Lily Santiago - Actor of the Month for September 2024

Actor: Lily Santiago| Interviewed by: Destiny Lilly, CSA

1) Has there been a Casting Director that has encouraged and/or supported you in your career?

David Caparelliotis is one of the most respected casting directors in New York and has been a champion of my career for so many years now. Being in his room for theater and film auditions has been an absolute treat; he really roots for everyone. His warmth, generosity, expertise, passion, and precision are second to none. I am so grateful for his support and the way he continues to cheer me on.

2) What work are you most proud of?

I try to take the utmost pride in whatever I’m working on at the moment. I felt immensely proud of the projects I’ve been involved with this year, which challenged me in totally new ways and required deep emotional investments. However, I always think back to the first big opportunity I had while studying at Northwestern University. We did a production of In the Red and Brown Water by Tarell Alvin McCraney. The magic of that writing, combined with the talent of our ensemble and the creativity of our choreography, was so special. It was the first time that I felt like I was making an impact on audiences and the community as an actor.

3) What or who inspired you to pursue acting as a career?

My parents are my greatest support system and cheerleaders, and knowing first-hand how tough this path can be, they did not promote the idea of becoming an actor. It was my observations of my father’s career in this business that first inspired me to become an actor. I always admired the way he was so impassioned by this work and the effect that his storytelling had on the lives of so many. He continues to help me believe in myself and the powerful purpose that this art form serves.

4) What was your first IMDbPro credit, and how did you feel when you saw it?

Some nepotism was certainly at play when, at 7 years old, my twin brother Trey (Trey Santiago-Hudson, an immensely talented actor) and I were cast in the film version of my dad’s play Lackawanna Blues, directed by George C. Wolfe. Honestly, I don’t remember getting the IMDb credit; I was just happy to be there with my family. Looking at it now, I think it’s pretty cool to have that record and memory on IMDb. And it makes me seem like I’ve been a pro at this for much longer than I have been!

5) How has IMDbPro helped you market yourself to filmmakers?

IMDbPro is an incredible resource for everyone involved in this industry from the actors to the casting people to the casual observer, it builds awareness of you in the business. I check IMDbPro every time I get an audition; the wealth of information there allows me to discover so many aspects of what I need to know about those involved.

6) Any funny casting room stories?

I might have stayed out a little too late the night before a callback for a production of MacBeth I did off-Broadway… I was so focused on conjuring all of my energy to perform my scenes well, and then I was asked to improvise entering the space as the ghost of Banquo. I honestly think my utter exhaustion helped me at that moment because I had no remaining energy to spend overthinking my behavior; I just started crawling, contorting, and making weird sounds. It got creepy and other-worldly, and thankfully, it all worked out. It taught me a lesson in the value of preparedness and releasing self-judgment at the door (ideally with a full night's sleep).

7) If you could play any character in a movie, past or present, who would it be and why? 

Inigo Montoya in The Princess Bride. Obviously, Mandy Patinkin is an icon and thank goodness it’s him in the movie. But that role is a dream. It’s such a genius combination of humor, depth, adventure, and imagination. I grew up quoting that entire movie with my brother, dancing around with fake swords and monologuing about scars, potions, and true love.

8) What is something you’ve watched recently that you would recommend?

I thought Boy Swallows Universe on Netflix was super impactful. I was struck by the story and how crazily talented that young guy is.

9) Tell us a fun fact about you outside of acting.

I was working in Australia during the peak of Covid. We were in lockdown for months at a time, and there were often weeks that I wouldn’t be called to set at all. So when I was stuck inside my apartment alone, starting to drive myself nuts, I decided to order some donuts and a ukulele. I spent weeks sitting on the couch learning chords and entertaining myself with songs. So that’ll be my fun fact; I am now an amateur ukulele player.

Actor of the Month is a monthly collaboration between IMDbPro and Casting Society that celebrates the casting community and spotlights its members through a series of interviews between casting directors and actors about their acting journey, the casting process, and how IMDbPro helps them advance their careers.