Biography
Saundra Santiago is a multifaceted actress with experience in television, film, and Broadway. She earned a BFA from the University of Miami and an MFA from Southern Methodist University. Additionally, she is a member of the Actor's Studio in New York City. Born and raised in the Bronx, Saundra has built a diverse career.
She has appeared in numerous episodic TV shows such as "Gotham," "True Detective," and the upcoming "Blue Bloods." She played the recurring role of Marciela on Fox's "Gang Related" and portrayed Sonia Braga's sister in the Hallmark movie "Meddling Mom." Residing in Manhattan, she has guest-starred on many NYC-based series including "Person of Interest," "Law & Order," "The Unusuals," and "Cashmere Mafia." She had a recurring role as Karen Gonzales in the first season of FX's "Damages," starring Glenn Close. One of her favorite roles was playing twin sisters Jeannie and Joan Cusamano on HBO's hit series "The Sopranos." She is best known for her regular role as Gina Calabrese on the cult classic "Miami Vice," appearing throughout its five-season run.
Saundra has acted alongside legends such as Sidney Poitier, Bill Cosby, and Elizabeth Montgomery in various made-for-TV movies. She danced with Al Pacino in "Carlito's Way," played Rosario Dawson’s mother in "25th Hour," and appeared in numerous independent films and shorts. Her most recent indie film, "The House That Jack Built," was released in theaters and on VOD.
Her Broadway debut was in Arthur Miller’s Tony-nominated play "A View from the Bridge," starring opposite Tony LoBianco as Catherine. She most recently appeared on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning musical "Nine," featuring Antonio Banderas. Her stage work spans Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, including "The Glass Menagerie" as Amanda Wingfield, "The House of Bernarda Alba," the Tony-nominated musical "Chronicle of a Death Foretold," "Hello Again," "Spike Heels" alongside Kevin Bacon, and a national tour of "Evita" as Eva Peron. Saundra’s singing can be heard on recordings of "The House of Bernarda Alba" and "Nine," as well as on two of the six Johnny Carson shows she appeared on.
In daytime television, she created the role of Carmen Santos on CBS's "Guiding Light," earning a 2002 Alma Award for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama and several nominations. Later, she portrayed Carlotta Vega on ABC’s "One Life to Live" during its final years.
Saundra also occasionally performs singing engagements at various cabaret venues throughout New York City.
