Santiago Lands Key Role in Fox’s Drama “Gang Related”

Saundra Santiago is returning to television…

The 56-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban American actress has joined the cast of Fox‘s midseason drama Gang Related.

Saundra Santiago

Santiago, best known for her role as Detective Gina Calabrese on Miami Vice, replaces Wizards of Waverly Place star Maria Canals-Barrera on the Ramon Rodriguez-starrer, according to The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

The drama centers on Ryan (Rodriguez), a gang member sent in to infiltrate the San Francisco Police Department and rise through its ranks. He must balance obligations to his crime family with an increasing sense of loyalty to his new “family” — the SFPD’s Gang Task Force.

Santiago will recur as Marciela, Javier’s (Cliff Curtis) wife and mother to Carlos (Reynaldo Gallegos) and Dante (Jay Hernandez). Though they’re not related by blood, she considers Ryan to be a third son.

In addition to Miami Vice, Santiago’s credits include Guiding Light, The Sopranos, Damages and One Life to Live.

An exact premiere date for Gang Related has yet to be announced.

Castro to Receive CDG Career Achievement Award…

Eduardo Castro has sewn up a massive professional honor…

Eduardo Castro

The Latino costume designer will be honored with a career achievement award at next year’s Costume Designers Guild Awards.

Castro – currently the costume designer on ABC’s fairy tale drama Once Upon a Time, a job that earned him a CDG Award nomination earlier this year – has more than 30 years experience in costume design.

Once Upon a Time

Along with winning three CDG Awards for Ugly Betty, Castro also picked up an award for his work on Elvis in the Outstanding Costume Design for Television Movie/Mini-Series category back in 2006.

 

In addition, Castro’s resume includes work on the television shows Castle, Eastwick, Pepper Dennis and Judging Amy and Miami Vice.

Castro will receive his award at the 15th annual Costume Designers Guild Awards gala on February 19, 2013.