Laysla De Oliveira: From Model to Screen Powerhouse
Laysla De Oliveira, born January 11, 1992, in Canada, is a talented actress who has made her mark on both television and film. A Capricorn by zodiac sign, she is best known for playing the villainous Dodge in Netflix’s Locke & Key, the determined Cruz Manuelos in Paramount+’s Lioness, and leading roles in films like Guest of Honour and In the Tall Grass. With her Brazilian heritage, striking presence, and dedication to her craft, De Oliveira has steadily built a career that blends intensity with versatility.
Early Life and Love for Acting
Born in Toronto, Ontario, to a family of Brazilian origin, Laysla’s creative journey began early. At just 14, she started modeling, stepping into an industry that gave her experience in front of the camera but wasn’t her ultimate goal. From the beginning, her real passion was acting.
She attended Rosedale Heights School of the Arts, where she studied drama and dance—training that would later prove invaluable in shaping her screen performances. Once she entered college, Laysla took the decisive step of acquiring an acting agent, officially beginning her transition from modeling to acting.
Breaking into Film and Finding Her Voice
Before she landed her breakout roles, De Oliveira worked steadily in television films and direct-to-video projects, sharpening her skills and gaining confidence in her range. Her first notable feature film role came in 2017, when she was cast as Emma in Natty Zavitz’s romantic drama Acquainted. The film premiered at the Whistler Film Festival in December 2018, giving her an early spotlight in the Canadian film scene.
Not long after, she took on a role that would introduce her to global audiences: Becky DeMuth in the Netflix horror film In the Tall Grass (2019). Directed by Vincenzo Natali and adapted from the Stephen King and Joe Hill novella, the film was released on October 4, 2019. The project not only showcased her ability to handle intense, suspense-driven stories but also led to a pivotal career connection.
Collaborations and Career-Defining Roles
While in Toronto filming In the Tall Grass, acclaimed director Atom Egoyan asked to meet with De Oliveira. That meeting resulted in her being cast as Veronica, the central character in his drama Guest of Honour (2019). The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 3, 2019, and allowed her to display a more layered, emotional side to her acting—cementing her reputation as a performer capable of carrying complex roles.
February 2019 brought another significant milestone when she was cast as Dodge in Netflix’s Locke & Key, an adaptation of the beloved graphic novels by Joe Hill. Playing the show’s main antagonist, she relished the chance to embody a villain for the first time. Inspired in part by Angelina Jolie’s performance in Maleficent, De Oliveira embraced Dodge’s unapologetically evil nature—something she found refreshing and rare for female characters. The series premiered on February 7, 2020, and her portrayal became one of its most talked-about elements. Adding to the full-circle nature of her career, Vincenzo Natali—her In the Tall Grass director—also helmed the final two episodes of the show’s first season.
Her work has continued to evolve, with roles that blend strength, vulnerability, and charisma, including her turn as Cruz Manuelos in Lioness. Each project has reinforced her status as a rising star capable of thriving across genres, from supernatural thrillers to spy dramas.
Personal Life and Off-Screen Connections
On the set of Acquainted in 2018, De Oliveira met actor Jonathan Keltz. The pair’s professional collaboration turned into a personal relationship, and they became engaged in Malibu, California, in December 2021. In May 2025, they tied the knot, marking another meaningful chapter in her life.
A Talent Still on the Rise
What makes Laysla De Oliveira stand out is her commitment to taking on roles that challenge both herself and audience expectations. Whether playing a morally complex protagonist or a full-fledged antagonist, she brings a depth that elevates every project she’s part of.
From her beginnings in Toronto to her breakout on the global streaming stage, she has shown that hard work, versatility, and a willingness to embrace risk are key ingredients in building a lasting career. As she continues to balance high-profile television roles with compelling film performances, it’s clear that her story as an actress is still in its early chapters.
For viewers, that means one thing—there’s much more of Laysla De Oliveira’s work to look forward to.
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