You probably remember the mask. Back in 2000, Tessie Santiago burst onto the scene in a swirl of Spanish lace and sharpened steel. She was the Queen of Swords, a female spin on the Zorro mythos that felt ahead of its time.
Honestly, it’s rare for a newcomer to carry a syndicated action hour with that much charisma. One minute she was playing the "spoiled" aristocrat Tessa Alvarado, and the next, she was disarming soldiers in 19th-century California. It was iconic. But if you think her career started and ended with a rapier, you’ve missed a lot of great TV.
Santiago didn't just fade away after the show ended. She’s built a surprisingly textured filmography that spans everything from high-stakes political drama to indie horror.
The Breakthrough: Queen of Swords and the "Female Zorro" Era
Let’s talk about how she even got the job. Santiago was actually waitressing when she landed the role of Tessa Alvarado. She was a Miami native, Cuban-American, and had just finished film school. To look the part of a Spanish noblewoman, she famously dyed her blonde hair black a week before the audition.
It worked.
The show was filmed entirely in Almería, Spain—the same desert landscapes used in classic Spaghetti Westerns. Santiago spent two months training in Destreza, a sophisticated Spanish style of fencing. She wasn't just swinging a prop around; she was learning the "mysterious circle" of blade work.
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While the show only lasted one season (22 episodes), it earned her an ALMA Award nomination. She was up against heavyweights like Tia Carrere and Gina Torres. Not bad for a debut.
Beyond the Mask: Tessie Santiago Movies and TV Shows You Likely Missed
After the capes and swords were put in storage, Santiago took a hard turn into comedy. It was a smart move. She landed a recurring spot on Good Morning, Miami as Lucia Rojas-Klein. Most people don't realize she was actually in 11 episodes of that sitcom.
Then came the guest spots. If you’re a fan of "prestige" comedy, you might have spotted her in Curb Your Enthusiasm. She played a chambermaid in the season four finale, "Opening Night." It was a tiny role, sure, but being on a Larry David set is a badge of honor for any actor.
The Mid-2000s Shift
By 2005, she moved into the culinary world—at least on screen. She played Donna in Kitchen Confidential, the short-lived but beloved show based on Anthony Bourdain’s book. She was working alongside a pre-superstar Bradley Cooper.
Her movie roles during this time were a bit of a mixed bag. She did The Way Back Home in 2006, which was a more grounded, independent drama. But she also leaned into the "guilty pleasure" territory.
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- The Cell 2 (2009): She took over the lead role in this direct-to-video sequel. She played Maya Casteneda, a psychic investigator hunting a serial killer. It was a far cry from the sunny hills of California, focusing more on gore and psychological tension.
- One Hot Summer (2009): A Lifetime movie where she played Anabel Aguilera. It’s exactly what you’d expect—romance, secrets, and plenty of drama.
- Angel Camouflaged (2010): A rock ‘n’ roll drama where she played Desdemona.
The Scandal Era and Recent Work
If you haven't kept up with her lately, you might have missed her biggest recent role. In 2017, she joined the cast of Scandal.
She played Luna Vargas, the Vice President. This wasn't a "background character" role. Luna was central to a massive conspiracy involving the assassination of her own husband (the President-elect). Santiago played the "grieving widow" perfectly before the chilling reveal of her true motives. Seeing her go toe-to-toe with Kerry Washington’s Olivia Pope was a reminder that Santiago has serious dramatic chops.
She’s also done a fair amount of work for younger audiences. She appeared in Bizaardvark as Gina Olvera and even did voice work for the 2021 Netflix animated hit Vivo.
Personal Life and "24" Connections
Off-camera, she’s married to Carlos Bernard. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he played the legendary (and occasionally villainous) Tony Almeida on 24. They married in 2013 and have a son named Jax.
Why We Still Talk About Her
Tessie Santiago represents a specific era of TV where syndicated "action queens" were starting to break the mold. She wasn't just a sidekick; she was the lead.
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Her career is a lesson in versatility. She went from sword-fighting in Spain to political maneuvering in the Shondaland universe. While she might not be a household name in the way a Marvel star is, her body of work is incredibly consistent.
What to watch first?
If you want the "classic" experience, find the Queen of Swords episodes online. They still hold up, mostly because of the practical stunt work. For something more modern, her 9-episode arc on Scandal is the clear winner.
If you're looking to track down her full filmography, keep an eye on streaming services like Tubi or Freevee, where her earlier TV movies like The Way She Moves and Break-In frequently pop up. For the Scandal arc, Hulu is usually the best bet. If you find yourself watching Major Crimes or Royal Pains on a Sunday afternoon, don't be surprised if she pops up in a guest role—she’s everywhere if you’re looking.
Next Steps for Fans:
Check out the Queen of Swords DVD sets if you can find them—they often include behind-the-scenes footage of Santiago’s fencing training. Alternatively, look up the 2021 film Church People to see her most recent live-action work.