Billy C. Chandler was born on May 1, 1953, in Ruston, Louisiana, to Preston and Juanita Chandler. Billy first got into acting when he was chosen for special services in the U.S. Army from 1972-1975. He performed in multiple plays and concerts for USO during that time. Upon leaving the military, Billy moved to Los Angeles, where he starred in his first movie, Street Surveillance. He is known for The Outsiders (1983), Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994) and Johnny Handsome (1989). Billy earned a B.A. in Theatre from Centenary College in Shreveport, LA. Following this, he returned to Los Angeles from 1981-1986 .

Billy is a published songwriter, musician, playwright, and writer. He has continued to perform and direct in a number of Community Theatre productions and independent films. He has been married to Betty Chandler since October 5, 1986. They have three children.