Born and raised on the breathtakingly lovely Garden Isle of Kaua'i, Sonya Balmores grew up amidst the serene and idyllic surroundings of the Hawaiian islands, where she nurtured a profound affinity for the exhilarating sport of surfing and the captivating world of modeling.
In the year 2004, Sonya's extraordinary physical appearance, characterized by an unparalleled combination of beauty and poise, caught the discerning eyes of the judges, ultimately culminating in her momentous and triumphant crowning as the esteemed Miss Hawaii Teen USA, a prestigious title that not only served as a testament to her exceptional qualities but also provided a platform for her to showcase her remarkable talents and abilities to a wider audience.
This impressive achievement, a milestone in her burgeoning career, served as a springboard for her transition into the realm of acting, as she secured a series regular role on The N's, a television network affiliated with the renowned Nickelodeon, in the teen surf drama Beyond the Break, a popular and critically acclaimed television series that garnered a significant following and further solidified her status as a talented and accomplished young actress.
Sonya's journey on the show, which was set against the breathtaking backdrop of the island of Oahu, was a remarkable three-season odyssey that allowed her to fully immerse herself in the world of acting, skillfully refining her craft and cultivating her artistic abilities. As her enthusiasm for acting continued to intensify, she made the courageous decision to put her academic pursuits on hold by leaving Hawaii Pacific University, a renowned institution of higher learning, in order to devote herself wholeheartedly to her burgeoning passion for the performing arts.
Sonya's foray into the realm of feature filmmaking was characterized by her captivating on-screen presence as Malina Birch, the main antagonist in the movie Soul Surfer. This notable role saw her share the screen with the talented Anna Sophia Robb, who brought to life the inspiring true story of shark attack survivor Bethany Hamilton, whose courage and resilience in the face of adversity left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. Sonya's performance was skillfully complemented by the impressive ensemble cast, which boasted Academy Award-winning actress Helen Hunt, renowned for her versatility and range, and esteemed actor Dennis Quaid, whose extensive body of work has earned him widespread recognition and critical acclaim.
In the year 2017, Sonya made a remarkable and notable guest appearance on the highly acclaimed and widely popular HBO series Ballers, sharing the screen with none other than the charismatic, physically imposing, and internationally renowned Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who is known for his electrifying on-screen presence and unparalleled athletic prowess.
This significant cameo marked the beginning of an exciting, thrilling, and transformative new chapter in Sonya's career, as she went on to secure a substantial, recurring, and integral role on the ABC television series Marvel's Inhumans, which further solidified her position as a talented and versatile actress in the entertainment industry.
As Auran, a highly skilled and lethal assassin and royal guard, Sonya seized the chance to demonstrate her remarkable action abilities, effectively showcasing her impressive range as a performer.
The television series Marvel's Inhumans boasted a talented ensemble cast, featuring a diverse mix of established actors and newcomers, including Iwan Rheon, who garnered widespread recognition for his captivating portrayal of Ramsay Bolton in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones.
Furthermore, the show also showcased the impressive acting talents of Ken Leung, a seasoned actor with a wealth of experience garnered from his work on the critically acclaimed drama series Lost, further enhancing the overall quality of the production.
Sonya's on-screen presence was elevated by her co-star, the accomplished actor Anson Mount, whose extensive experience in the television industry was evident in his captivating performances in the highly acclaimed series Hell on Wheels.
Sonya's impressive cinematic resume showcases a significant supporting performance in the adrenaline-fueled bank heist film, Den of Thieves, a STX Films production starring the skilled Gerard Butler in the leading role.
Notably, she has accumulated an impressive total of over five years of valuable experience in the realm of Video Game Motion Capture and Voice Over, where she has successfully brought to life the formidable and memorable character of Division Agent Alani Kelso in the highly acclaimed and critically praised Tom Clancy's: The Division 2, a Ubisoft production.
Sonya's relentless commitment to her artistic endeavors is exemplified by her arduous journey of self-improvement, which has afforded her the extraordinary opportunity to participate in prestigious training programs within the vibrant entertainment hub of Los Angeles, where the city's rich cultural landscape and unparalleled industry resources have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping her craft.
Notably, her impressive training regimen has encompassed esteemed institutions, specifically The Groundlings, a prestigious and renowned improv comedy troupe, and The Actors Gang, a respected and esteemed theater company, founded by the accomplished and acclaimed actor and director, Tim Robbins.
Sonya has diligently devoted herself to refining her acting abilities through her enrollment at the renowned Identity School of Acting, a revered educational institution that provides an in-depth and multifaceted acting curriculum.
In addition to her impressive repertoire, she has had the privilege of engaging in a comprehensive exploration of the works of William Shakespeare, a renowned English playwright and poet, under the guidance of Diane Venora, a highly accomplished and esteemed alumnus of the prestigious Juilliard School.
Sonya's impressive educational background boasts a prestigious distinction, as she is a proud graduate of The Baron Brown Acting Studio, a renowned two-year Meisner program situated in the picturesque coastal city of Santa Monica, California, renowned for its exceptional training facilities and esteemed faculty.
Sonya's remarkable educational and training background has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping her exceptional range and adaptability as a performer, allowing her to effortlessly transition between diverse roles and genres with remarkable ease and finesse.
Sonya has consistently exhibited her remarkable capacity for adaptability, effortlessly transitioning into diverse roles, and has further solidified her reputation as a talented actress by securing a recurring part in the Amazon reboot of I Know What You Did Last Summer, a project that afforded her the opportunity to showcase her impressive acting abilities against the stunning backdrop of Honolulu, Hawaii's picturesque and exotic landscapes.
Sonya's forthcoming appearance in the highly anticipated feature film Moonrise, a production of Sony/Affirm Films in association with PureFlix, serves as a testament to her burgeoning reputation as a talented and in-demand actress, further solidifying her position as a rising star in the entertainment industry.
Sonya has successfully completed production on the eagerly awaited third season of The Chosen, a groundbreaking multi-season series that masterfully recounts the extraordinary narrative of the life of Jesus Christ. This remarkable production boasts a unique distinction, having been successfully crowd-funded by VidAngel Studios, earning it the title of the largest crowd-funded media project of all time.
