Natalia del Riego is a name that’s sparking buzz across the entertainment world, and her electrifying guest appearance on Chicago P.D. has cemented her as a rising star to watch. In Season 12, Episode 19 (“Name Image Likeness”), del Riego steps into the gritty streets of the One Chicago universe as Ruby Rios, a stripper whose tangled ties to a college basketball star, Damone, send the Intelligence Unit on a heart-pounding chase.
Born of Salvadoran and Mexican descent, del Riego’s journey is as compelling as her performances. Growing up as an at-risk youth, she channeled real-world struggles into her craft, drawing from her experiences as a homeless teen to infuse her roles with raw authenticity. A classically trained pianist by age four, she transitioned from music to acting, honing her skills in movement, voice, and drama. Her career kicked off with a bang in 2016’s American Crime, followed by a standout role as Marisol Diaz in How to Get Away with Murder’s Season 6.
Del Riego’s versatility shines in guest spots on The Rookie, Quantum Leap, and NCIS: Los Angeles, where she played Rosa Reyes across Seasons 13 and 14, proving her knack for police procedurals. Her lead role as Daniela Perez in Promised Land and her award-winning performance in the 2023 film Hail Mary at DTLA Film Festival earned her critical acclaim, with NBC Insider calling her a “powerhouse”. Now, she’s set to star in Netflix’s The Abandons, alongside Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson, signaling her ascent to Hollywood’s A-list.
At just 30, del Riego is a chameleon, blending grit and grace in every role. Her Chicago P.D. appearance is a thrilling glimpse into a career that’s only just begun to soar. Whether she’s dodging cops in Chicago’s underbelly or voicing a hero in a blockbuster game, del Riego delivers with a fire that’s impossible to ignore. Stream Chicago P.D. on Peacock to witness her explosive talent, and keep an eye on this star—she’s rewriting the script for what it means to shine in Hollywood. From her raw beginnings to her dazzling future, Natalia del Riego is the spark that’s lighting up screens everywhere. Dive into her world and discover why she’s the talk of the town.
