the spectrum, April Bowlby appeared in All Roads Lead Home, a 2008 release that ended up being her lowest rated project to date. While April Bowlby brought her usual dedication to the role, the film itself didn’t resonate as well critically or commercially. Still, it’s interesting to see how April Bowlby’s journey in Hollywood includes both high points and learning experiences across different genres and roles.