Nico Santos

Nico Santos is a Filipino-American actor and comedian celebrated for his sharp comedic timing and vibrant screen presence. Born in Manila and raised in the United States, he has carved out a significant career across television, film, and stand-up, consistently earning recognition for roles that often bring underrepresented perspectives to the forefront of popular culture.

Santos is most widely recognized for his portrayal of the quick-witted Mateo Liwanag on the long-running NBC sitcom Superstore, which aired from 2015 to 2022. He also gained considerable acclaim for his role as the flamboyant wedding planner Oliver T'sien in the widely successful 2018 romantic comedy film Crazy Rich Asians. His impactful work on Superstore garnered him two consecutive nominations for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, in 2020 and 2021.

Continuing to expand his artistic range, Santos has recently appeared in the major Marvel Cinematic Universe film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. He has also taken on a lead role in the NBC medical comedy St. Denis Medical, where he portrays a Filipino nurse, a character that resonates with his own heritage. Beyond acting, Santos is an active and engaging stand-up comedian and maintains a robust social media presence, connecting with a diverse audience through his candid and often humorous online interactions. He has also ventured into music, releasing the single "Body" with Topic and Fireboy DML in 2025.[edit]

Nico Santos was born on April 7, 1979, in Manila, Philippines. His family immigrated to the United States when he was a child, eventually settling in Portland, Oregon, and later moving to Southern California. Growing up as an immigrant in the U.S., Santos often experienced feelings of being an outsider, a sentiment that would later become a foundational element of his unique comedic perspective and storytelling.

He pursued higher education at Southern Oregon University, where he dedicated his studies to acting. During his formative college years, Santos also gained valuable practical experience by working in the costume department of the prestigious Oregon Shakespeare Festival, immersing himself in the behind-the-scenes intricacies of theatrical production. After completing his degree, Santos relocated to San Francisco, where he began honing his craft as a stand-up comedian in various local clubs. His early performances frequently explored his experiences as a gay Filipino-American, and he swiftly established a reputation for his sharp, incisive, and often self-deprecating humor.

Santos's initial forays into professional acting included minor roles in television series such as Glee and 2 Broke Girls. However, it was his casting in the NBC sitcom Superstore that truly launched his career, providing him with his most recognizable and defining role to date.[edit]

Nico Santos's significant breakthrough in the entertainment industry occurred in 2015 when he was cast in the pivotal role of Mateo Liwanag on the popular NBC sitcom Superstore. The show, which humorously depicted the daily lives of employees at a big-box retail store, achieved widespread success, and Santos's compelling performance as the ambitious and often dramatic Mateo garnered substantial critical acclaim. This role led to two consecutive nominations for the prestigious Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, recognizing his talent in 2020 and 2021.

In 2018, Santos achieved another career milestone with his memorable appearance in the globally successful romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians. In the film, he played Oliver T'sien, the charismatic and flamboyant wedding planner central to the plot. The movie was a landmark achievement, being the first major Hollywood studio production in 25 years to feature an entirely Asian cast, and Santos's performance was widely lauded as a standout element. He later lent his voice to a similar character in the animated film Wish Dragon, released in 2021.

Santos has maintained a consistent and diverse career trajectory, securing roles in significant projects such as the Marvel film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 in 2023. He also took on a lead role in the NBC comedy St. Denis Medical, which premiered in 2024, portraying a Filipino nurse. Demonstrating his versatility, Santos released a musical single titled "Body" in collaboration with Topic and Fireboy DML in September 2025, further broadening his artistic endeavors.[edit]

Nico Santos is widely recognized for his effervescent personality and charismatic presence, qualities that shine both on and off the screen. His on-screen characters often embody a flamboyant and quick-witted style, which aligns closely with his public persona. Santos actively engages with his audience through various social media platforms, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of his work, showcasing his distinctive fashion sense, and offering candid reflections on his career and personal life. He has cultivated a devoted fan base, especially within the Filipino-American and LGBTQ+ communities, who view him as an authentic and inspiring figure. Santos's comedy frequently explores themes of identity, and he is consistently praised for bringing a genuine and relatable voice to his performances and public interactions.[edit]

Nico Santos commands a steady, global audience defined by his prominent roles in major television sitcoms and landmark films rather than the frenetic intensity of pop stardom. His reach extends across North America and among diaspora communities seeking authentic representation, though he does not currently hold a position within the iFANN Global Top 1,000 or any scope-specific top-100 list. The iFANN Global Fame Engine has evaluated this profile as unranked for the current cycle, indicating that while his career is established and respected, it has not crossed the threshold into the highest tier of global celebrity metrics. Consequently, no ordinal placement can be assigned to his name in the published rankings. The fanbase surrounding Nico Santos operates without a formal moniker; there is no official collective name such as 'Santosians' documented in public records. Instead, supporters identify themselves through their appreciation of his work on Superstore and Crazy Rich Asians, often organizing around themes of Filipino-American representation and LGBTQ+ visibility rather than a unified brand. Engagement remains organic and decentralized, with fans actively championing his advocacy for cultural inclusion and sharing personal milestones like his marriage to Zeke Smith. While there are no large-scale, fan-funded campaigns or organized digital clubs dedicated solely to him, his influence resonates deeply within niche circles where his resilience and professional achievements are celebrated as significant cultural touchstones.[edit]

Nico Santos is sometimes mistakenly identified with Nico Wellenbrink, a German singer-songwriter who also uses the stage name Nico Santos. The two artists are not related, and this common mix-up has occasionally led to amusing online confusion. In addition to his acting career, Santos possesses a background in costume design, having previously worked in the costume department at the esteemed Oregon Shakespeare Festival. He is known for his keen interest in fashion and frequently showcases his bold and colorful sartorial choices on his Instagram profile. Santos is openly gay and has been an advocate for the importance of increased LGBTQ+ representation within the film and television industry. He made a notable cameo appearance in the official music video for the popular song "I Like Me Better" by the artist Lauv. A defining chapter in his biography involves a severe health crisis that nearly ended his career, which he later channeled into his portrayal of medical professionals on St. Denis Medical. This narrative of resilience has become a central legend among his followers, particularly after he highlighted Filipino nurses in January 2026. His departure from Superstore in 2021 marked a bittersweet era for fans who cherished his character Mateo Liwanag, yet his continued bond with the cast remains a point of pride. Furthermore, his casting as Oliver T'sien in Crazy Rich Asians is widely cited as the breakthrough moment that transitioned him from stand-up comedy to mainstream Hollywood stardom.[edit]

Nico Santos was born in Manila, Philippines, and his family immigrated to the United States during his childhood. He maintains a close relationship with his mother, who worked as a nurse, and has cited her as a significant inspiration for his role as a nurse in the television series St. Denis Medical. Santos has two siblings, though he generally prefers to keep details about their lives private. As of 2026, he is not married and does not have children. He frequently shares family moments on social media platforms, particularly during holiday celebrations, offering glimpses into his personal connections.[edit]

Nico Santos is associated with several prominent figures in the entertainment industry. He co-starred with America Ferrera on Superstore and has worked with directors Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) and James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3). He is also friends with actor Jacob Batalon, who has expressed a desire to work with him. Santos is represented by United Talent Agency. [edit]

Nico Santos generally maintains a private stance regarding his personal relationships. While he is openly gay, he has not publicly disclosed details about any long-term romantic partnerships. As of early 2026, available information suggests he is single. In past interviews, Santos has emphasized his focus on his career and family, and he has not been publicly linked to any high-profile individuals. Although he occasionally shares aspects of his personal life on social media, he refrains from discussing his dating life in public forums.[edit]

As of early 2026, there is no precise public information available regarding Nico Santos's net worth. Research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts the total estimated value at $1 Million. His income is primarily derived from his successful acting roles in television and film, supplemented by his stand-up comedy performances and potential endorsement deals. Since achieving widespread recognition with Superstore and gaining further international exposure through Crazy Rich Asians, Santos has maintained a consistent presence in the industry. Additional income streams may include brand partnerships and social media sponsorships. While specific financial figures are undisclosed, his career trajectory suggests a steady earning potential within the entertainment field.[edit]

Nico Santos has received critical acclaim for his work, particularly for his role in Superstore. He has been nominated for two Critics' Choice Television Awards, though he has not yet won a major award. His performances have been praised for their humor and depth, and he is considered a rising talent in Hollywood. [edit]