Merlin Santana was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Steve Harvey Show, The Cosby Show, and Getting By.
Personal and Family Life
Merlin Santana was born on March 14, 1976, in New York City to parents from the Dominican Republic. His mother encouraged him to pursue a career in show business to help him avoid the dangers of his surroundings. Beginning as a model for a fast-food chain at the age of 3, he later gained fame as one of Rudy Huxtable’s friends on The Cosby Show.
Career
Santana’s breakthrough came in the mid-1990s when he played Romeo Santana on The Steve Harvey Show, a role that made him well-known. He also appeared in other popular sitcoms and enjoyed a successful career in both television and film, working with notable actors and mentors like Steve Harvey.
Death and Legacy
Merlin Santana was tragically murdered on November 9, 2002, while sitting in a car in Los Angeles. At just 26 years old, his life was cut short, bringing a great loss to his family and fans. His legacy continues through his memorable performances and the impact he had on the television industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Play’d: A Hip Hop Story | 2002-06-26 | Mayhem |
| Showtime | 2002-03-14 | Hector |
| Flossin | 2001-01-01 | Jermaine |
| The Blues | Goya | |
| In the Line of Duty: Street War | 1992-10-25 | Mikey |
| The Cabinet of Dr. Ramirez | 1991-12-04 | Newsboy |
| Harambee! | 1996-12-01 | Flex |
| The Cosby Show | 1984-09-20 | |
| Moesha | 1996-01-23 | |
| Sister, Sister | 1994-04-01 | |
| Under One Roof | 1995-03-14 | Marcus |
| Getting By | 1993-03-05 | Marcus Dixon |
| Law & Order | 1990-09-13 | Roneld Griggs |
| Half & Half | 2002-09-23 | Dante Aldente |
| The Steve Harvey Show | 1996-08-25 | Romeo Santana |
| Street Gear | 1994-04-05 | Derick Davis |