Saundra Santiago

Saundra Santiago (born April 13, 1957) is an American actress. She gained recognition for her role as Det. Gina Calabrese in the NBC crime drama series Miami Vice (1984–1990). Santiago also appeared as Carmen Santos on the CBS soap opera Guiding Light and portrayed Carlotta Vega on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live. Born to a Cuban father and Puerto Rican mother, Santiago grew up in the South Bronx, New York City, before moving to Homestead, Florida. She attended Our Lady of Victory Grammar School and later graduated from South Dade Senior High School. Santiago pursued a degree in psychology at the University of Miami and developed an interest in acting. She furthered her studies in theater and arts at Southern Methodist University, earning a Master of Fine Arts degree. Santiago began her acting career in regional summer stock theater, including performances at Timber Lake Playhouse in Mount Carroll.