- Brandon Merrill is a Colorado-born actress and model who was known in the early 2000s for her role in the action comedy film Shanghai Noon
- As a model, she fronted top magazines such as Abercrombie & Fitch’s catalog, Vanity Fair, and Vogue and signed deals with brands like Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein
- The beauty queen suddenly faded off the screen to pursue a career as a Rodeo Rider but later resolved to a life of privacy
Brandon Merrill had an impressive career in the entertainment industry in early 2000 and was at the peak of her career when she suddenly started slowing down. She also tried making a career out of rodeo riding but that also did not sustain for long. Though the reasons for her career switch were never recorded, fans were excited to see the toughness she exuded on the field.
As time went on, Brandon completely disappeared with no traces of her whereabouts which has continued to be a recurring question. While fans expect a possible comeback, here’s all to know about her.
7 Lesser Known Facts About Brandon Merrill
1. She Was Raised on a Ranch in Wyoming
Born in Colorado, Brandon Merrill was raised on a ranch in Wyoming, the United States by her parents Larry Paul Harmon (father) and Daphne Demar (mother). Her exact birth date is still elusive to the media however, she was about 22 years old when she starred in the film Shanghai Noon.
By estimation, Brandon could be in her early 40s which means she was born sometime in 1980. While much about her early life, siblings, and other family members are not known, she is said to be of multi-racial ancestry and possibly an American Indian.
Also, information regarding her educational pursuit has not been recorded which makes it difficult to conclude if she had proper training before delving into the entertainment industry.
2. Brandon Merrill Started Her Modeling Career During Her Teenage Years
While Brandon is yet to tell us what inspired her career in modeling, we gathered that she started off as a teen. She was first featured in the W Magazine before getting signed by DNA Models for print ad campaigns for brands including; Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and the Limited.
Moving on, Brandon graced top magazine covers including Abercrombie & Fitch’s, Vanity Fair, and Vogue. Asides from this, she also got more modeling gigs as well as endorsement deals.
3. The Former Actress also had a Career in Rodeo Riding
Asides from portraying Jackie Chan’s horse-riding Native American wife in the comedy film, Shanghai Noon, Brandon was a real-life rodeo champion. She had engaged in a lot of competitions and gained success in the equestrian sport.
Judging from Brandon’s physical attributes, one may not consider her strong enough to participate in the competitive sport which is common among Mexicans. However, behind her beauty was a fierce personality that was only seen in the field.
4. Brandon Merrill Has Only One Movie Record
Although Brandon is known to be an actress, she only has one movie credit. Brandon made an appearance as an Indian wife in Shanghai Noon (2000), a Western action comedy. The movie also starred actors like Jackie Chan, Owen Wilson, and Lucy Lui.
Even though she wasn’t the main character of the movie, her role captivated the heart of fans and remains unforgettable after several years. The movie was also said to gain mainstream attention because Jackie Chan was featured.
5. Is She Married?
This aspect of Brandon’s life is still unknown to the media because the actress leads a private life. Just like her exact date of birth, early life, and family members. Brandon has also chosen to keep her spouse In the dark.
The Shanghai Noon actress is said to be married according to sources, however, her husband remains unidentified.
6. What is her Net Worth?
Brandon was active in the entertainment industry in the early 2000s as a model and actress. She went on to front several magazines and signed endorsement deals with top brands like Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. Also, she made her screen debut in the action comedy film Shanghai Noon which was said to be a commercial success.
Although her private life makes it difficult to place her exact net worth, it has been estimated to be at least $2 million. Her only film appearance Shanghai Noon according to sources grossed $99.3 million against the initial budget of $55 million.
Also, a part of Brandon’s wealth can be linked to her career as a rodeo rider. Even though much about this aspect of her life has not been recorded, she was reportedly successful in equestrian sports.
7. Where is Brandon Merril?
The question of Brandon’s whereabouts continues to linger as fans still expect a possible comeback even though she has been inactive for over 2 decades. While the former actress left no traces of her location or other businesses, we gathered that she is alive and had chosen to embrace a low profile.
Many celebrities over the years have faded off the screen only to return after a long hiatus as in the case of Kris Murrel and Susanna Ried who return better than they left. Though Brandon may not have plans of returning. It’s a known fact that Hollywood doors will still be opened and ready to receive her.
