Judy Ann Santos is a Filipino actress who began her career performing as a child on film and television. Her first screen appearance was in a supporting role in the drama series Kaming Mga Ulila (1986) and she made her film debut with a minor role in Sana Mahalin Mo Rin Ako (1988), appearing alongside Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III. At age ten, Santos had her first leading role as the eponymous character in the children's television series Ula, Ang Batang Gubat (1988). She achieved wider recognition when she and Gladys Reyes played the titular roles in the drama series Mara Clara (1992). The show, which aired until 1997, became one of the longest running Filipino television series. It established her as a star and earned Santos a FAMAS Award for her performance in the 1996 film adaptation.