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Wilson CruzAfrican American actor
Date of Birth: 27.09.1973
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Wilson Cruz
Wilson Cruz is an African-American and Latinx actor who is known for his open embrace of his non-traditional sexual orientation. He was born on September 27, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York, USA. Cruz moved with his family to San Bernardino, California.
Acting Career
Cruz has made a name for himself as both an actor in film and a model in the fashion world, with a focus on promoting interracial love. He gained significant recognition for his role as Enrique "Ricky" Vasquez in the television series "My So-Called Life," where he portrayed the struggles of a gay teenager. Cruz has firsthand experience with the challenges faced by gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals as they strive to accept themselves and be fully accepted by their families and society.
Before his breakthrough role in "My So-Called Life," Cruz gained acting experience in productions such as "Cradle of Fire," "Supporting Cast," "Becoming Memories," "Roar of the Greasepaint," "Wedding Band," and the show "Great Scott."
Personal Life
At the age of 19, Cruz came out to his parents, first to his mother and later to his father. Initially, his mother was shocked and traumatized, but ultimately accepted the truth. However, his father kicked him out of the house. For several months, Wilson lived in his car and with friends. Over time, his father came to accept him for who he is. It was then that a young Cruz ventured to Hollywood to pursue acting opportunities as an openly gay individual.
Career Highlights
Many actors wait until later in their careers to publicly declare their homosexuality or bisexuality, but Cruz wanted to be open about it from the beginning. His strategy paid off in early 1994 when he was cast in the series "My So-Called Life." In one of the episodes, which drew from his own life, his character faces a similar reaction of being kicked out of his home after coming out.
Apart from his role as Enrique Vasquez, Cruz has appeared in the final season of "Party of Five" as Victor, as well as in "ER," "Monk," "Navy NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service," "The Closer," and "Noah's Arc." After "My So-Called Life," Cruz starred in Oliver Stone's biographical drama "Nixon," followed by a small role in "On Seventh Avenue" in 1996. He appeared alongside David Arquette in Scott Silver's drama "Johns," a film about the lives of male prostitutes. He also had roles in Michael Cuesta's "Beat the Bash" and Quinton Peeples' "Joyride" in 1996 and 1997, respectively. Cruz acted in "All Over Me," a drama, and made appearances in the popular series "Ally McBeal" in 1997.
In 1998, Cruz portrayed the character Angelo in a Broadway production, followed by a role in "The West Wing" television series. In 2000, he starred in the science fiction thriller "Supernova." Cruz continued his acting career with roles in films such as "Party Monster" (2003), "Bam Bam and Celeste" (2005), and "Coffee Date" (2006). He also appeared in the documentary "Fabulous! The Story of Queer Cinema" and the series "100 Greatest Teen Stars."
In 2008, Cruz starred in the dramatic film "Ode," based on the novella "Ode to Lata." He also appeared in the comedy "He's Just Not That Into You" and the sports comedy-drama "Green Flash."
LGBT Activism
While playing numerous roles in film, theater, and television, Cruz dedicates more and more of his time to the GLBT youth community, advocating for a world where sexual orientation is not a reason for discrimination. In 2005, Cruz served as the Grand Marshal of the Chicago Gay Pride Parade, and in 1998, he participated in the West Hollywood Gay Pride Parade.
Overall, Wilson Cruz is immensely proud of his role in the series "My So-Called Life," which he considers a beacon of light in a world clouded by ignorance and intolerance.
