BIOGRAPHY
Wilson Cruz first won the hearts of audiences with his portrayal of “Rickie Vasquez”, the first openly gay teenager on network primetime television, on ABC’s critically acclaimed series, MY SO-CALLED LIFE. He has continued earning both critical acclaim, and a large and loyal fan base throughout his career in various roles on television, film and stage.Wilson’s television work continued last season with his recurring role on FOX’s new drama THE FINDER. Other memorable roles on television have been on PARTY OF FIVE, THE WEST WING, ER, MONK, and PUSHING DAISIES. In 2011, Wilson played a guilt-ridden groom on GREY’S ANATOMY - a poignant episode highlighting the current controversy surrounding legal issues of gay marriage in our country.Other TV appearances include stints on David E. Kelley’s ALLY MCBEAL, RAISING THE BAR, NOAH’S ARC, RICK AND STEVE - THE HAPPIEST GAY COUPLE IN THE WORLD on the Logo network, and guest starred on THE CLOSER, NCIS, AMERICAN DAD, RELATED and SINGLE LADIES.On stage Cruz took over the role of “Angel” both on Broadway and in the West Coast premiere of RENT. He garnered critical praise for his performance, winning both The Los Angeles Ovation Award and the Dramalogue Award for Best Actor in a Musical. While he was part of the company, RENT won both the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for Best Music. Wilson continued with his theatre work starring in the West Coast Premiere, National Tour and Westport Country Playhouse productions of TICK, TICK, BOOM!In addiction to his role in METH HEAD, on the big screen, Wilson received festival accolades with the indie films PARTY MONSTER, COFFEE DATE, JOHNS and ALL OVER ME. Other studio film credits include NIXON and the hit romantic comedy, HE’S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU, opposite Drew Barrymore.
Wilson continues to be a fierce advocate for issues affecting the LGTB community. Since 1995, Wilson has traveled to universities and corporate headquarters across the country speaking on equality issues and civil rights. He has also lent his name and energies to various notable organizations, events and charities. His efforts have been recognized by numerous national institutions including GLSEN, (now serving on the National Board of Directors), The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, PFLAG, The Hetrick-Martin Institute, the LA GLBT Center, and in 2010 Wilson hosted the Los Angeles GLAAD awards after receiving their Visibilidad Award. Cruz works with and advocates on behalf of LGBT youth, especially youth of color. He has volunteered his time as host for the Youth Zone, an online community at Gay.com for LGBT youth. He was the Grand Marshal of the 1998 West Hollywood Gay Pride parade and the 2005 Chicago Pride Parade. In 2008, he was the keynote speaker at the University of Illinois at Chicago's Lavender Graduation and Rainbow Banquet honoring graduating LGBT students.
Cruz joined the board of directors of GLAAD in 1997 in order to assist the organization through a leadership transition, and joined the staff of GLAAD in 2012 as a National Spokesperson and Strategic Giving Officer.
