Net Worth Ranker
What Is Raymond Cruz’s Net Worth?
Raymond Cruz, a prominent American actor celebrated for his roles as Detective Julio Sanchez in TNT’s “The Closer” (2005–2012) and “Major Crimes” (2012–2018), and the unforgettable Tuco Salamanca in AMC’s “Breaking Bad” (2008–2009) and “Better Call Saul” (2015–2016), has cultivated a distinguished career in the entertainment industry. His diverse portfolio spans over 90 acting credits, contributing to his estimated net worth of $2 million.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on September 10, 1964, in Los Angeles, California, Raymond Cruz’s upbringing in East Los Angeles was marked by the pervasive influence of gang activity. He openly acknowledges his familial connections to gangs like Barrio South Gate and Maravilla. In a 2021 interview with “The Daily Beast,” Cruz reflected on the normalization of violence in his youth, recalling a traumatic experience at age 12 where he witnessed a fatal shooting. Cruz credits his early immersion in American literature with providing a pathway away from gang involvement. Following high school, he pursued studies at East Los Angeles College, laying the foundation for his acting career.
Cruz’s acting journey commenced with his film debut in 1987’s “Maid to Order.” He followed this with roles in “Twice Dead” (1988) and “I Know My First Name Is Steven” (1989). In 1988, he began making guest appearances on television series such as “Beauty and the Beast,” “Cagney & Lacey,” “CBS Schoolbreak Special,” “Vietnam War Story,” and “Knots Landing,” steadily building his on-screen presence.
Notable Film and Television Roles Contributing to Raymond Cruz’s Net Worth
The 1990s saw Cruz’s career gain momentum with roles in films such as “Gremlins 2: The New Batch” (1990), “Dead Again” (1991), “Out for Justice” (1991), “Man Trouble” (1992), “Judgement” (1992), and “Under Siege” (1992). He continued to build his filmography with “Blood In Blood Out” (1993), “Operation Dumbo Drop” (1995), “The Substitute” (1996), “The Rock” (1996), “Up Close & Personal” (1996), “Broken Arrow” (1996), “Alien Resurrection” (1997), and “From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money” (1999). A significant milestone was his role in 1994’s “Clear and Present Danger,” alongside Harrison Ford, Willem Dafoe, Anne Archer, and James Earl Jones, which grossed $215.9 million at the box office, highlighting his involvement in commercially successful projects.
During the same decade, Cruz also appeared in TV movies like “Prison Stories: Women on the Inside” (1991), “Fallen Angels” (1991), “Nails” (1992), and “Last Stand at Saber River” (1997). He made guest appearances on popular television shows, including “Freddy’s Nightmares” (1990), “Matlock” (1990), “China Beach” (1990), “Murder, She Wrote” (1993), “Walker, Texas Ranger” (1995), “NYPD Blue” (1995; 2000), “The X-Files” (1997), “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (1998), and “The Practice” (1998). From 1995 to 2000, he held a recurring role as Johnny on “The Eddie Files.”
In 2001, Cruz co-starred in “Training Day” with Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke, a film that garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, earning a Black Reel Award for Best Film and an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Motion Picture. He followed this with roles in “Collateral Damage” (2002), “Havoc” (2005), and “Brothers in Arms” (2005). He also made guest appearances on television series such as “The Division” (2002–2003), “CSI: Miami” (2003; 2011), “24” (2003), “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (2003; 2008), and “Nip/Tuck” (2003; 2006).
“The Closer,” “Major Crimes,” and “Breaking Bad”: Key Roles in Raymond Cruz’s Net Worth
From 2005 to 2012, Raymond Cruz played Detective Julio Sanchez on the TNT police procedural “The Closer,” appearing in all 109 episodes across seven seasons. This role significantly raised his profile and contributed to his net worth through consistent work and exposure. He reprised the role in the spin-off “Major Crimes” from 2012 to 2018, further solidifying his presence on television and ensuring a steady income stream.
Concurrently, Cruz had recurring roles as Paco on NBC’s “My Name Is Earl” (2007–2008) and, most notably, as Tuco Salamanca on AMC’s “Breaking Bad” (2008–2009) and “Better Call Saul” (2015–2016). His portrayal of Tuco Salamanca was particularly impactful, earning him critical acclaim and expanding his fanbase. His work on “Breaking Bad” also led to a Saturn Award nomination, underscoring the significance of this role in his career.
In 2011, Cruz starred as Memo in the Pic.TV series “Los Americans,” and he subsequently guest-starred on “White Collar” (2012), “The Eric Andre Show” (2016), “Get Shorty” (2018), “Madam Secretary” (2019), “Mayans M.C.” (2023), and “Grey’s Anatomy” (2024). His consistent work across various television genres has contributed to his financial stability and net worth over the years. Raymond Cruz’s Net Worth continued to grow from these roles.
In 2015, Raymond Cruz portrayed real-life kidnapper Ariel Castro in the TV movie “Cleveland Abduction,” a role that showcased his range as an actor. He also appeared in films such as “The Curse of La Llorona” (2019), “Wander” (2020), “Blue Miracle” (2021), and “Medellin” (2023), continuing to diversify his acting credits and contribute to his income.
Personal Life and Marriage
Raymond Cruz married actress Simi Mehta on July 17, 2000. The couple had previously co-starred in the “El Mundo Gira” episode of “The X-Files” in 1997. In a 2015 interview, Cruz discussed his decision to play Ariel Castro in “Cleveland Abduction,” highlighting his wife’s initial reservations and eventual support for the role. While information about specific shared assets or investments is not publicly available, his marital relationship forms an integral part of his personal life.
Awards and Nominations Reflecting Raymond Cruz’s Net Worth
Raymond Cruz has received three Imagen Foundation Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor – Television for “The Closer,” winning in 2006 and 2009. These awards recognize his contributions to the show and his impact on the entertainment industry. Additionally, “The Closer” earned him a NAMIC Vision Award nomination for Best Performance – Drama in 2009, and the show’s cast received Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.
In 2010, Cruz earned a Saturn Award nomination for Best Guest Performance in a Television Series for his role in “Breaking Bad.” In 2012, he received an Indie Series Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor – Drama for “Los Americans.” These accolades highlight his consistent quality of work and the recognition he has received from various organizations within the entertainment industry. Although awards do not directly translate to financial gain, they often lead to increased opportunities and, potentially, higher earnings. Raymond Cruz’s Net Worth is supported by a strong career.
