Brandon Santana is carving out a place for himself in Hollywood, balancing vulnerability and strength as he pushes boundaries with each role. Though his career is still in its early stages—having only begun in 2019—Brandon has already captured the industry’s attention, most recently landing the role of Tony in Ryan Murphy’s highly discussed Netflix series Monsters. His journey is a testament to perseverance, authenticity, and an unwavering sense of purpose.

Standing under the spotlight on his first day of Monsters, Brandon Santana knew this was the moment he’d been preparing for since his high school theater days. With nerves and excitement coursing through him, he channeled it all into his portrayal of Tony—a character that would define his career. Sitting down for an interview, it’s easy to see that Brandon’s story is as layered and compelling as the characters he brings to life. Reflecting on his path, he speaks with a mix of humility and excitement about his breakthrough role. “I grew up admiring creators like Ryan Murphy,” Brandon shared, his passion evident. “Being part of a project led by someone whose work I’ve always respected—it was a dream come true and definitely a little intimidating.”

In Monsters, Brandon portrays Tony, a fictional character with a strong yet understated presence in a narrative filled with dramatic turns. “I wanted to show his softer side, his compassion,” Brandon explained. “Even though Tony has this big presence, I wanted audiences to see his humanity.” The challenge wasn’t lost on him—bringing a fictional character to life alongside real historical events required nuance and sensitivity. For Brandon, this role was more than just a job; it was a chance to portray a rarely seen figure with depth and dignity.

During the audition process, Brandon had the opportunity to work with seasoned directors like Paris Barclay, who helped him hone his performance. “I learned to embrace subtleties—things like eye contact and stillness,” he shared. “It wasn’t about being physically intimidating but about making every moment count.” The result is a portrayal that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll—a performance that proves you don’t need many lines to leave a lasting impact.

Brandon’s focus on vulnerability and subtlety has been a guiding force throughout his career. Raised in a tight-knit family with three brothers, Brandon often felt set apart, but he discovered his voice through the arts early on. “Theater was my escape and my outlet,” he recalled. “I could express everything I was feeling and turn it into something that connected with people.” This love for storytelling led him to pursue musical theater in college and eventually take on roles in television dramas and films, each project shaping his approach and deepening his understanding of his craft.

Brandon’s career started gaining traction during the pandemic—a surprising silver lining amid uncertain times. “It’s funny—my career really took off during the pandemic,” Brandon said with a chuckle, reflecting on how the timing seemed surreal. Roles in hit TV shows like 9-1-1 and Grey’s Anatomy, along with captivating turns in movies, including Sins in the Suburbs and Romantic Friction, marked the start of his upward trajectory. But it was Monsters that cemented him as a talent to watch, showcasing his ability to convey strength through subtle emotion.

Santana, repped by Stewart Talent and Shakir Entertainment Management, has showcased his range in various projects. In 9-1-1, he explored themes of loss and resilience; in Grey’s Anatomy, he embraced the fast-paced, emotionally charged atmosphere of a medical drama. In Sins in the Suburbs, he ventured into darker territory, balancing suspicion and empathy. Meanwhile, in Reel One Entertainment’s Romantic Friction, he shifted gears to bring humor and charm to a romantic lead—a role that required him to embrace a softer, more lighthearted side. “Every project has challenged me in different ways, whether it’s tapping into intense emotions or just letting loose and having fun,” Santana noted.

Santana has recently starred in the immersive film Postcard from Earth, which premiered on October 6, 2023, and is currently playing at the Sphere in Las Vegas. This project highlights Santana’s strong narration ability and solidifies his screen presence. “Working alongside Darren Aronofsky was a dream come true. I’ve admired his work since I first developed a taste for innovative storytelling. This project was unlike anything I’ve done before and helped me settle into and trust my voice,” Santana shared. The film is projected on a 160,000-square-foot screen in 18k resolution, a groundbreaking first of its kind.

As an LGBTQ actor, he feels a deep responsibility to represent his community with nuance and authenticity. “There are so many layers to LGBTQ experiences that don’t get explored,” he emphasized. “I want to move beyond the stereotypes and show the full spectrum of what it means to be queer. We need stories that reflect our diversity and bring people together rather than divide them.” This ethos guides him as he navigates the industry, pushing for roles that break new ground and amplify voices that are often left unheard. In his portrayal of queer characters, Brandon is not just playing a role; he’s creating a space for people to see themselves on screen, challenging narratives that have long felt one-dimensional.

One of the constants in Brandon’s life is his faith—a source of strength and clarity that has guided him through the ups and downs of an unpredictable industry. “I move with a sense of faith and trust that things will work out,” he reflected. It’s a quiet confidence that permeates his work, allowing him to take creative risks and embrace the uncertainty that comes with pursuing a dream. Whether navigating setbacks or seizing opportunities, his steady belief in his path has been the backbone of his journey.

Looking ahead, Brandon is eager to continue telling stories that resonate. “I’m interested in roles that challenge me, roles that push boundaries,” he shared. “Maybe a psychological thriller or even a superhero—something unexpected.” He’s hungry for roles that explore the complexities of human nature, whether it’s a troubled protagonist, an anti-hero, or a character who defies easy categorization.

With Monsters introducing Brandon Santana to a broader audience, it’s clear that this is only the beginning for the talented actor.

Photography Credit: @hitmonjohn