Leonardo Santaiti (he/him)
Actor
Leonardo Santaiti is a first-generation American actor and filmmaker, born in New York and raised in Atlanta. Fluent in English, Spanish and Italian, he deeply identifies with his Italian-Argentinian heritage. The son of immigrant parents, a PhD foreign language professor and an aeronautical engineer, Leonardo’s upbringing was steeped in a mix of academic rigor and creative exploration. From a young age, he immersed himself in chorus, music, and theater, while also competing in soccer and swimming.
After earning his Bachelor’s in International Business, Leonardo booked a lead role in A Band of Rogues, earning a best ensemble award. He has since breathed life into a variety of roles across blockbuster films like Insurgent, Allegiant, and thrillers such as Sleepless. His voice has carried characters and stories, resonating in the action-packed Birds Of Prey, the satirical world of “American Dad!,” and onward to the intricate world of motion capture – contributing to the visceral realism of “NFL Madden” and the fantastical realms of “Dragon Age.” His portrayal of Thomas Novachek in the critically acclaimed production of Venus in Fur stands as a testament to his range. His extensive training rooted in play study, underscores his profound connection to the stage.
His passion for storytelling extends to his role as a filmmaker. As the driving force behind Santitan Studios, Leonardo has produced, directed, and performed in award-winning shorts like Forgive Me Father and Pony Up. His talent was further recognized at the Official Latino Film & Arts Festival sponsored by HBO, where he was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama for his film Picking Daisies (Winner of Best Editing).
Now based in Los Angeles, Leonardo continues to dedicate himself to creating memorable experiences that resonate with audiences across all mediums. His mission as an artist is not just to entertain but to connect with viewers, whether through the screen or on the stage.