Today we’d like to introduce you to Leonardo Santaiti
Hi Leonardo, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a multifaceted first-generation American actor and filmmaker, born in New York and raised in Atlanta. I deeply identify with my Italian-Argentinian heritage, carrying the traditions and values of my immigrant parents—a PhD foreign language professor and an aeronautical engineer—into every aspect of my life and work. These diverse influences shaped me from a young age, instilling both a love of intellectual pursuit and a passion for creativity. From theater performances to choir recitals, my childhood was a symphony of creativity.
I balanced this artistic drive with an athletic spirit, competing in soccer and swimming—experiences that taught me discipline and teamwork, values I carry with me on every set and stage. I also draw inspiration from my grandparents, who instilled in me a love for hands-on creation, whether through carpentry or cooking.
After earning my Bachelor’s in International Business, I quickly made my mark in acting with a lead role in A Band of Rogues, which won a Best Ensemble Award at the Edmonton International Film Festival. I’ve since brought characters to life in films like Insurgent, Allegiant, and Sleepless, and lent my voice to Birds of Prey and American Dad! My work in motion capture includes NFL Madden and an upcoming video game.
On stage, my portrayal of Thomas Novachek in the critically acclaimed Venus in Fur demonstrated my ability to explore complex characters, blending themes of power, desire, and vulnerability through both drama and comedy. My passion for theater is rooted in extensive training and play study, giving me a deep connection to the craft.
As the driving force behind Santitan Studios, I have produced, directed, edited, and performed in award-winning shorts like Forgive Me Father and Pony Up. My dedication to storytelling earned me a nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama for Picking Daisies at the Official Latino Film & Arts Festival, where the film also won Best Editing.
Now based in Los Angeles, my mission is to create, connect, and inspire. I aim to bring authentic stories to life, blending my multicultural experiences with my passion for art and humanity. My work reflects not only my personal journey but also the shared struggles and triumphs of others. Whether through voice, screen or stage, I strive to tell stories that resonate long after the scene fades to black.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Through every journey, there are ups and downs, but I’ve come to realize that struggles often lead to growth. What we perceive as burdens are often major blessings in disguise. I’m a huge fan of anime and the hero’s journey trope, and I apply it to my own life all the time. I see challenges as opportunities to push my limits and “level up.” It’s a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth—a constant evolution.
I don’t view moments in life as struggles but rather as lessons and blessings. For example, learning a new language, being the first in my family to pursue a career in the arts, navigating the industry without guidance, and even recovering from a broken ankle have all taught me something valuable. Every day, there are lessons and blessings—I just have to be open to the signs.
One mantra I live by is:
Learn from the ebbs.
Live in the flow.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an actor and filmmaker, as well as the owner of a post-production studio specializing in branded content. I’m also the co-founder of a creative agency and production company. My acting work spans film, TV, theater, voice acting, and motion capture, with roles in Insurgent, Allegiant, Sleepless, Birds of Prey, American Dad!, and NFL Madden. My studio has had the opportunity to create work with brands like Coke, Toyota, Zillow, Intel, Allure, Conde Nast, and Monster, to name a few, as well as musical artists like T-Pain, Miguel, ODESZA and Steve Aoki.
What sets me apart is my multicultural background and fluency in English, Spanish, and Italian, which enriches the stories I tell; along with my focus as an actor and as an editor which gives me a quite a unique perspective. It’s tough to nail down just one project that I am most proud of; because, every project I’ve worked on has brought me to where I am today, and with every new project, I continue to grow as an artist. I am proud in my ability to acknowledge my accomplishments but not resting in my laurels.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about LA is the weather, the culture, the vibes, and the energy the city provides. It’s incredibly diverse, with what feels like 25 different cities making up this mega city, and I love that within a few hours, I can be at the beach, in the mountains, or even in Mexico. The variety and vibrancy of LA are unmatched.
What I like the least? Traffic, hands down. I really wish we had a more extensive rail system.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.santaiti.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leonardosantaiti
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leonardosantaiti
- Twitter: https://x.com/LeoSantaiti
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeonardoSantaiti
Image Credits
Headshot by Peter Konerko
