Naya From Untamed Is Gorgeous In Real Life

Netflix's limited-series crime drama, "Untamed," had fans binge-watching the six heart-pounding episodes as they tuned in to discover the truth behind the death of a young woman named Lucy. In turn, the series became the hit of summer 2025, and Netflix's most-watched original series of the year to date. "Untamed" is set in Yosemite National Park (though it was actually filmed in locations in British Columbia) and stars Eric Bana as Kyle. But it's his newbie sidekick, Naya (played by Lily Santiago), who offers heart to the show.

This July, Santiago told Us Weekly that Naya is "a full human being with humor, fear, vulnerability and strength," adding, "I just absolutely adore this script and adore this character because she feels close to me." Keen TV watchers might recognize Santiago from "La Brea," on which she starred as Veronica Castillo from 2021 to 2024. What fans might not recognize is Santiago off-screen. A far cry from her unfussy look as a park ranger, this New York native is gorgeous in real life.

Lily Santiago has undoubtedly opened doors further in Hollywood following rave reviews for her turn as a park ranger in Netflix's "Untamed," but what does she look like when she's not in her dark-green uniform? A perusal of Santiago's red carpet appearances and Instagram posts tell us a few things about her fashion. 

For starters, she's into flowy and wide-leg pants. For an engagement photo shoot (more on that later), she wore khaki trousers and an oversized white button-up shirt tucked in. She could be a poster child for tips on how to style wide-leg pants. Where her New York sensibilities seem to show up most are her red carpet appearances. Though she hasn't made many to date (we expect this to change), when she does step out, it's in sophisticated styles that are understated and lean into classic shades of black, white, and navy, as well as deep colors like burgundy.

Santiago has confessed that she's not a huge fan of the outdoors, despite spending countless hours in nature for work. That doesn't mean she's a primadonna, at least not where her style is concerned. She's embraced her stunning curls, and we now count her among the celebrities who look gorgeous with their natural hair.

"Untamed" star Lily Santiago has had more than her career to celebrate this year. In mid-August, wedding photographer Brittany Trayah posted on Instagram that she "cannot wait to document their Brooklyn wedding in just a few short weeks!" The "they" in question is Santiago and fiance Sam Nix. Per his social media, Nix appears to be an actor and hail from Australia, though we're unsure where the two met. The couple became engaged in September 2024. Will Santiago be the kind of bride jumping on the big bridal trend that swept us away at the 2025 Oscars, incorporating floral elements into her dress? Will she be one of the celebrities who stuns in a Vera Wang wedding dress? Will her "Untamed" costars be in attendance?

We can't answer these questions for certain, but one person we're sure is on the guest list is her twin brother, actor Trey Santiago-Hudson, who she called her "best bud" in a March 2022 Instagram post. The two actually worked together on 2023's "Vineyards," a teenage drama loosely based on "The Great Gatsby." Between the two Santiagos and Nix, they've got quite the acting circle. But wait, there's more. Santiago's father is award-winning playwright, director, and actor Ruben Santiago-Hudson, whose credits include a starring role on "Castle" and "Coming to America." He also wrote "Lackawanna Blues," which is where his daughter got her first acting role as a child. Though she seems like a newbie, Santiago's career has already spanned a few decades, and thanks to her convincing turn as Naya Vasquez, we expect to see more of this gorgeous star.