Laysla De Oliveira, the 34-year-old Toronto native, is making waves in the entertainment industry with her role as Cruz Manuelos in the Taylor Sheridan-helmed spy thriller Special Ops: Lioness. The series, which premiered on Paramount+ on July 23, has captivated audiences with its intense action and compelling storytelling. De Oliveira’s journey on the show has been nothing short of transformative, both professionally and personally.
From Toronto to Texas: A New Scale of Fandom
De Oliveira’s role as Cruz Manuelos has introduced her to a new level of fandom. The show’s intense scenes and her character’s resilience have resonated with a diverse audience, including many women and women of color. “It just fills me with so much gratitude that we were able to make something special enough to touch people’s hearts,” she shares. This connection with the audience has been a significant milestone in her career, which already includes notable credits like Netflix’s Locke & Key.
The show’s dynamic cast, including Zoe Saldaña and Nicole Kidman has created a supportive environment both on and off the screen. De Oliveira recalls a particularly emotional scene where Kidman stepped in to guide her through the performance. “She got on the ground with me and shook my hand and stared at me, as if we were going to start a sports match. And I felt her entire energy vibrating through my body,” De Oliveira reminisces. This kind of camaraderie has made the intense scenes more manageable and has fostered a strong bond among the cast members.
Embracing Challenges and Personal Growth
Playing Cruz Manuelos has pushed De Oliveira out of her comfort zone. Known for her perfectionist tendencies, she has learned to embrace challenges and open herself up to new experiences. “I proved to myself that not only can I do hard things, I should be open to hard things. Because you never know what’s going to come out on the other side,” she reflects. This mindset shift has been instrumental in her personal growth, allowing her to see herself in a fresh, unbridled perspective.
One of the most visible signs of De Oliveira’s transformation is her short haircut, which she shares with her character. “Yes, it was for Cruz, but it was also for myself as well… I absolutely love it,” she says. “I feel sexy. I feel confident. I feel strong. And I feel new.” This physical change symbolizes the deeper personal evolution she has undergone through her role in Special Ops: Lioness.
Balancing Work and Downtime
Despite the demanding nature of her role, De Oliveira knows the importance of downtime. She enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Jonathan Keltz her dog Lua, and diving into a good romantasy book. This balance between work and personal life has been crucial in maintaining her well-being and creativity.
De Oliveira’s journey on Special Ops: Lioness is a testament to her resilience and growth as an actress. From navigating intense scenes to embracing personal transformations, she has proven that she is not just an observer but a dynamic force in the industry. As the show continues to captivate audiences, De Oliveira’s role as Cruz Manuelos will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on both her career and her personal life.
