Kaylah Zander-Nuñez: Bringing Complexity and Strength to the Screen
Kaylah Zander-Nuñez is steadily emerging as a dynamic talent in Hollywood, known for her compelling performances and dedication to authentic storytelling. She returns as Amelia Salazar in the second season of Netflix’s The Recruit. The show, created by Alexi Hawley, takes viewers deeper into the high-stakes world of international espionage, with Zander-Nuñez’s character playing a pivotal role in the unfolding drama.
For Zander-Nuñez, stepping into the role of Amelia Salazar was an opportunity she relished. “What drew me to Amelia was that the bosses were willing to hire me!” she says with humor, crediting Doug Liman and Alexi Hawley for taking a chance on her. Amelia’s confident swagger and straightforward demeanor were qualities that resonated deeply. “She was a good lesson for me as an actor and as a human,” Zander-Nuñez reflects. In Season 2, Amelia faces a crisis of conscience, navigating the moral dilemmas and danger of CIA life—a theme that, ironically, mirrored the actress’s real-life experiences during filming.
The new season expands the series’ scope, taking the story to Seoul, South Korea. While Amelia operates behind the scenes at CIA headquarters, trying to protect Noah Centineo’s Owen Hendricks and follow orders, she remains aware of the escalating danger. “Amelia is constantly reminded of the risks—not just for herself, but for Owen and everyone touched by the CIA’s spotlight,” Zander-Nuñez explains. She likens her character to a modern-day Miss Moneypenny, balancing loyalty and self-preservation in a high-pressure environment.
One of Zander-Nuñez’s standout qualities as an actress is her ability to convey both strength and vulnerability. She credits much of this to her collaborative work with directors like Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour, who helped her tap into Amelia’s sensitivity during the first season. In Season 2, the geopolitical climate provided a poignant backdrop, helping her access the fear and helplessness Amelia experiences as she watches Owen navigate dangerous situations.
As a proud Latina actress, Zander-Nuñez has been vocal about the importance of representation in Hollywood. She acknowledges the progress made in recent years, particularly in the variety of stories being told, but believes there is still room for improvement. “Sometimes diversity is permitted only when it’s profitable,” she observes, emphasizing the need for films that challenge dominant narratives. One area she feels needs urgent change is the portrayal of Arab and Muslim characters, who have been misrepresented on screen for decades.
Zander-Nuñez also reflects on her personal growth as an actress. Early in her career, she took every role she was offered to gain experience. Now, her decisions are shaped by the themes of the scripts and the people she’ll be working with. “A film set is an intense environment, and I want to work with creatives who are respectful and aware,” she says, adding that she strives to embody those same qualities even under pressure.
Outside of her work on The Recruit, Zander-Nuñez’s diverse filmography includes roles in Supernatural, The 100, and numerous indie films. She is also deeply involved in social justice and community work, which she credits with strengthening her emotional and intellectual resilience. “I have a much greater capacity for grief, empathy, love, and rage,” she shares. “It’s made me a better actor and person.”
Looking ahead, Zander-Nuñez is developing her own documentary and is attached to an indie feature about two estranged sisters reconnecting after a decade. She also dreams of taking on a biopic role, saying, “In my wildest dreams, I play Shania Twain!”
Whether portraying complex characters like Amelia Salazar or advocating for meaningful change in Hollywood, Kaylah Zander-Nuñez is a force to be reckoned with—a talent who is not only redefining roles but also reshaping the narratives Hollywood chooses to tell.