Wilson Cruz is an American actor, director, and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Born on December 27, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York, Cruz is best known for his trailblazing work in television and film.
Cruz’s acting career began in 1994 when he starred as Enrique “Rickie” Vasquez in the groundbreaking teenage drama series My So-Called Life. This show marked the first time a gay character was prominently featured on primetime television. Cruz’s portrayal of Rickie, a queer Latino teenager struggling with his identity and facing discrimination, was both groundbreaking and nuanced.
Throughout his career, Cruz has continued to challenge norms and push boundaries. He has also made several appearances on popular shows such as NCIS, Shameless, and 13 Reasons Why. Cruz is also an accomplished stage actor and has performed in productions such as Rent, Tick, Tick… Boom!, and The Glass Menagerie.
In addition to his work on stage and screen, Cruz is a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He has testified before Congress on the importance of providing support for LGBTQ+ youth, and he has also served as a member of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s Executive Board. In 2012, Cruz was awarded the Human Rights Campaign’s Visibility Award for his advocacy work.
Wilson Cruz is a powerful voice for equality and inclusion, both on and off-screen. He continues to inspire individuals across the globe with his dedication to making the world a more accepting and welcoming place for all.