Cover Noah Wyle, executive producer of ‘The Pitt’, also plays Dr Michael ‘Robby’ Robinavitch, a senior attending at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital (Photo: IMDB)
Noah Wyle, executive producer of ‘The Pitt’, also plays Dr Michael ‘Robby’ Robinavitch, a senior attending at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital (Photo: IMDB)
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Meet the three Filipino American actresses on the cast of ‘The Pitt’
The United States has long been a magnet for top-tier medical talent, and if you've ever walked into one of its hospitals, you’ve probably met a Filipino nurse. Filipino medical professionals have been a backbone of the US healthcare system for decades, yet their presence has rarely been reflected in medical dramas—until now.
Enter Max’s The Pitt, a series that finally gives credit where it’s due. With each episode covering an hour of a single 15-hour shift at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital, the show has been lauded by real-life doctors for its spot-on depiction of medical emergencies, the inner workings of hospital politics and, of course, good old on-ground ER gossip. With its sharp storytelling and commitment to authenticity, The Pitt shines a long-overdue spotlight on the individuals who keep the system running, Filipino nurses included.
Leading that charge are three Filipino American actresses bringing these interesting and utterly realistic characters to life on screen.
Read more: 6 celebrities who are also medical doctors
The Filipino Nurses of ‘The Pitt’
Above Each episode of ‘The Pitt’ covers an hour of a single 15-hour shift at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital.
Max's medical drama, The Pitt, dives headfirst into the chaos and intensity of Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital’s emergency room. Beyond the adrenaline-pumping medical crises, the series gets the nuances right—from the power struggles within the hospital to the camaraderie that forms under fluorescent lights. But what sets The Pitt apart is its recognition of Filipino nurses, a long-overlooked but essential force in real-life hospitals. Bringing these characters to life are three Filipino-American actresses: Isa Briones, Amielynn Abellera and Kristin Villanueva.
Above Filipino American actress Isa Briones plays Dr Trinity Santos in ‘The Pitt’.
Isa Briones as Dr Trinity Santos
Isa Briones, known for her versatility and depth, takes on the role of Dr Trinity Santos, a headstrong and misunderstood physician navigating the challenges of the emergency room. Her character is complex and divisive—she is overconfident and outspoken, some might even say nosy—and Briones’ nuanced performance brought these contradictions to the screen. In a panel interview, the actress shared how proud she is to be part of a TV series that showcases the diversity that has long been present in the medical field. This led her to request a change in her character’s surname to reflect her Filipino background.
Amielynn Abellera as Nurse Perlah Alawi
Amielynn Abellera brings warmth and resilience to her portrayal of nurse Perlah Alawi. Alawi is depicted as a steadfast presence in the emergency room, balancing professional responsibilities with personal commitments.
Abellera, a seasoned stage and screen actress, has performed in acclaimed productions across the US and has made notable television appearances in Legacy, The Cleaning Lady, NCIS and Shrinking. Her role in The Pitt marks another milestone in her career, as she brings much-needed visibility to the hardworking Filipino nurses who are a mainstay in American hospitals, as well as the Muslim community.
Kristin Villanueva as Nurse Princess Dela Cruz
Kristin Villanueva, a classically trained actress with a strong background in theatre, shines as nurse Princess Dela Cruz. A character who embodies dedication and empathy, Dela Cruz’s interactions with patients and colleagues underscore the collaborative spirit essential in high-stress medical environments. Villanueva’s nuanced and endearing performance enriches the series. She offers viewers an inspiring figure who is good at her job and is always prepared to help. Her character is also a relatable representation of a human being who is not above indulging in a little bit of office gossip.
Through The Pitt, audiences gain insight into the vital contributions of Filipino nurses, both in Pittsburgh and across the US healthcare system. The series not only entertains but also educates, shedding light on the diverse faces that comprise the backbone of medical institutions.
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