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What Is Wilson Cruz’s Net Worth?
Wilson Cruz, an accomplished American actor, producer, and activist, has established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Best known for his roles in “My So-Called Life,” “Noah’s Arc,” and “Star Trek: Discovery,” Cruz has amassed a net worth of approximately $2 million as of 2024.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Wilson Echevarría on December 27, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York, Wilson Cruz’s passion for the performing arts ignited at a young age. Encouraged by his parents, Cruz began his journey into the world of theater at the age of seven, participating in various plays such as “Cradle of Fire,” “Supporting Cast,” and several Shakespearean productions. His talent extended beyond acting; blessed with a beautiful singing voice, he performed across the country with Young Americans and featured in shows at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and SeaWorld/Orlando. When he was 10, his family moved to San Bernardino, California. He graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1991 and later attended California State University at San Bernardino, where he initially pursued a double major in theater and English before fully committing to his acting career.
Cruz made his television debut in 1991 with a recurring role as Jonathan in the series “Great Scott!”. However, his breakthrough came in 1994 when he was cast as Rickie Vasquez in the critically acclaimed TV series “My So-Called Life”. This role was particularly significant as it marked the first time an openly gay actor played an openly gay character in a leading role on American television, setting a precedent for LGBTQ+ representation in the media. Cruz’s portrayal of Rickie resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, earning him widespread recognition and establishing him as a trailblazer in the industry.
Key Roles and Career Highlights
Following the cancellation of “My So-Called Life,” Wilson Cruz continued to build a diverse and impressive acting career. In 1995, he appeared as Joaquin, J. Edgar Hoover’s servant, in Oliver Stone’s film “Nixon”. He took on the role of Mikey alongside David Arquette in the 1996 film “Johns,” which explored the lives of male prostitutes. Other notable film credits include “All Over Me” (1997), “Supernova” (2000), “Party Monster” (2003), “Coffee Date” (2007), and “He’s Just Not That Into You” (2009). In 2000, he played Victor in the final season of “Party of Five.” Cruz’s television work includes guest appearances on popular series such as “ER,” “Ally McBeal,” “The West Wing,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Raising the Bar,” where he had a recurring role as Rafael de la Cruz. Since 2017, he has portrayed Dr. Hugh Culber in “Star Trek: Discovery,” a role that has allowed him to explore his Puerto Rican heritage. In one episode, he spoke Spanish with a holographic version of his grandmother, marking the first time he was allowed to perform a scene in his native language.
In addition to his on-screen work, Cruz has also made a mark on the stage. He starred as Angel in the West Coast premiere of the musical “Rent,” earning both the Ovation and Drama Logue awards. He later reprised the role on Broadway, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile performer. Beyond acting, Wilson Cruz has also ventured into producing, executive producing the docuseries “Visible: Out on Television” for Apple TV+.
Activism and Advocacy
Wilson Cruz’s impact extends far beyond his acting roles. He is a dedicated activist and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth. At age 19, Cruz came out to his parents. While his mother eventually accepted the news, his father initially rejected him, causing Cruz to experience homelessness for a few months. His personal experience fueled his passion for advocating for LGBTQ+ youth facing similar challenges. He has been involved with GLAAD since 1997, serving as a National Spokesperson and Strategic Giving Officer. Cruz also serves on the board of GLSEN, an organization focused on creating safe and inclusive school environments for LGBTQ+ students. His advocacy work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Emery S. Hetrick Award from the Hetrick-Martin Institute for Outstanding Contributions to LGBTQ Youth and GLAAD’s Vito Russo Award in 2022. He became the new chair of the board of directors for GLSEN in 2023.
Net Worth Details
Wilson Cruz’s estimated net worth of $2 million is primarily attributed to his successful acting career in television, film, and theater. While specific salary details for his various roles are not publicly available, his consistent work in the entertainment industry over the past three decades has allowed him to accumulate a considerable amount of wealth. His roles in popular TV series such as “My So-Called Life,” “ER,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “13 Reasons Why”, and “Star Trek: Discovery” have undoubtedly contributed significantly to his income. His stage performances, particularly his role in “Rent,” have also added to his earnings. Beyond his acting career, Cruz’s work as a producer and advocate, as well as public speaking engagements, contribute to his financial portfolio.
While information regarding specific real estate holdings, investments, or other assets is not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that Cruz has made sound financial decisions throughout his career, allowing him to maintain a comfortable lifestyle and support his philanthropic endeavors. His dedication to his craft, combined with his commitment to activism and advocacy, has positioned him as a respected and influential figure in both the entertainment industry and the LGBTQ+ community.
