Updated: March 16, 2026
Chase Infiniti has taken Hollywood by storm in 2025-2026. With her standout role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another opposite Leonardo DiCaprio, she’s earned Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice nominations, walked red carpets at the Oscars and Golden Globes, and become one of the most talked-about newcomers. But amid all the spotlight, fans often wonder about her roots—especially her unique name and the family that shaped her.
Born Chase Infiniti Payne on May 5, 2000, in Indianapolis, Indiana, this 25-year-old actress didn’t grow up in a showbiz dynasty. Instead, her grounded, loving family from the Midwest provided the foundation for her fearless pursuit of acting. Let’s dive into who Chase Infiniti’s parents are, their backgrounds, and how they’ve influenced her journey.
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The Story Behind Chase Infiniti’s Memorable Name
One of the first things people notice about Chase is her name—it’s instantly memorable and cinematic. Chase has shared in interviews (like on the Today Show) that her parents poured heart into choosing it, drawing straight from their love of movies.
- First name “Chase”: Inspired by Nicole Kidman’s character Chase Meridian in Batman Forever (1995). Her parents were huge fans of the film and decided on “Chase” for their baby, boy or girl.
- Middle name “Infiniti”: Pulled from Buzz Lightyear’s iconic line in Toy Story—”To infinity and beyond!” It reflects their high hopes and ambitious vision for their daughter.
Her parents believed in giving their kids names that would suit big futures. As her father once explained, they wanted names that would be “well received” if success came knocking. Clearly, it worked—Chase Infiniti sounds like a star was born.
This creative naming shows a fun, movie-loving household that encouraged dreaming big.
Meet Chase Infiniti’s Parents: Keith and Kimberly
Contrary to some online rumors (like speculation tying her to stars like Kerry Washington), Chase’s parents are everyday hardworking folks from Indiana—not Hollywood royalty.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Family Member | Name | Profession/Background | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Father | Keith Irvin Payne | Owner of a construction company (ARHI Bldg & Remodeling) | Extremely proud dad; accompanied Chase to the 2026 Golden Globes as her date; described as “extremely proud” in interviews. |
| Mother | Kimberly Dawn Able | Country singer | Supportive and involved; Chase has mentioned calling her mom excitedly about big opportunities, like meeting Leonardo DiCaprio. |
| Younger Sister | Dolce Imani Payne | Pursuing a career in fashion | Part of the close-knit family; parents gave her an equally aspirational name. |
Keith runs a home building and remodeling business in Indianapolis, while Kimberly has a background in country music. They raised Chase and her sister in a stable, encouraging environment in Indianapolis, where Chase attended North Central High School and got her start in theater and show choir.
How Her Parents Shaped Her Path to Stardom
Chase often credits her family’s unwavering support for giving her the confidence to chase acting. Growing up, she participated in school plays and musical theater, building skills that led to her training at Columbia College Chicago (class of 2022, Musical Theatre).
- When she landed her breakthrough role in One Battle After Another—involving intense action scenes, car chases, and holding her own against legends like DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Regina Hall—her parents “freaked out more than me,” she told The Guardian. She called her mom right away about meeting Leo and Regina, highlighting their excitement and involvement.
- Her dad has been a visible supporter on the awards circuit, beaming with pride at events like the Golden Globes.
- The family emphasis on kindness, faith, and surrounding yourself with genuine people (lessons from her late grandmother) keeps Chase grounded amid fame.
This Midwestern support system helped her transition from local theater kid to Oscar-buzzed actress without losing her authenticity.
Conclusion: A Family Foundation Fueling a Bright Future
Chase Infiniti’s parents, Keith and Kimberly, may not be celebrities, but their love, creativity, and belief in their daughters have propelled Chase to incredible heights. From a thoughtful name inspired by classic films to cheering her on through auditions, breakthroughs, and red carpets, they’ve been her biggest fans.
As Chase continues shining— with projects like The Testaments on the horizon and more awards conversations—her story reminds us that strong family roots often make the brightest stars. The Payne family from Indiana proves that with support, vision, and a bit of movie magic in a name, anything is possible.
What do you think of Chase’s unique name origin? Share in the comments below!