Netflix’s Wednesday quickly cemented itself as one of the streaming giant’s most beloved shows, blending gothic humor with a loyal teen sleuth at its core. In Season 2, the supernatural drama expands its cast of regulars, giving Sheriff Rita Santiago, played by Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo, an even bigger role.
For Lewis-Nyawo, stepping into Season 2 as a series regular wasn’t just a career boost, but a deeply personal moment.
“It was one of those magical life moments that you hold onto in this career,” they told Gayety. “Walking back on set was a little frightening, but it’s such a great team of people that I felt really supported.”
Sheriff Santiago Steps Into the Spotlight
Introduced in Season 1 as Jericho’s by-the-book law enforcer, Sheriff Santiago found herself managing the fallout from Sheriff Galpin’s failures. Season 2 allows the character to claim more agency.
“At the heart of her, Santiago just wants her community safe,” Lewis-Nyawo said. “She’s trying to rebuild faith in the department. The Nevermore students deserve protection. Last season, she was more on the back foot, but now she’s stepping up to the plate.”
But Santiago’s work isn’t easy. In a town full of suspicion, her department isn’t always trusted. Building an alliance with Wednesday Addams could change that, if the famously stubborn teen detective lets her in.
A Show With Staying Power
Since its debut, Wednesday has grown into more than a hit series; it’s become a cultural touchstone for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider. Lewis-Nyawo says that sense of belonging is what makes being part of the show so rewarding.
“The most beautiful part is the response,” they explained. “It means a lot to people who may feel a little kooky or weird. Personally, I’m lucky to have friends who keep me grounded. They’re always taking the piss out of me, with love.”
Professionally, the show has opened new doors. Currently, Lewis-Nyawo is working on Tip Toe, a Russell T Davies project for Channel 4. This time, they’re playing a lesbian character, something the actor called “a dream finally come true.”
Living Out Loud
As a queer, Black, African actor, Lewis-Nyawo doesn’t take their platform lightly. With rising anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric around the world, they see visibility as both necessary and urgent.
“We’re living through scary times where there’s a real sense of regression,” they said. “Visibility matters. I try to be loud, out, and proud because when I saw people like me on TV, my dreams felt possible.”
They hope to one day portray a nonbinary character and advocate for broader storytelling. “Until there’s parity, there’s still work to do,” they said. “Being on a show with such a wide audience is a blessing, but there are so many layered experiences that still need to be represented.”
Expanding the Creative Universe
Outside of television, Lewis-Nyawo keeps busy with creative projects that reflect their bold, boundary-pushing perspective. They’re currently developing a colonial horror short film, exploring how the legacies of colonization shape modern capitalist systems.
“I want it messy, epic, and queer as hell,” they said. “Characters who just happen to be queer in all sorts of narratives. I like my work to feel a little incendiary, like a battle cry.”
They’re also co-creating a theatre piece that blends classical storytelling with political drama set in Ancient African kingdoms. For Lewis-Nyawo, it’s another chance to bring African voices and perspectives to spaces where they’ve often been sidelined.
South African Roots
Lewis-Nyawo grew up in South Africa during a time of political transition, an experience that left a lasting mark on their work.
“My parents were politically active, and South African theatre is deeply political,” they said. “Storytelling was always a point of power. It may not save people from burning buildings, but it can reveal parts of the human condition that some fear or avoid. Stories can break down division.”
That sense of responsibility continues to guide their approach to roles and writing alike.
Horror, Anime, and Garlic Bread
Even with all the seriousness of their projects, Lewis-Nyawo doesn’t shy away from fun. A self-described horror and anime fan, they say Sheriff Santiago would thrive in the paranormal world of Dan Dan Dan.
Off-camera, they’re less stoic than their onscreen counterpart. Their girlfriend jokes they’re “three raccoons in a trench coat,” while their boyfriend insists they’ll never escape “cutie pie allegations.”
And then there’s Garlic Bread, their cat. “It’s the best beige food, and she’s the best, so it was a perfect fit!” Lewis-Nyawo said with a grin.
Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo may keep Jericho safe on Wednesday, but their impact stretches far beyond the Netflix hit. Whether through drag, theatre, or new film projects, they’re using their artistry to spotlight powerful LGBTQ+ representation, and they’re bringing Garlic Bread the cat along for the ride.
