Filipina star Kristin Villanueva reflects on defying stereotypes after breakthrough role in 'The Pitt'

Best known for her standout performance as Princess dela Cruz in the award-winning medical drama, "The Pitt", Filipina Hollywood actress Kristin Villanueva weighed in on creating authentic Filipino representation on the international stage.

In "The Pitt," Princess dela Cruz is a Filipina nurse character working in the emergency department at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center.

"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. And yeah, they just keep writing her three-dimensionally," Villanueva said in a recent interview for GMA Pinoy TV's Sparks of Joy.

In February 2026, the HBO television series received the Actor's Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.

Reflecting on her role, Villanueva said the character of Princess is one who shows a range of personalities.

"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 said.

Over the course of her career, the actress said that although representation in Hollywood has improved, much progress still needs to be made.

"I think from the last two decades that I've been an actor, there has definitely been improvement, but we still have a long way to go," Villanueva said.

The same is true for Filipino representation, Villanueva said, as Filipinos in Hollywood still seek to be given a voice and opportunities.

"No, I don't think Filipinos are well-represented in Hollywood consistently, but we're definitely, you know, cracking the door open," Villanueva said.

"I think we can aspire to writing with specificity. You got to be so specific, and through that specificity, your piece, your show will reach a more universal audience," she added.

Iconic roles

In her 20 years of being an actor, Villanueva has worn different characters, and several of them have required her to bring out her Filipina roots.

In the interview, Villanueva shared memorable roles that has showcased her talents so far.

"I did this indie film called Viper Club where I also play a Filipino nurse and all my scenes were with Miss Susan Sarandon," she said.

Viper Club is a 2018 drama. Villanueva played the character of Carmelyn, a supporting role in the show.

Beyond the screens, Villanueva has also starred in theaters.

"For theater, oh gosh, I just have a lot of favorites. There's this show called, 'The Courtroom'," Villanueva shared.

"The Courtroom is about a Filipino woman who migrated to the States but accidentally votes when she only had a green card. So then the whole show, you follow her appeals in court," she added.

Villanueva portrayed the lead role, Elizabeth Keathley, in New York theater.

"The Courtroom" was listed in The New York Times' Best Theater of 2019.

"As the piece follows her from one courtroom to another, what is most palpable is the suspense—how deeply invested the audience becomes in the future of this gentle woman," Villanueva shared on her website, echoing a review from The New York Times.

Aside from Filipino characters, Villanueva also mentioned her role as Sweet Charlotte in the Netflix show "Bonding," which she described as "I had a blast doing."

In regional and international theater, Villanueva has appeared in classic plays such as the tragic "Romeo and Juliet," portraying the lead role of Juliet Capulet.

"Every time I get to play a Shakespeare ingénue, those shows always have a special place in my heart because, I mean, the life that these characters get to live in three hours' time, it's pretty epic," she shared.

Manila girl

Villanueva was born and raised in Manila City, Philippines. She moved to Washington, D.C. at 15 years old.

Growing up, being an actor has not always been the dream written on her ambition board.

"When I was younger, I wanted to go to law school and become a political pundit. But yes, I feel like I was a very late bloomer," she said.

However, at a very young age, Villanueva said that she has always liked good writing, especially if she can "say it out loud."

In the United States, she finished her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting at SUNY Purchase, where she was granted the Chair's Award for Achievement in Acting.

Written on her acting resume as special skills are "[fluency] in Tagalog, [playing the] ukulele, stage combat, baby crying, and cat in heat," among others. — VDV, GMA News