Actress Amielynn Abellera Talks About Filipino Representation And Working On ‘The Pitt’

A standout actress!

If you’ve been watching ‘The Pitt’, you know that Amielynn Abellera is one of a kind. Playing the fan-favorite character Perlah Alawi, she is quite the scene stealer.

We had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Amielynn about the medical field, ‘Congruence’, and more!

When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in acting ?

A: “Ever since I was a kid, I dreamt of being an actress. My favorite place to be was in a theatre – watching plays, movies, learning lines, rehearsing, building sets, anything and everything. For a long time, however, I didn’t feel confident (or brave) enough to pursue it as an actual career. I initially pursued a medical profession, as I had a genuine interest in science and admired my parents’ medical careers. However, I started having second thoughts on my way to medical school interviews. I floated in limbo for several years, working in cancer research by day and performing in plays by night. 

I finally had an aha moment – I was on my morning train, and it was a very important day for my department. I was presenting significant findings regarding the cancer patients I’d been researching for the past year. I remember thinking, “I should really be using this train ride to review and polish my presentation.” But instead, all I wanted to do was learn my lines for rehearsal that evening. I didn’t want to go to work, and I didn’t actually care about the presentation. I just wanted it to be 5 pm so I could get back on the train and rush back to San Francisco for rehearsal. I finally understood that I didn’t want to be a doctor; I wanted to be an actor.

I didn’t have any formal training, so I challenged myself to audition for graduate acting programs across the country. If I got accepted, I thought maybe that meant I had something to offer. I got into USC, moved to LA, and never looked back.”

Congratulations on your role in ‘The Pitt’! What was the filming experience for the series like for you?

A: “Thank you! I’m thrilled to be working on The Pitt.  I’ve admired so many of John Wells’ shows (ER, Animal Kingdom, Maid, Mildred Pierce), and it’s a dream to work on one of his projects. The artists he gathered—behind and in front of the camera—are the best in their fields. I’m in awe of being alongside such a prolific team and watching their expertise at work. 

I’ve also never had the experience of being involved in a project from the beginning. I am one of many seeds collaborating and growing together. As we near the end of our 7-month journey, I’m amazed by what we’ve created and the team we’ve become.”

You play a nurse in ‘The Pitt’! Do you think that you could handle working in the medical field in real life?

A: “There are many things I enjoy about working in the medical field: managing the relentless energy of the ER, connecting with patients, quelling their anxiety, and supporting their needs. I love puzzling together the differential of each gurney that comes in. Could I handle it in real life? Definitely. Do I want to? No. But, a wonderful compromise has been playing Nurse Perlah on The Pitt. What a blast!”

Can you tease what new fans who haven’t watched Season 1 of ‘The Pitt’ can expect?

A: “Without giving away any spoilers, let me just say that each episode gets more intense, and every character gets more exhausted (physically and emotionally).”

As a Filipino American actress, how important do you personally view representation in the entertainment industry?

A: “I am so proud to be a Filipino. We are generous, loyal, and resilient human beings. We live passionately for family, food, laughter, and hospitality. 

As a Filipino American artist, I know I’m not alone in feeling overwhelmed with longing to be represented in mainstream media. Only recently (the past 10 years or so) have I observed a curiosity and openness to showcase Southeast Asian representation in art (film, television, theatre) and various spaces around me (food, sports, fashion, music). As a result, there has been a noticeable rise in artistic opportunities specific to Filipino American representation.

Playing characters that are from the Philippines, speak Tagalog, and/or have a Filipino accent deeply enriches my artistic heart. In Fox’s The Cleaning Lady, I played the head cardiac surgeon in Manila who risks her career to save her friend. For this character, I reflected on my mother’s fierce work ethic, ambition, and dedication to her friends and family. Later this year, I’m working on a play called Hide and Hide, where I play a Filipina immigrant who enters a sham marriage to chase the American dream. I’ve also narrated entire audiobooks in a Filipino accent, voicing all the characters of different genders, ages, and personas. These roles are so meaningful to me, because I’m given the opportunity to bring my family and Filipino community to life through art. I get to showcase the joys, mannerisms, and distinct characteristics of my heritage. Ultimately for me, it’s a celebration of my culture and the unique delight of being a Filipino. 

The Pitt makes a conscious effort to expand this representation. I hope the show encourages Filipino artists to continue on their artistic paths, as well as inspires other projects’ creators (executives, writers, directors, casting, etc.) to continue making conscious efforts to authentically portray and celebrate the world’s diversity.”

 From a teacher to a nurse to even a Navy Lieutenant, you have portrayed so many different kinds of characters. Is there a specific kind of role you want to take on in the future?

A: “I’m currently writing a script titled Congruence. It follows a character named Alex – a queer, Filipina-American, new mother who finds herself risking her parole and family’s safety to save a mysterious woman from a trafficking ring. I’d love to play the role of Alex!”

Where can we follow your amazing journey?

A: “Please follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and my website: www.amielynnabellera.com Thank you so much for your support!”

Make sure to watch Amielynn on ‘The Pitt’, available to stream now on Max!

Photo Credit: Brian Parillo Photography

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene Magazine, back in October 2020. When not helping her team and working on their print issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral TikTok recipe.