What do you get when you mix a biochemistry degree, three languages, a salsa-dancing past, and a million-watt smile? Hallmark’s latest breakout star, Alec Santos. Talk about a quadruple threat!
The Brazilian-Canadian actor is the leading man in Hallmark Channel’s exotic and swoon-worthy new film, “Machu Picchu Proposal,” starring alongside fan-favorite Rhiannon Fish. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Peru’s ancient wonder, Santos plays Carlos, a free-spirited chef whose unexpected encounter with a by-the-book planner stirs up more than just spices.
From Biochemistry to Big-Screen Romance
Born and raised in Brazil, Santos began learning English at 13. He picked up Spanish while living in Chile and later moved to the United States, where he finished high school. His multicultural upbringing and linguistic skills are as impressive as his resume. Believe it or not, he’s fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and has mastered accents like a pro.
Thanks to his Canadian father, Santos eventually settled in Vancouver, where he earned degrees in biochemistry and education. While most aspiring actors would’ve headed straight to LA, he took a different route: he became a science and drama teacher.
Safe to say that versatility has paid off. From gritty dramas to feel-good romances, Santo’s acting range is as expansive as his passport. He played a dealer in “Cocaine Godmother,” a salsa instructor in “Virgin River,” and even produced his stage production of “Lungs” in Vancouver. The latter earned him a Best Actor nomination in the process.
The Magic Behind ‘Machu Picchu Proposal’
Santos’ turn as Carlos in “Machu Picchu Proposal” marks his first lead role in a Hallmark feature, and it’s already causing a stir. “When my agent told me Hallmark wanted to shoot in Peru, I thought, ‘Wow, that sounds amazing… and kind of rough!’” he joked. “There are no trailers, no closed sets—just you, the crew, the elements, and Machu Picchu.”
In the film, Carlos is a vacationing chef who meets Katie (Fish), a wedding planner whose romantic getaway implodes after a failed proposal. What follows is a charming opposites-attract love story full of color, food, and unexpected moments, including a festival scene that Santos calls “one of the best meet-cutes I’ve ever filmed.”
Santos spoke about embracing the language while filming on location, grateful that he spoke Spanish. On the “Heart in Motion” podcast, he noted there were moments when he stepped in to direct scenes with Spanish-speaking actors to help out.
“He was like, ‘Yes, please.’ He was so excited about it. I wouldn’t dare ask that of a lot of directors because it’s a big deal, but he was like, ‘Go put your director hat on and do it,’” Santos said on the “Heart in Motion” podcast. “Sometimes the writers don’t speak Spanish, so the Spanish isn’t always colloquial, and we’d correct that. It was amazing. It was very cool to embrace the language on set.”
Dancing, Cooking, & Real Chemistry
Despite playing a chef, Santos didn’t have to fake his way around the kitchen too much on set. Instead, he got to lean into his love of culture, movement, and yes, food. “What makes Hallmark so special is love and people coming together. But it’s not just about the food. Peruvian culture is so much more—it’s music, dance,” he said. “There’s a great dance scene where I got to show off some moves, and be humbled by Miss Fish’s dancing skills.”
Shooting in Peru added another layer of magic and unpredictability, which meant going on excursions. The actor shared that one cast member, a Peruvian actress, was eager to show off her country to the cast and crew.
“We’d hop on these small little buses for like $1.50 and explore. One day we decided to hike for six or seven hours; another day we’d go to a small town,” he said. “Even the smallest hikes—Peru is such a network for the Incas that some places have Inca ruins with no signs—they’re just sort of all over the place. You don’t know what you’re going to run into. Yeah, we did a lot of that.”
What’s Next for Hallmark’s Multilingual Marvel?
Fresh off the heels of “Machu Picchu Proposal,” Santos is continuing his romance with the Hallmark universe in Unwrapping Christmas: Tina’s Miracle. It’s the opening film in the network’s beloved Christmas in July series.
Although to some, filming a holiday movie in mid-summer heat might sound absurd, the actor had no issue. “It’s about spending time with people you love,” he said. “So why not have that moment in July?”
While most of us are grabbing sunscreen and iced lattes this summer, Santos is wrapping presents and warming hearts as part of Hallmark Channel’s Christmas in July celebration. Ditching the ancient ruins for ribbons and reindeer, he portrays Michael, a warmhearted character who helps save a beloved Christmas gala from the brink of cancellation.
Several fans are excited about the film’s release, flooding Hallmark Channel’s Instagram comments after a sneak peek. “I will never skip anything with Alec Santos,” one user wrote. “We’re ready! Let’s see what happens!” another said.
A Holiday Romance with Heart
The movie centers on Tina (Natalie Hall), a successful gift-wrapping shop owner tasked with organizing her town’s annual Christmas gala. Just when everything seems wrapped up with a bow, the event faces sudden cancellation thanks to a not-so-jolly estate owner. Cue the drama! This is when Michael (Santos) steps in to help Tina turn things around and rekindle the true spirit of Christmas.
In true Hallmark fashion, sparks fly, cookies are decorated, and a little miracle or two might just sneak into the plot. And Santos? He brings just the right balance of charm, calm, and holiday glow.
“Really, really excited from day one of this movie and this screenplay—not only because I got to work with Natalie, but because my character had a teenage daughter and I was a single dad,” he said about starring in the Hallmark movie. “I’d never played that before, and I was really excited about that dynamic. From day one, when I met Presley—that’s the actor’s name—we hit it off, hung out, played video games, and really created a connection that I think you can see in the film.”
It’s Only The Beginning
Between the chemistry with Hall and the cozy storyline, “Unwrapping Christmas” is shaping up to be one of this year’s surprise holiday hits! Even if your air conditioner is still on full blast.
Whether he’s dancing through ancient ruins, playing stand-in wedding dates, or delivering holiday miracles in July, Santos is the Hallmark leading man we didn’t see coming but can’t stop watching.
With his global background, thoughtful performances, and natural charm, he’s quickly earning a place among the network’s most beloved stars.
So next time you tune into Hallmark, don’t be surprised if you spot Santos, probably with a flirty smile, a twinkle in his eye, and a passport full of romantic adventures. Catch him next in “Unwrapping Christmas: Tina’s Miracle” on Saturday, July 5.
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Alec Santos: Meet the Newest Hallmark Hunk