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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider From Manila to HBO: The Hollywood journey of Filipina actress Kristin Villanueva

From Manila to HBO: The Hollywood journey of Filipina actress Kristin Villanueva

Published Jul 19, 2026 04:58 pm

Another Filipino is making waves in Hollywood.

Filipina actress Kristin Villanueva is gaining international attention for her role as Princess Dela Cruz in HBO's hit medical drama "The Pitt," a character that is helping showcase a more authentic and meaningful representation of Filipinos on the global stage.

In an interview with GMA News, Villanueva shared how special it was to see a Filipina character written with depth and intention. 

"When I got the audition, and I saw her name, I mean just the name alone, Princess Dela Cruz, I was like, they did the research," Villanueva said.

For the actress, the role stood out because Princess was not simply written as a nurse in the background. She was portrayed as a complete person with her own personality, experiences, and perspective.

"They are so specific on this person, on this Filipina nurse. She's unique in that she's not your typical stereotype. She's not just in the background saying, 'Yes, doctor.' You see a brilliant range of personality traits," she told GMA News.

Villanueva's journey to Hollywood was built over many years.

Born and raised in Manila, she moved to Washington, D.C. at the age of 15. Acting was not initially her plan. She once dreamed of becoming a lawyer and political commentator before discovering her passion for performance.

She later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from SUNY Purchase and spent years developing her craft through theater, independent films, and television.

Her Hollywood breakthrough was not an overnight success, but the result of more than two decades of dedication.

Before joining "The Pitt," Villanueva appeared in the 2018 film "Viper Club" alongside Susan Sarandon, starred in Netflix's "Bonding," and built a respected theater career, including her acclaimed performance in "The Courtroom," which was recognized by The New York Times as one of the best theater productions of 2019.

Through all those experiences, Villanueva said she has seen progress in Hollywood's approach to representation, but she believes there is still more work to be done, especially for Filipino stories.

While Filipino talent continues to gain more visibility, Villanueva believes representation is not just about putting Filipino faces on screen. It is about creating characters and stories that reflect real experiences.

"I don't think Filipinos are well-represented in Hollywood consistently, but we're definitely cracking the door open," she said.

For Villanueva, the key is telling specific and honest stories.

"You got to be so specific, and through that specificity, your piece, your show will reach a more universal audience," she added.

With her role in "The Pitt," Villanueva is becoming part of a growing number of Filipino artists proving that local stories can connect with audiences worldwide. Her journey from Manila to Hollywood serves as an inspiration to aspiring Filipino performers who hope to see their own stories represented on the biggest stages.

Related Tags

Kristin Villanueva Kristin Villanueva The Pitt The Pitt HBO HBO The Pitt cast Filipina actress Filipino actress in Hollywood
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