Born in Los Angeles, she represents Hollywood’s new multicultural generation.
Bianca A. Santos may have been born in Los Angeles, but her heritage proudly reflects a vibrant blend of Brazilian, Cuban, and American influences. The daughter of a carioca father and granddaughter of Bahian grandparents, Bianca grew up surrounded by diverse perspectives – a combination that deeply shaped her artistic voice and her connection to both Latin and American cultures.
Today, she stands out as one of Hollywood’s rising multicultural talents, known for her charisma, versatility, and authentic storytelling on-screen.
A Childhood Split Between Cultures – and a Strong Brazilian Identity
Although California was home, Brazil has always been a defining part of Bianca’s life. “I spent several summers in Rio de Janeiro when I was young. I’d stay for one or two months, and those trips are some of my best memories,” she recalls. Even in Los Angeles, her Brazilian identity remained present.
“I grew up around a group of Brazilian families raising their kids here. On Saturdays, we’d all go to the beach in Marina Del Rey – sometimes three to seven families together. All the kids running around, speaking ‘Portinglish’… it was the best,” she adds with a laugh. This mix of cultures became the foundation for her worldview and her approach as an actress and creator.
From Psychology Major to the Arts: The Moment Everything Changed
Before entering the entertainment industry, Bianca studied Psychology at California Lutheran University. But a single conversation changed her path. During a special lecture with a well-known psychologist, Bianca participated in a small student panel. She asked him what advice he would give to young professionals. His response came as a question:
“Do you regret the things you didn’t do?”
“BAM! Acting came to my mind instantly,” she says. “It was the clearest moment of my life.” That spark led her to pursue acting seriously – and the rest unfolded naturally.
Hollywood Career: From ‘The Fosters’ to Film and Producing
Bianca first gained widespread recognition as a series regular on the Disney/ABC drama “The Fosters Executive”, produced by Jennifer Lopez. Her performance, across four seasons, earned her a dedicated fan base and positive reviews. She then expanded into film, appearing in:
- Ouija
- The DUFF
- SPF-18
Her creative interests soon extended behind the camera. She developed her own TV show, “Happyland,” and later took on both the lead role and a producer position in “Stronghold” – a 2023 post-apocalyptic thriller directed by Brazilian filmmaker Julia Câmara.
“The industry is changing,” Bianca notes. “Productions are expanding into other countries, including Brazil. Anyone working in entertainment today needs to think globally and understand the market’s diversity.”
The Disney/ABC series “The Fosters Executive” was her first major starring role.
A Deep Love for Brazil – Culture, Family, and Identity
Despite building her career in Hollywood, Bianca’s bond with Brazil remains strong. “I love the food, the music, the style – but mostly, I love the people. Americans live to work. Brazilians simply live,” she says. She grew up listening to Djavan, Gilberto Gil, and Caetano Veloso, and still craves classic dishes like pão de queijo, coxinha, feijoada, and moqueca.
Though she knows Rio well, there’s one place still on her list: “Incredibly, I’ve never been to Bahia, where my grandfather is from. It’s always called to me.”
A Symbol of Multicultural Representation in Hollywood
Whether acting or producing, Bianca A. Santos continues to forge her own path – one shaped by her Brazilian roots, Cuban influence, American upbringing, and global perspective. Her multicultural identity isn’t just part of her story. It is her creative superpower. And Hollywood is taking notice.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bianca A. Santos?
Bianca A. Santos is an American actress and producer known for her multicultural background and roles in film and television. She was born in Los Angeles and has strong Brazilian and Cuban heritage, which influences her identity and artistic voice.
What is Bianca A. Santos’ cultural background?
Bianca has Brazilian roots through her father and Cuban roots through her mother. She identifies strongly with both cultures and grew up connected to the Brazilian community in Los Angeles.
In 2023, he starred in and co-produced the feature film Stronghold, directed by Brazilian filmmaker Julia Câmara.
What shows and movies has Bianca A. Santos been in?
She became widely known for The Fosters Executive (Disney/ABC) and has appeared in films like Ouija, The DUFF, and SPF-18. She also starred in and produced the 2023 indie thriller Stronghold, directed by Brazilian filmmaker Julia Câmara.
Is Bianca A. Santos Brazilian?
Bianca was born in the United States but has Brazilian citizenship and a strong cultural connection to Brazil. She spent many childhood summers in Rio de Janeiro and grew up speaking “Portinglish” around other Brazilian families in LA.
Does Bianca A. Santos speak Portuguese?
Yes. She grew up around Brazilian culture and a community of Brazilian families, which helped her maintain Portuguese alongside English.
What makes Bianca A. Santos a multicultural actress?
Her background blends American upbringing, Brazilian identity, and Cuban influence. This combination informs her storytelling, character work, and interest in global and Latin American narratives within Hollywood.
What is Stronghold and what was Bianca’s role in it?
Stronghold is a 2023 post-apocalyptic thriller starring and produced by Bianca A. Santos. The film was written and directed by Julia Câmara, a Brazilian filmmaker, highlighting Bianca’s connection to Brazilian talent in the global entertainment industry.
What languages does Bianca A. Santos speak?
She speaks English fluently and has conversational fluency in Portuguese due to her Brazilian upbringing and family ties.
Has Bianca worked behind the camera?
Yes. In addition to acting, she has produced projects and created her own TV show, Happyland. Her work on Stronghold further expanded her role as a producer.
What does Bianca love most about Brazil?
She loves Brazilian food (pão de queijo, coxinha, feijoada, moqueca), music (Djavan, Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso), and especially the people – whom she describes as warm, open, and full of life.
Does Bianca plan to work more with Brazilian productions?
Yes. Bianca has expressed strong interest in collaborating more with Brazilian creators and sees Brazil as an expanding market in global entertainment.
What part of Brazil does Bianca want to visit?
Although she knows Rio well, she has never visited Bahia, where her grandfather was born — a trip she hopes to make soon.
