The entertainment industry is constantly on the lookout for fresh faces who bring authenticity, talent, and a unique perspective to the screen. Enter Amielynn Abellera, an award-winning Filipino American voice and film actress, captivating audiences in Max’s hit new medical drama, The Pitt.The series is currently premiering new episodes released every Thursday. Fans can catch up on all episodes via MAX.

With an impressive resume featuring roles in Bosch: Legacy, The Cleaning Lady, NCIS, and Shrinking, Abellera is no stranger to dynamic performances. However, her role as Perlah in The Pitt marks a significant moment in her career and in Hollywood’s growing representation of Southeast Asian voices.

Stepping into Perlah’s Shoes

For Abellera, the opportunity to portray Perlah was a dream come true. “I was immediately drawn to Perlah because I rarely see a character like her in mainstream media. She is Filipino and Muslim, speaks Tagalog, and is a dedicated registered nurse. It’s an honor to play her,” she shares.

Working alongside the visionary John Wells and a team of top-tier professionals added to the excitement. The two-week medical boot camp before filming ensured authenticity, with real-life healthcare professionals coaching the cast on procedures like IV insertions, blood pressure readings, and emergency compressions. Coming from a family of healthcare professionals and even being on a pre-medical track herself, Abellera felt at home in the world of The Pitt.

Representation and Cultural Significance

A defining element of Perlah’s character is her Filipino and Muslim identity, which Abellera embraced wholeheartedly. Though not fluent in Tagalog, she relied on her mother, cousins, and fellow actress Kristin Villanueva for translations and pronunciations. “Learning the language has become so important to me in my adult life as a way to embrace my roots,” she explains.

Connecting with Filipino American Muslims was another crucial step in preparing for the role. Through conversations and research, Abellera aimed to bring depth and accuracy to Perlah’s portrayal. “I knew it’d be impossible to grasp the entirety of their experience. But by asking questions and listening, I became more conscientious of accurately incorporating this part of Perlah.”

A Set Filled with Passion and Purpose

The atmosphere on set has been nothing short of inspiring. Abellera describes it as “welcoming, generous, collaborative, professional, and incredibly joyful.” She credits Noah Wyle’s leadership for setting the tone, noting how he makes a point to connect with everyone and foster a positive environment.

What makes The Pitt stand out for Abellera is its raw portrayal of healthcare professionals. “The show creators want us to breathe that care and instinct into our characters. They allow us the freedom to live the roles as authentically as possible.”

A Journey Rooted in Culture and Perseverance

Abellera’s Filipino heritage plays a significant role in shaping her approach to acting. “I am so proud to be a Filipino. We are generous, loyal, and resilient. Everything about me results from my Filipino background, so I can’t help but infuse every character I play with my ancestry.” From portraying a head cardiac surgeon in The Cleaning Lady to voicing characters in audiobooks with a Filipino accent, she sees every role as a celebration of her culture.

Her upbringing also instilled a deep sense of ambition and perseverance. “My parents, aunts, and uncles built a full healthcare facility from the ground up. At 45, my mother attended UC Davis to upgrade her RN status to nurse practitioner. These ingrained values keep me determined and dedicated to this challenging career.”

Carving a Path for Southeast Asian Representation

Abellera is deeply aware of the importance of representation in Hollywood. “Only recently have I observed a curiosity and openness to showcase Southeast Asian representation in art. The Pitt makes a conscious effort to expand this representation, and I’m honored to contribute.”

Her hope is that more producers, writers, and casting directors continue to celebrate the world’s diversity authentically. “I hope this show encourages Southeast Asian artists to continue on their artistic paths and inspires creators to make their own conscious efforts.”

A Passion-Driven Career

Interestingly, acting wasn’t Abellera’s first career path. With a background in psychobiology, she was once on track for medical school. However, she realized that her heart belonged to storytelling. “I had an ‘aha moment’ on my morning train to Stanford. I was supposed to be reviewing my cancer research presentation, but all I wanted to do was learn my lines for rehearsal that evening. That’s when I knew.”

She auditioned for graduate acting programs, got into USC, and never looked back. Now, as she continues to build her career, she embraces diverse roles that challenge her craft. “I love playing myriad characters with varied physical, vocal, and emotional characteristics. I want to explore the human condition in all its complexity.”

Looking Ahead

As The Pitt gears up for its premiere, Abellera is focused on the road ahead. She dreams of roles that celebrate humanity in all its joy, pain, struggle, and strength. “I hope these opportunities keep coming, my health stays strong, and my passion for it keeps burning.”

With her authenticity, talent, and deep respect for her heritage, Amielynn Abellera is undoubtedly a rising star to watch. The Pitt is just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary journey.

Editorial Images Credit
Photographer: Emily Sandifer @emilysandiferphoto
Stylist Andrew Philip Nguyen  @lil_saigon
Grey top and pants: @hercipher
Earrings: @ferezzi
Shoes: @mashizanofficial
MUA: Patrick Santa Ana @patricksantaana