She made a corpse look damn good on CSI: New York. Now Candis Cayne is bringing the sexy to ABC’s Dirty Sexy Money.

By Jackie Beat

Most actresses think they’re special, but Candis Cayne really is. You see, she was born Brendan McDaniel and transformed herself into one of the most stunning and fascinating entertainers to ever grace a stage.

And now she’s gracing the small screen, high-kicking her way into America’s living rooms — and hearts — thanks to her recurring role on ABC’s Dirty Sexy Money. I spoke to Candis about her phenomenal mainstream success as a trans-actress.

Girl, it seems like everywhere I look, there you are! You were genius on CSI: New York. Hell, you were even flawless buck-ass naked and dead on the coroner’s slab! Talk about drop-dead gorgeous, right? Tell me about shooting that.

It was so much fun, going to L.A. and shooting CSI! The cast and crew were so amazing. It was my first time shooting TV on that scale, but it was just so effortless. It ran like a well-oiled machine. It was kind of weird laying on the slab and getting cleaned off though. Everyone was quiet, and it was really dark and they were playing sad music. It was eerie!

You’re also stealing Starr-booty right out from under the one and only RuPaul. Give us the 411 on your character, Annaka Manners.

Well, I don’t know about that, but it was cool that Ru called and asked me to be her nemesis in her movie. It’s fun to play a villain! 

It sure is, I play one in real life! Hey, didn't you also shoot a pilot recently with your gorgeous hunk of a better half, DJ Marco?

Yes, we did shoot a pilot. It was hilarious! The premise was NYC showgirl-by-night, New Jersey housewife-by-day. We hooked up with the producers from Work Out and shot the show for Logo who, in the end, decided to pass. But who knows? I don't think it's dead in the water just yet.

Logo schmogo! It’s their loss because now you have a recurring role on ABC’s Dirty Sexy Money as Billy Baldwin’s lover. Elaborate please!

I know. I’m gagging!

Really? Wow, just how “real” do those love scenes get, Candis!?

I meant that it’s been a crazy year and I am so excited to be a part of this show, Jackie. And what a cast! I play Carmelita, [Billy Baldwin’s character] Patrick Darling's transsexual mistress. I think it’s the first time they’ve ever had a trans-actress play a trans-role in a recurring part. It’s shooting now and and it’s so fun—and nerve-racking—to read the new scripts to find out what happens to Carm. She has a very deep relationship with Patrick and a really honest one. She’s not a victim, but she’s not a bitch. I think she likes to do the right thing. I like her.

I heard a rumor they digitally lowered your voice? What’s up with that?

I think so, but I think it’s just my first line. I think they wanted that initial shock, but it’s fine. I can deal with that. At least they’re taking her seriously and not turning her into a comedy fest. 

And finally, since you’re one of the most stunning creatures on this planet, please give our readers a fool-proof beauty tip. 

You’re so sweet! Juice-fast once a month for three days. It's gorgeous! It’s good for everything—your skin, your body, your weight, your mind—and it kind of resets your body. Do it! I promise you'll love day four! Day two sucks, but trust me!

Bitch, you had better believe I’d love day four of a three-day juice fast!

Dirty Sexy Money airs this fall beginning Sept. 26, every Wednesday at 10 p.m. on ABC.