Conversations with Jane Santos

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jane Santos.

Hi Jane, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, where I built my career as an actress and television host. Storytelling has always been at the heart of everything I do, and after establishing myself in my home country, I made the life-changing decision to move to Los Angeles to continue growing as an artist. I studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute and embraced the challenge of building a career in a new market.

Over time, my path led me into audiobook narration, where I’ve built a career centered on giving voice to some of the most influential voices in literature and beyond, including Michelle Obama, Isabel Allende, Stephen King, Toni Morrison, and Harper Lee. I’ve also had the opportunity to direct audiobook performances and coach aspiring voice actors.

Whether I’m acting on screen or behind a microphone, my passion has always been the same: telling stories that resonate with people. Looking back, I’m grateful that a career that began in the Dominican Republic has evolved into an international journey dedicated to bringing stories to audiences around the world.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. The greatest challenge hasn’t been the work itself—it has been the personal cost of pursuing a dream far from home.

I moved to the United States by myself after building my career in the Dominican Republic. Starting over in a new country meant adapting to a different culture, a different way of life, and rebuilding my career from the ground up. While I’ve always been deeply grateful for the opportunities this country has given me—including the privilege of becoming a U.S. citizen—the journey has also meant living far away from the people I love most.

There are moments you can’t get back: family gatherings, milestones, and the simple joy of being present for everyday life. I still feel that distance, and I think I always will. But it has also taught me resilience, gratitude, and the importance of creating a sense of home wherever life takes you.

Every challenge has reminded me why I chose this path. It has shaped not only the artist I’ve become, but also the woman I am today.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an actress, audiobook narrator/ director, and coach, but above all, I’m a storyteller. No matter the medium, my work is rooted in helping audiences connect emotionally with a story.

What I love most about audiobook narration is that it requires both technical precision and emotional truth. Every project is an opportunity to honor the author’s voice while creating an experience that feels genuine, immersive, and deeply human. My background as an actress has shaped the way I approach every performance, allowing me to bring authenticity and nuance to each character and narrative.

Beyond performing, I also enjoy mentoring and coaching other voice actors. Sharing what I’ve learned and helping others discover their own artistic voice is one of the most fulfilling parts of my career.

What I’m most proud of isn’t a particular role or project—it’s having built a career based on trust, consistency, and a genuine love for storytelling. If there’s one thing that sets me apart, I hope it’s my commitment to serving the story first. When listeners forget they’re hearing a narrator and simply become immersed in the world of the book, I know I’ve done my job.

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is living with purpose and integrity. I believe stories have the power to create empathy, preserve culture, and bring people together, which is why I approach every project with a deep sense of responsibility.

Beyond my career, the people I love matter most. Living far from my family has taught me to value every moment of connection and never take relationships for granted.

At the end of the day, I hope to be remembered not only for the stories I helped tell, but for the kindness, authenticity, and respect I brought to every person I met.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Janesantosc

Image Credits
Alberto Santillán