Santiago is an Army Veteran, Actor, Author, Screenwriter, Director, Producer, and a Podcaster for HiYah Nation, healing mental health with motivation and humor through entertainment.

Santiago Cirilo was born April of 1973 in Puerto Rico, He is No#6 of seven children to Hector and Maria Cirilo both originally from Puerto Rico. Santiago lived in both Ohio and Puerto Rico at a young age. Growing up in Lorain, Ohio was a big challenge for Santiago. Being bilingual and adapting to America culture was just the easy task, growing up with 5 brothers, 1 sister, in a 2 bedroom duplex was the hard task.

During his teenage years to adult hood Santiago always had the passion for the entertainment business, but never had that push to precede it. Santiago was involved in numerous high school Dramatic Arts Programs hosted and coordinated events. You just couldn’t get him off stage or away from any type of camera.

After college Santiago enlisted in the United States Army Infantry. For 6 years Santiago was a member of the 101st Airborne Infantry at Ft. Campbell Ky.Santiago’s dedication to America has earned him numerous achievement awards and metals to add helping in one mission as a Translator and Infantryman for USA Special Ops, Marine Recon, and Navy Seals.

Once Santiago’s military term was up, he was hired at Gibson Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee. In less than 1 year Santiago moved up in ranks from a level 1 sander to being personally responsible and only builder for Chet Akins guitars and guitars for “A” List artists to include Kid Rock, Lenny Kravitz, Keith Urban and Toby Keith. During his time at Gibson, Santiago followed his heart and faith, and started going back to school for a Paralegal & Performing Arts Degree.

Working 8 plus hours and going to school at night and weekends, gave Santiago the dedication and Drive to be successful in both professions.

Santiago is especially known for the following Television roles:


The Walking Dead – Julio

Nashville – Detective Martinez

Beast of the Water – Febles

Princess Diana: Tragedy or Treason? – Dodi Fayed