Brooke - Lynn Santos

Who is Brooke Lynn Santos? Unpacking the Young Star of The Chosen In the sprawling landscape of television, few shows have achieved the unique, crowd-funded, global phenomenon status of The Chosen . As the first multi-season series about the life of Jesus Christ, it has launched several relative unknowns into the spotlight. Among the most endearing of these is Brooke Lynn Santos, the young actress who brings a quiet, powerful intensity to the role of Little James' disciple, Shmuel. While not the most prominent character in the early seasons, Santos’ portrayal has captured the audience's attention, leading many fans to ask: Who is the girl behind the disciple? From Texas to Capernaum Brooke Lynn Santos is a young American actress based in Texas, where much of The Chosen is filmed. Unlike many child actors who grow up in the Hollywood system, Santos came to the show through the vast, open casting calls that The Chosen is famous for. The show’s creator, Dallas Jenkins, has a penchant for discovering raw, natural talent, and Santos fits that mold perfectly. Prior to her breakout role, Santos had limited on-screen credits, making her performance in The Chosen all the more impressive. She embodies the sincerity and earnestness required to portray one of the followers of Jesus, holding her own against seasoned actors like Jonathan Roumie (Jesus) and Paras Patel (Matthew). The Role: Shmuel, the Loyal Witness Santos plays Shmuel , a young disciple of Little James (played by Jordan Walker Ross). In the context of the show, Shmuel is a quiet but observant member of the growing group following Jesus. While characters like Peter and Andrew are loud and impulsive, Shmuel represents the quieter, contemplative follower—the one who watches, learns, and absorbs the miracles happening around him. Her most impactful scenes often involve silent reactions. In episodes depicting the healing of the sick or the Sermon on the Mount, Santos’ facial expressions convey a deep sense of wonder and burgeoning faith. She effectively plays the "audience surrogate"—experiencing the awe of Jesus’ ministry in a way that feels relatable to modern viewers. Why Fans Are Talking About Her Despite having less dialogue than the core cast, Brooke Lynn Santos has garnered a dedicated fan following for several reasons:

Authenticity: Santos avoids theatrical overacting. Her Shmuel feels like a real kid from 1st-century Galilee—awkward, curious, and genuinely moved by the teacher from Nazareth. Chemistry with the Cast: Her dynamic with Jordan Walker Ross (Little James) is particularly touching. Since Little James is depicted as a disciple with a physical limp, the duo represents a unique pairing—one struggling with physical limitations and the other representing the next generation of faith. Representation: In a show that focuses heavily on adult apostles, Santos provides a youthful lens. Young viewers of The Chosen see themselves in Shmuel, realizing that the call to discipleship isn't just for adults.

Life Off-Screen While Santos maintains a relatively private personal life (typical for a rising young star), she is active on social media, particularly Instagram, where she shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of life on the set of The Chosen . Her posts often highlight the family-like atmosphere of the show’s cast and crew. From eating craft services with co-stars to posing with Roumie in his Jesus costume, Santos presents herself as a grounded teenager who is acutely aware of the unique privilege—and responsibility—of being part of a biblical drama. She has spoken in interviews about the positive environment fostered by Jenkins, noting that the set is a safe space for young actors to explore heavy themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and faith without pressure. What’s Next for Brooke Lynn Santos? As The Chosen progresses into Seasons 4 and beyond, the narrative is expected to darken, moving toward the Passion Week. For Santos’ character, Shmuel, this poses intriguing possibilities. Will Shmuel be present at the Crucifixion? Will she be among the witnesses of the Resurrection? Given the show’s history of expanding minor characters into major emotional anchors, it is highly likely that Santos will receive more screen time as the story intensifies. Fans are eager to see how this quiet disciple reacts to the increasing opposition from Pharisees and the Roman Empire. Beyond The Chosen , the future looks bright. Having worked on one of the most successful crowdfunded projects in entertainment history, Santos has proven her ability to handle complex emotional material. She represents a new wave of faith-based actors who prioritize character depth over preachiness. Conclusion: A Star on the Rise Brooke Lynn Santos may not be a household name yet, but within the massive global community of The Chosen —which has been translated into over 600 languages—she is a beloved face. She reminds audiences that the first followers of Jesus were not just fishermen and tax collectors, but also young, wide-eyed believers taking their first steps of faith. As she continues to grow up on screen, Santos carries the weight of a story that matters to millions. If her performance so far is any indication, she is more than capable of carrying that torch into the future. You can follow Brooke Lynn Santos’ journey on Instagram: @brookesantos_ (Note: Verify handle as social media changes frequently).

The Brooke Lynn Hytes Guide to Drag Excellence Hey, hunties! It's Brooke Lynn Hytes, and I'm thrilled to share my guide to drag excellence with you. As a seasoned drag queen and winner of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 2, I've learned a thing or two about what it takes to slay the game. So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let's dive in! I. Confidence is Key Confidence is the foundation of drag. If you don't believe in yourself, nobody else will. Here are a few tips to help you exude confidence: brooke lynn santos

Own your look : Rock that wig, those heels, and that contour like it's nobody's business. Practice self-care : Take care of your physical and mental health. A healthy queen is a happy queen! Know your worth : You're a star, honey! Don't let anyone dull your sparkle.

II. Mastering the Art of Makeup Makeup is a crucial part of drag. Here are some tips to help you slay the makeup game:

Invest in good products : You don't have to break the bank, but invest in quality products that will make your skin look and feel great. Practice, practice, practice : Don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get the hang of it. Makeup is an art, and it takes practice to master. Contour, contour, contour : Contouring can make or break a look. Practice your contouring skills, and you'll be serving face in no time! Who is Brooke Lynn Santos

III. The Art of Performance Performance is what sets a good queen apart from a great one. Here are some tips to help you slay the stage:

Know your audience : Read the room, honey! Know what kind of energy your audience is giving, and adjust your performance accordingly. Be authentic : Don't try to be someone you're not. Be true to yourself, and your audience will respond positively. Work that stage : Own that stage like it's your own personal catwalk. Use it to your advantage, and don't be afraid to get a little messy.

IV. Building a Character A good queen has a strong character. Here are some tips to help you develop a character that will make you stand out: Among the most endearing of these is Brooke

Find your niche : What makes you unique? What sets you apart from other queens? Develop a backstory : Give your character a backstory that will help you connect with your audience. Be consistent : Consistency is key when it comes to building a character. Stay true to your character, and your audience will respond positively.

V. Dealing with Criticism Criticism is a part of the game, honey. Here are some tips to help you deal with criticism: