Merlin
Santana plays Romeo, a smooth-talking student and ladies’ man, in
the hit comedy series The Steve Harvey Show.
Born in New York to parents from the Dominican Republic, Santana was encouraged
to pursue a career in entertainment by his mother: She not only thought he
had talent, but also wanted to keep him off the city’s tough streets.
Her instinct was right: his first job came when he was three and was hired
as a model for a fast food restaurant ad. His first on-screen appearance came
as an extra in the Woody Allen film, "The Purple Rose of Cairo."
Santana first came to public attention as Stanley, the faithful admirer of
little Rudy Huxtable and a recurring cast member on the hit series "The
Cosby Show." He later joined the casts of the comedy "Getting By"
and James Earl Jones drama "Under One Roof." Santana’s other
credits include guest appearances on "NYPD Blue, Law & Order,"
"Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper," a recurring role in "Moesha"
and "Major Dad." He appeared in the PBS special "Harambee"
and on the daytime dramas "All My Children" and "As the World
Turns." He later proudly landed a recurring role as Stanley, a persistent
pre-teen vying for the adoration of the young Rudy Huxtable in the premiere
television comedy series of the 80's -- The Cosby Show. After this impressive
and highly educational experience, Santana was cast as a sharp-tongued 15-year-old
in the ABC sitcom Getting By, starring Cindy Williams and Thelma Hopkins.
Most recently, Santana appeared in the film
"Flossin," and previously, the film "The Cabinet of Dr. Ramirez."
