AMIELYNN ABELLERA IS JUST GETTING STARTED
BY EBBY MAGAZINE
With a breakout role on Max’s The Pitt, Amielynn Abellera brings much-needed representation to medical dramas. But for the Filipino American actress, this moment isn’t just about breaking barriers—it’s about telling stories that matter.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY SANDIFER
“I DREAM OF ABUNDANT PROJECTS THAT ENCOURAGE AUDIENCES (AND MYSELF) TO LOVE THIS ROLLERCOASTER OF LIFE AND TO NEVER FEEL ALONE IN OUR HUMANITY.”
AMIELYNN ABELLERA, ACTRESS
Hollywood loves a good origin story, but Amielynn Abellera’s isn’t the one you’ve heard before. Born in Stockton, California, to immigrant parents who built careers in medicine, Abellera grew up in a home where ambition and artistry coexisted. Science may have been the family business, but storytelling was her calling.
After earning a degree in Psychobiology at Santa Clara University, she took a leap of faith that led her to an MFA at USC and, ultimately, a career in front of the camera. From scene-stealing guest spots on Bosch: Legacy and The Cleaning Lady to her most pivotal role yet as Perlah Alawi, a Filipino Muslim nurse in The Pitt, Abellera is proving that authentic representation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a responsibility.
With The Pitt already renewed for a second season, Abellera shares her journey, the power of visibility, and why she’s just getting started.
The Pitt has been lauded for its diverse representation, and your role as Perlah Alawi is groundbreaking in medical dramas. What drew you to this character, and what was your reaction when reading the script?
I was immediately intrigued because I rarely see someone like Perlah in mainstream media. She is Filipino and Muslim, speaks Tagalog, and is a dedicated registered nurse. She represents a significant portion of our population that remains severely underrepresented on screen. The Pitt consciously chose to include this character and expand this representation. I’m so proud to contribute.
Reading the script left a heartfelt impression that I had not anticipated. I was moved by its immediacy and sincere portrayal of our strained healthcare system, the burdened resilience of medical professionals, and the complicated life intersections faced by patients and their families. Whether I got the part or not, I was inspired by the significant impact it would have on its future audience. I couldn’t wait to see it!
You’ve played various roles, but Perlah is a Filipino Muslim nurse—something we haven’t seen much of in mainstream television. How did you prepare for this role, both emotionally and culturally?
I was incredibly ecstatic when I got the role, as well as incredibly anxious. Growing up Catholic, my knowledge and understanding of the Muslim faith was limited. Additionally, Filipino Muslims are a smaller population, often overshadowed by the more visible community of Filipino Catholics. Therefore, I felt a huge responsibility to incorporate and be conscientious of this aspect of Perlah accurately. Before we started filming, I reached out to Filipino American Muslims in my community to learn as much as possible. I was excited to hear their stories, experiences, and guidance to my myriad questions. Most importantly, I needed to understand how Perlah’s faith influenced or impacted her work as a nurse and healthcare provider. I’m still learning every day and ultimately feel honored for the opportunity to play Perlah.
Growing up in Stockton, California, with parents in the medical field, did you pull from personal experiences or family stories while shaping Perlah’s character?
Perlah is grounded, capable, compassionate, and attentive to her patients and colleagues. Growing up in a family of healthcare professionals, I observed firsthand the strength, commitment, and resilience necessary to work in healthcare. My dad is a physician, and my mom is a nurse practitioner. My relatives are dentists, pharmacists, physical therapists, etc. It’s a wonderful, full-circle feeling to infuse Perlah’s character with the dedicated energy modeled to me by my family.
I was also on the college pre-medical track to become a physician before deciding to pursue an acting career. Years of immersion in this medical environment have been extremely helpful for me. The Pitt moves at breakneck speed with complex language and intricate procedures. So, even my modest medical familiarity allows me to jump in, learn quickly, and ask the right questions.
The series has already been renewed for a second season. How does it feel to be part of a critically acclaimed show that resonates deeply with audiences?
I feel so lucky to be along for the ride. It means so much to me to be involved with a project that resonates meaningfully with a global audience and gives our healthcare heroes much-deserved visibility, reflection, and applause.
“HAVING MY CHILD OPENED UP AN ENTIRE NEW SECTION OF MY SOUL
I DIDN’T KNOW WAS THERE... I’VE WELCOMED ITS DEMANDS BECAUSE IT PROVIDED A MUCH-NEEDED BALANCE AND PURPOSEFUL APPROACH TO AN UNCERTAIN CAREER.”
Beyond television, you’re returning to the stage in HIDE & HIDE. What draws you back to theater, and how does this role challenge you differently from film and TV?
Theatre is my first love, and I’ve spent the majority of my career in it. I’m still getting my sea legs with screen acting, which demands a different dexterity and approach. One of my favorite things about theatre is how a live audience becomes an additional character in the room. The audience contributes a dynamic energy that stage actors can’t help but incorporate, adjust, and respond to. I love this challenge – it creates a unique performance every night.
You’ve navigated an acting career’s unpredictable nature while balancing motherhood. How has becoming a mother influenced your approach to storytelling and the roles you choose?
Having my child opened up an entire new section of my soul I didn’t know was there. This section demands the same vigorous energy, presence, and commitment that my career demands, but with an entirely different set of considerations. Therefore, what used to be uncomplicated decisions now require additional foresight and attention to the pros and cons. I used to make myself available for every project under the sun. But with a kid, it’s crucial to preserve my energy for roles and projects that I wholeheartedly connect with. At first, this particular transition of motherhood was challenging for me to accept. But ultimately, I’ve welcomed its demands because it provided a much-needed balance and purposeful approach to an uncertain career.
Your daughter, Sampaguita, is named after the national flower of the Philippines and a character that holds special significance for you. Can you share the story behind her name and its meaning?
The name carries so much sentimental value for me and my partner. My all-time favorite role was a character named Sampaguita in Boni B. Alvarez’s play Dusty de los Santos. She was this wide-eyed, curious, outspoken, honest, and joyful Filipina immigrant.
This was also the first play my partner saw me perform in and her favorite character I’ve ever played. Only years later did we learn that it’s the national flower of the Philippines. Our Sampaguita is almost five years old and loves learning about her name’s significance and pride.
Top outlets, from Vulture to Rolling Stone, have praised The Pitt. How do you stay grounded amid the growing recognition and acclaim?
To experience the joy, enthusiasm, and positive energy surrounding The Pitt is a dream I hope to never wake up from. Everyday, I say thank you and stay present with the constants in my life that embrace and support me. This gives me a steady footing to stay grounded amidst the transient nature of this journey.
What’s next for you? Are there any dream projects or roles you’re hoping to take on in the future?
I’m currently in rehearsal for a play called HIDE & HIDE by Roger Q. Mason, directed by Jessica Hanna, and produced by Skylight Theatre in Los Feliz. The play follows two people on the run in 1980s Los Angeles. Billy, a queer rent boy, and Constanza, a Filipina immigrant, are in search of freedom and a better life. We open May 2025, and I’m excited about it.
Beyond that, I never know what the future holds. My career has always been an uncertain journey. I’m always drawn to stories that explore the human condition in all its glorious ups and downs. I dream of abundant projects that encourage audiences (and myself) to love this rollercoaster of life and to never feel alone in our humanity.
