Who is Lily Santiago: Broadway to Netflix Rising Star
Lily Santiago is an American actress who has quickly established herself as one of entertainment’s most promising young talents. Born in April 1996 to acclaimed actor-director Ruben Santiago-Hudson, she has made her mark across television, film, and Broadway stages.
Quick Facts about Lily Santiago:
- Best Known For: Veronica Castillo in NBC’s “La Brea” (2021-2024)
- Latest Role: Naya Vasquez in Netflix’s “Untamed” (2025)
- Broadway Debut: “Mary Jane” at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (2024)
- Recognition: 2023 Imagen Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress
- Education: LaGuardia High School for Performing Arts, Northwestern University
- Family: Daughter of Tony Award-winning writer-actor Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Santiago’s career spans classical theatre productions including “King Lear,” “Macbeth,” and “Othello” at prestigious venues like Shakespeare Theatre Company. Her breakout television role as Veronica Castillo in the time-travel drama “La Brea” ran for three seasons and earned her critical acclaim.
For her Netflix debut in “Untamed,” Santiago learned horseback riding to portray park ranger Naya Vasquez alongside Eric Bana. The mystery series showcases her versatility as she transitions from prehistoric survival drama to contemporary thriller.
As R. Couri Hay, a longtime observer of New York’s cultural scene and contributor to publications covering entertainment and society, I’ve watched many talented performers emerge from our city’s vibrant arts community. Santiago represents the best of what our local theatre training can produce – a classically-trained performer ready for global audiences.
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The Rise of Lily Santiago: From New York Stages to Hollywood Screens
Growing up in New York City gives you a certain energy – that unmistakable drive that comes from being surrounded by dreamers and doers. For Lily Santiago, this city wasn’t just home; it was her training ground. Her journey from our local theatre stages to Hollywood’s biggest screens shows what happens when raw talent meets the right environment.
As someone who’s spent decades watching New York’s arts scene evolve, I’ve seen many young performers try to make their mark. But Lily Santiago had something special from the start – a combination of natural ability and the kind of artistic foundation that only comes from growing up in a truly creative family.
An Artistic Upbringing: The Santiago-Hudson Legacy
Lily Santiago was born into artistry in April 1996. Her father, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, is one of those names that immediately commands respect in theatre circles. This Tony Award-winning actor, playwright, and director created the powerful semi-autobiographical work Lackawanna Blues – a piece that showcases the kind of storytelling that runs in the Santiago-Hudson blood.
The artistic influence started early for Lily. She even appeared as a child in George C. Wolfe’s HBO film adaptation of Lackawanna Blues in 2005. Imagine being nine years old and already working alongside industry veterans – that’s the kind of environment that shapes a performer’s understanding of the craft.
Her mother Jeannie Brittan and brother Trey Santiago-Hudson complete this artistic family. Growing up in New York City’s vibrant theatre environment meant dinner conversations weren’t about ordinary things – they were about character development, storytelling, and the emotional truth that makes great performances unforgettable.
This wasn’t just a family that appreciated the arts; this was a family that lived and breathed creativity. The local arts community became Lily’s extended family, giving her access to insights and experiences that most young performers can only dream of. To understand the depth of this artistic legacy, you can explore Ruben Santiago-Hudson’s biography and see how this incredible foundation shaped Lily’s approach to her craft.
Education and Early Career
Lily Santiago didn’t just rely on her family connections – she put in the work. Her education at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts (yes, the famous “Fame” school) gave her the technical skills to match her natural talent. In a city full of aspiring performers, LaGuardia is where you go to get serious about your craft.
She then headed to Northwestern University, known for producing theatre professionals who understand both the art and the business of performance. This classical theatre training became her secret weapon, giving her the vocal control and emotional range that sets her apart in today’s entertainment landscape.
The early stage work speaks for itself. Lily took on Shakespeare with confidence, playing Cordelia in King Lear at the Shakespeare Theatre Company Klein Theatre in Washington DC in 2023. She appeared in an all-female production of Macbeth at the Red Bull Theater, and graced Shakespeare in the Park with her performance in Othello.
Her classical repertoire also includes Measure for Measure in the Public’s mobile Shakespeare production and Romeo & Juliet at the Huntington Theatre. These weren’t small, safe roles – these were the kind of challenging parts that either make or break a young actor.
What strikes me about Lily’s early career choices is how deliberately she built her foundation. While many young performers rush toward screen work, she understood that mastering classical theatre would give her the tools to excel anywhere. That discipline and depth you see in her television and film work? It all traces back to those early days of tackling Shakespeare and understanding what it means to truly inhabit a character.
Breakout Roles and Critical Acclaim
Every actor dreams of those career-defining moments when everything clicks into place. For Lily Santiago, these pivotal roles have showcased her remarkable range and earned her well-deserved recognition. Her journey from a prehistoric survival drama to the bright lights of Broadway demonstrates the kind of versatility that separates good actors from truly exceptional ones.
Surviving 10,000 B.C.: Lily Santiago in ‘La Brea’
Lily Santiago’s breakout role came with her portrayal of Veronica Castillo in NBC’s sci-fi drama ‘La Brea’. When the show premiered in 2021, few expected a series about families separated by a massive sinkhole leading to prehistoric times would become such a hit. Yet that’s exactly what happened, and Lily’s complex character was at the heart of its success.
Veronica Castillo wasn’t your typical television character. She was mysterious, layered, and often morally ambiguous. Over the show’s three seasons, Lily Santiago masterfully revealed different facets of Veronica’s personality. One moment she was a survivor fighting prehistoric predators, the next she was struggling with personal demons that made her just as dangerous as any saber-toothed tiger.
The industry took notice of her compelling performance. Lily Santiago earned a 2023 Imagen Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. This recognition meant everything to a young actress still establishing her career. It validated her choice to take on such an unconventional project and proved she could handle the demands of network television.
Her work on ‘La Brea’ opened doors and showed audiences that this New York-trained actress could bring depth to any role, no matter how wild the premise. For insights into her experience bringing Veronica to life, check out this Interview about her role in La Brea.
A Broadway Debut in ‘Mary Jane’
While television brought Lily Santiago national recognition, Broadway called her home. In 2024, she made her highly anticipated Broadway debut in ‘Mary Jane’ at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. For those of us who’ve watched New York’s theatre scene for years, this felt like a natural progression for such a classically trained performer.
Broadway debuts are sacred moments in an actor’s career. The Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, nestled in the heart of Manhattan’s theatre district, became the stage where Lily Santiago proved she belonged among Broadway’s elite. The transition from screen back to stage showcased her theatrical roots and reminded everyone that her foundation lies in live performance.
The differences between stage and screen work fascinate me. On Broadway, there are no second takes, no safety nets. Every night, actors must deliver a complete, sustained performance that connects directly with a live audience. Television and film work differently, breaking scenes into manageable pieces that can be perfected over multiple takes.
Lily Santiago’s classical training shines in both mediums. Her Shakespeare background gives her the vocal power and emotional range needed for Broadway, while also providing the discipline and character depth that lifts her screen work. It’s thrilling to see a local New York talent succeed on such a grand scale.
For a deeper look at her Broadway experience, read this Exclusive interview on Mary Jane. Her passion for theatre comes through in every word.
Notable Stage Performances:
- ‘King Lear’ (Cordelia) at Shakespeare Theatre Company Klein Theatre (2023)
- ‘Macbeth’ (all-female production) at Red Bull Theater
- ‘Othello’ at Shakespeare in the Park
- ‘Measure for Measure’ (Public’s mobile Shakespeare production)
- ‘Romeo & Juliet’ at the Huntington Theatre
- ‘Mary Jane’ (Broadway Debut) at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (2024)
These performances represent years of dedication to classical theatre, building the foundation that makes Lily Santiago such a compelling performer today.
Untamed: A New Chapter on Netflix
When Lily Santiago landed the leading role in Netflix’s mystery series ‘Untamed’, it marked an exciting new chapter in her already impressive career. This project showcases her versatility in ways we haven’t seen before, pushing her into uncharted territory both literally and figuratively.
Preparing for Naya Vasquez
In ‘Untamed’, Lily Santiago takes on the role of Naya Vasquez, a rookie park ranger with the National Park Service who comes from Los Angeles and finds herself navigating the wild, untamed wilderness. Working alongside the talented Eric Bana, she brings depth and authenticity to a character facing her own fears and limitations.
One of the most demanding aspects of preparing for this role was learning to ride horses. As Lily shared in interviews, the production provided incredible horse teams and trainers to help her master this new skill. What made it even better was that her character was also new to the wilderness experience.
“It was actually quite convenient that both Naya and I were uncomfortable with horses initially,” she explained. This natural parallel allowed her to channel her own learning process into the character’s journey.
Coming from New York City, Lily Santiago could genuinely relate to Naya’s fish-out-of-water experience in the wilderness. Her character approaches investigations with an L.A. city cop mentality, focusing on procedure and protocol. But the wild demands a different approach entirely.
This role represents another leap forward for New York talent making waves on the global stage. Lily Santiago brings the same thoughtful preparation that served her well in classical theater to this contemporary thriller.
The Future of ‘Untamed’ and What’s Next for Lily Santiago
Like many Netflix viewers, Lily Santiago herself is eagerly hoping for a second season of ‘Untamed’. She’s openly expressed that she’s “waiting for the phone call” and is “ready to go” if the opportunity arises. Her enthusiasm for continuing Naya’s story is infectious.
She believes Naya Vasquez has one of the biggest character arcs in the series because of how much adaptation the role requires. In a potential Season 2, Lily envisions her character settling into her new environment, accepting newfound confidence, and approaching challenges with the wisdom she’s gained.
Transitioning from her long run on ‘La Brea’ to working with a new cast brought its own excitement. She described the experience as feeling “like a child on the first day of school, with nerves and excitement.” Fortunately, she quickly found her rhythm with the ‘Untamed’ team.
One particularly rewarding aspect of the show was working with her young co-star Omi, who plays her son. From her background as a nanny, Lily Santiago found natural chemistry with the toddler actor, adding another layer of authenticity to her performance.
As we watch her career unfold from our vantage point here in New York City, it’s clear that Lily Santiago represents the best of what our local arts community produces. Her journey from classical theater training to global Netflix productions shows how solid foundations can support ambitious dreams.
For those interested in learning more about this exciting project, you can read the Deadline announcement for Untamed for additional details about the cast and production.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lily Santiago
As someone who has watched Lily Santiago’s career unfold from the vibrant New York City theatre scene to national television, I often find myself fielding questions about this remarkable young talent. Her journey from the stages of our beloved city to Hollywood screens has captivated audiences, and naturally, people want to know more about the woman behind these compelling performances.
Who is Lily Santiago’s father?
Lily Santiago’s father is the acclaimed actor, playwright, and director Ruben Santiago-Hudson. For those of us who have been part of New York’s theatre community for years, Ruben’s name carries tremendous weight and respect. He’s particularly celebrated for his Tony Award-winning play ‘Lackawanna Blues’, a deeply personal work that later became an HBO film.
What makes this family connection so special is how it shaped Lily Santiago’s artistic foundation. Growing up in a household where storytelling and performance were daily conversations gave her an insider’s perspective on the craft from childhood. It’s no surprise that she appeared in the HBO adaptation of her father’s ‘Lackawanna Blues’ as a young girl – art truly runs in the Santiago-Hudson family.
What is Lily Santiago best known for?
Lily Santiago has made her mark across multiple platforms, showcasing the kind of versatility we love to see from New York-trained performers. Her breakout role came as Veronica Castillo in NBC’s sci-fi drama ‘La Brea’, where she captivated audiences for three seasons from 2021 to 2024. This role introduced her to mainstream television audiences and demonstrated her ability to handle complex, evolving characters.
But television is just part of her story. In 2024, she returned to her theatrical roots with her Broadway debut in ‘Mary Jane’ at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. As someone who has witnessed countless Broadway debuts over the years, there’s something particularly thrilling about seeing a homegrown New York talent take that prestigious stage.
Looking ahead, Lily Santiago is set to lead Netflix’s mystery series ‘Untamed’ in 2025, playing Naya Vasquez alongside Eric Bana. This role represents another exciting chapter, showing her range from prehistoric drama to contemporary thriller.
Has Lily Santiago won any awards?
While major awards may still be on the horizon for Lily Santiago, she has already earned significant industry recognition that speaks volumes about her talent. Her most notable achievement to date is her 2023 Imagen Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her compelling work as Veronica Castillo in ‘La Brea’.
The Imagen Awards hold particular significance as they celebrate positive Latino representation in entertainment. This nomination places Lily Santiago among performers who are not only talented but also making meaningful contributions to diversity in media. Given her classical training, her growing body of work, and the critical acclaim she’s receiving, I have no doubt that awards recognition will follow. In my experience covering rising stars from our New York arts community, performers with her foundation and dedication typically see their trophy shelves fill up quickly once the industry takes notice.
Conclusion
What a remarkable journey we’ve witnessed with Lily Santiago. From her early days growing up in the creative heart of New York City to commanding attention on Netflix screens worldwide, she’s proven herself to be exactly the kind of talent that makes our local arts scene so special.
Her story perfectly captures what we love about New York performers – that unique blend of classical training and fearless ambition. Watching her tackle Shakespeare at LaGuardia High School, then Northwestern University, before diving headfirst into the prehistoric chaos of ‘La Brea’ shows an artist who isn’t afraid to take risks. And let’s be honest, learning to ride a horse for ‘Untamed’ at this stage in her career? That’s dedication with a capital D.
Lily Santiago represents everything we celebrate here at R. Couri Hay Columns – authentic talent, genuine charm, and that distinctly New York ability to reinvent yourself while staying true to your roots. Her Broadway debut in ‘Mary Jane’ brought her full circle back to where it all began, right here in our beloved theater district. Yet she’s equally comfortable battling prehistoric creatures or solving mysteries in the wilderness alongside Eric Bana.
The best part? She’s just getting started. With her Imagen Award nomination under her belt and ‘Untamed’ ready to introduce her to global audiences, we have a feeling Lily Santiago will be gracing red carpets and award stages for years to come.
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Locations: Proudly based in New York City, New York, R. Couri Hay Columns celebrates local talent and the thriving arts community that continues to produce stars like Lily Santiago.