In the fast-paced world of medical dramas, The Pitt has emerged not just as another ER-centered TV show, but as a cultural milestone. Thanks in large part to its diverse cast including two standout characters: Perlah and Princess, played by Filipina actors Amielynn Abellera and Kristin Villanueva. With storylines rooted in cultural specificity and character depth, the show is giving overdue recognition to the real-life impact of Filipino nurses in American healthcare.

For Abellera, portraying Perlah, a Filipino Muslim nurse, is both groundbreaking and deeply personal.

“I’ve never seen something like Perlah on television or anywhere really,” Abellera shares. “When I saw this character, which was specifically Filipino and Muslim, I was equal parts thrilled and nervous. It felt like a huge responsibility to represent this minority within a minority.”

To authentically prepare for the role, Abellera connected with Filipino Muslim communities in Southern California. The experience was eye-opening, allowing her to tap into a lived experience she hadn’t encountered growing up Catholic in Stockton, California.

“It’s a part of the Filipino community that we rarely see represented,” she says. “I’m proud they get to be seen on screen.”

Villanueva, who plays the fiery, uncompromising Princess, says the character’s name alone signaled the show’s intent to do things differently.

“When I saw the names ‘Princess’ and ‘Perlah,’ I immediately thought: these writers did their research,” Villanueva says with a laugh. “I love that she is feisty and that she is extremely good at her job and doesn't back down to unfairness and office politics in the ER. She's also very caring, but she's also very sexual. When I was growing up in the Philippines, it's so taboo. You're a good Catholic girl, you don't talk about that, but she doesn't shy away from that.”

Born and raised in Manila, Villanueva immigrated to the U.S. at 15, settling in Virginia. Acting wasn’t part of the original plan. Her journey began as a quiet girl encouraged to take ballet for her asthma. But a drama program in her new American high school changed everything.

Both actresses come from medical families. Abellera’s mother worked as a nurse and later as a nurse practitioner for over 50 years, while Villanueva is surrounded by in-laws who work in healthcare. The authenticity of The Pitt hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“They’re most impressed with the detail,” Villanueva says of her relatives. “Especially the cases that are very well known to the medical community, that happens so often.”

Beyond the realism, it’s the emotional moments that stick. For Villanueva, one of the most memorable scenes, though cut from the episode, was a post-mortem care sequence where her character and Abellera’s prepared a body for family viewing.

“I was moved by that. I didn't know who takes care of them. I don't know what that process is, and by doing the show, I realized: oh, it's the nurses. Nurses to do that,” she recalls.

Behind the scenes, the show’s commitment to representation extends beyond the script. Both actresses credit the creators with allowing them to advocate for cultural nuance. Lines were adjusted to include Tagalog. Religious details were honored. Writers were open to feedback.

“They ask us about the Tagalog,” says Abellera. “They’re very open to changing on the spot to really, truly authentically represent the diversity of this hospital.”
Villanueva echoes the sentiment. “I told my agents three years ago, no more nurse roles unless it’s better, if it’s a featured part. Because things need to change.” She says she appreciates that The Pitt is that exception. It’s not tokenism.

Working alongside veteran actor and executive producer Noah Wyle has been another unexpected blessing. Both actresses describe Wyle as generous, grounded, and deeply committed to fostering a collaborative set.

“He told us, ‘You’re going to go home and think you’re getting fired because it’s hard, but you’re all doing great,’” Villanueva recalls, adding that she gets emotional thinking about Wyle’s leadership and genuine kindness. “That's very, very generous of him. And he's just been that way the whole time.”

As for the challenge of portraying a single 12-hour hospital shift over an entire season without any visible physical changes? The continuity stakes were high.
“I remember getting a little tanner after a beach day, and makeup was like, ‘Amielynn, you’re visibly darker than last Friday!’” Abellera laughs.

Despite the long hours and intensive preparation, including a two-week medical boot camp, the work paid off. From perfecting IV insertions to mastering medical jargon, both actors say they learned a lot.

With fellow Filipina Isa Briones as one of the lead cast, The Pitt breaks the mold of the longstanding Hollywood “one Asian per show” trope, pre-Crazy Rich Asians. This time, multiple Filipino characters share the spotlight, each with their own rich backstory.

“We’re not just checking a diversity box anymore,” says Villanueva. “We’re rewriting what representation looks like.”

From childhood theater obsessions to auditions in Airbnbs while on vacation, both actresses have come a long way. Now, in scrubs and center stage, they’re not just portraying nurses, they’re honoring the millions of Filipinos who’ve worn those uniforms in real life.

And for viewers watching, especially those who’ve never seen themselves on screen, it’s more than entertainment. It’s recognition. Finally.