Kiele Sanchez has built a remarkable career by consistently delivering compelling performances across both film and television, often specializing in roles that blend drama, action, and mystery. From her breakout role as a mysterious castaway to a beloved crime drama heroine, her versatility has kept audiences captivated for over two decades. This comprehensive guide, updated for December 2025, explores her most significant work, highlighting her recent projects and the fan-favorite roles that define her legacy.

The actress is perhaps best known for her starring turn as Callie Cargill in the A&E crime drama The Glades, but her career includes major appearances in blockbuster thrillers and long-running network hits. Her ability to portray complex, strong female characters ensures her filmography remains a treasure trove for new and old fans alike, proving her staying power in a competitive industry.

Kiele Sanchez: Full Biography and Career Milestones

Kiele Michelle Sanchez is an American actress with a career spanning over 20 years, marked by a mix of high-profile TV series and memorable movie roles. She has successfully navigated various genres, from comedy-drama to intense action-thrillers.

• Birth Name: Kiele Michelle Sanchez
• Date of Birth: October 13, 1977
• Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Early Career: Began her career in theater and short films before landing a role in the 2000 film Migrating Forms.
• Breakthrough TV Role: Anne Sorelli in The WB comedy-drama Related (2005–2006).
• Iconic TV Role: Nikki Fernandez in the hit ABC series Lost (2006–2007).
• Starring TV Role: Callie Cargill in the A&E crime drama The Glades (2010–2013).
• Major Film Role: Gina in the thriller A Perfect Getaway (2009) and Liz in The Purge: Anarchy (2014).
• Recent Work: Recurring roles in major network dramas, including Station 19 and Criminal Minds.
• Personal Life: Married to actor Zach Gilford.

The Most Recent and Essential TV Roles (2017–2025)

While Kiele Sanchez made a name for herself in the early 2010s, her work in recent years has demonstrated her continued relevance, especially with appearances in high-profile, established television franchises. These roles showcase her dramatic depth and ability to seamlessly join a long-running cast.

Station 19 (Seasons 6 & 7) - Kate Powell

One of Sanchez's most current and significant roles is as Kate Powell in the final seasons of the popular Grey's Anatomy spin-off, Station 19. Her character added a new layer of drama and intensity to the Seattle-based firefighter series. This part, spanning Season 6 and Season 7, put her back on primetime network television, introducing her to a new generation of fans.

Criminal Minds (Season 16) - Series Regular

In 2022, Sanchez appeared in the 16th season of the long-running procedural crime drama, Criminal Minds. Her involvement in such a well-established and beloved series demonstrates her continued appeal to casting directors looking for strong, seasoned dramatic actors. Though a brief appearance, it highlights her consistent work ethic.

Kingdom (2014–2017) - Lisa Prince

Although the series concluded in 2017, Kingdom remains one of Sanchez's most critically acclaimed projects. She starred as Lisa Prince, the manager and girlfriend of a former MMA fighter, opposite Frank Grillo. The show, which explored the gritty world of mixed martial arts, allowed Sanchez to portray a character full of ambition, vulnerability, and resilience. The show is frequently cited in lists of underrated television dramas and remains a popular streaming choice.

The Roles That Defined Her Career: From Lost to The Glades

The core of Kiele Sanchez's fame rests on a handful of iconic roles that cemented her as a recognizable face in television and film. These projects are essential viewing for anyone exploring her filmography.

The Glades (2010–2013) - Callie Cargill

For many fans, Kiele Sanchez is synonymous with Callie Cargill, the quick-witted, dedicated medical professional and love interest to Detective Jim Longworth (Matt Passmore) in the A&E crime drama The Glades. The series, set in the sunny, mysterious backdrop of the Florida Everglades, ran for four seasons. The show's abrupt cancellation after a major cliffhanger in 2013 remains a sore point for fans, a testament to the strong connection audiences felt to the characters, especially Sanchez's Callie.

Lost (2006–2007) - Nikki Fernandez

Before The Glades, Sanchez made a memorable, albeit brief, appearance on the global phenomenon Lost. She played Nikki Fernandez, a survivor who was part of the tail section of Oceanic Flight 815. Her character, along with her partner Paulo, was part of a controversial storyline that culminated in one of the show's most shocking and highly discussed episodes, "Exposé."

The Purge: Anarchy (2014) - Liz

In the film world, Sanchez starred as Liz in the horror-thriller sequel The Purge: Anarchy. The movie explores the night of the annual Purge, where all crime is legal for 12 hours. Sanchez delivered a powerful performance as a woman caught in the chaos, showcasing her talent in the high-stakes action genre. The film was a commercial success and remains her most widely recognized movie role.

A Perfect Getaway (2009) - Gina

This psychological thriller is a cult favorite among fans of the genre. Sanchez starred as Gina, one of two couples hiking in Hawaii who suspect another couple of being serial killers. The film, which also starred Timothy Olyphant and Milla Jovovich, is praised for its plot twists and tense atmosphere, giving Sanchez a key role in a tightly wound narrative.

The Complete Kiele Sanchez Filmography: Movies & TV Shows

To gain full topical authority on Kiele Sanchez's career, it is important to recognize the full scope of her work, including her earlier roles and other key appearances that round out her extensive career.

Selected Television Appearances

• Station 19 (2022–2024) - Kate Powell
• Criminal Minds (2022) - Series Regular
• Kingdom (2014–2017) - Lisa Prince
• The Glades (2010–2013) - Callie Cargill
• Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe (2011) - Movie/TV Special
• Lost (2006–2007) - Nikki Fernandez
• Related (2005–2006) - Anne Sorelli
• Married to the Kellys (2003–2004) - Susan Kelly
• That Was Then (2002) - Claudia Wills
• First Monday (2002) - Sofia

Selected Feature Films

• Benji (2018) - Movie
• The Purge: Anarchy (2014) - Liz
• 30 Days of Night: Dark Days (2010) - Stella Oleson
• Black, White and Blues (2010) - Hannah
• A Perfect Getaway (2009) - Gina
• Insanitarium (2008) - Lily
• Mr. Woodcock (2007) - Tracy
• The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard (2009) - Megan Parker
• Haven (2004) - Pippa
• Stealing Harvard (2002) - Patty

Whether you're revisiting the Florida crime scenes of The Glades, surviving the night of The Purge: Anarchy, or catching her recent dramatic work on Station 19, Kiele Sanchez's filmography offers a rich and varied viewing experience. Her consistent presence in high-quality, high-stakes productions confirms her status as a reliable and captivating dramatic actress.