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Days of Our Lives Alum Reflects on Iconic Santa Barbara Role
Miranda Wilson shares nostalgic memories of working with co-star A. Martinez on the classic soap opera.
Feb. 22, 2026 at 8:22pm
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Actress Miranda Wilson, known for her roles on Days of Our Lives and Capitol, took to Instagram to share a throwback photo with her former Santa Barbara co-star A. Martinez. Wilson reflected on her time playing the psychic character Sandra Mills, who became involved in a storyline with Martinez's character Cruz Castillo. The actress praised Martinez as a "consummate professional and an outstanding actor" and discussed the experience of stepping into a popular supercouple's storyline.
Why it matters
Wilson's post provides a nostalgic look back at the classic soap opera Santa Barbara, which aired from 1984 to 1993 and still has a dedicated fanbase. Her insights into playing an outsider character and working alongside A. Martinez offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of daytime television.
The details
Wilson began her daytime career on Days of Our Lives in 1984, playing the role of Megan Hathaway DiMera, the daughter of supervillain Stefano DiMera. She later joined the cast of Santa Barbara in 1989 as the psychic character Sandra Mills, who became involved in a storyline with Cruz Castillo (A. Martinez) after his daughter Adriana was believed to have been kidnapped and killed. Wilson discussed the challenge of stepping into a popular supercouple's storyline, saying she was "used to it" from her previous roles, but that she "loved the work" and "reveled in the opportunity" to play Sandra.
- Wilson joined the cast of Santa Barbara in 1989.
- Santa Barbara aired from 1984 to 1993.
The players
Miranda Wilson
An actress known for her roles on Days of Our Lives and Capitol, as well as her portrayal of the psychic character Sandra Mills on the soap opera Santa Barbara.
A. Martinez
An actor who played the role of Cruz Castillo on the soap opera Santa Barbara, and was Wilson's co-star during her time on the show.
What they’re saying
“Santa Barbara was an iconic show that still has diehard fans, 30+ years after its cancellation. I was blessed to work closely with the equally iconic @abonemartinez for the character's run. Playing Sandra Mills, a psychic who fixated on Cruz as she helped him find his lost/presumed dead, baby, was a complete joy.”
— Miranda Wilson, Actress
“A, the actor, handled those post suicide scenes we had together with such grace and gentle/firm support.”
— Miranda Wilson, Actress
“A Martinez was unequivocally my favorite male co-star. He is a consummate professional and an outstanding actor.”
— Miranda Wilson, Actress
The takeaway
Wilson's nostalgic post highlights the enduring legacy of the classic soap opera Santa Barbara, and the strong bonds that can form between actors working on long-running serialized dramas. Her praise for her co-star A. Martinez underscores the importance of professionalism and chemistry between performers in the world of daytime television.
