Wilson Cruz facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Wilson Cruz
Cruz in 2018
Born	Wilson Echevarría (1973-12-27) December 27, 1973 (age 51) Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Occupation	Actor, producer, activist, singer
Years active	1994–present

Wilson Cruz (born Wilson Echevarría; December 27, 1973) is an American actor, producer, activist, and singer. He is well-known for his roles as Rickie Vasquez in the TV show My So-Called Life and as Dr. Hugh Culber in Star Trek: Discovery. Wilson Cruz is also a strong voice for young people, especially those from minority groups, who are part of the LGBTQ community.

Early Life

Wilson Cruz was born in Brooklyn, New York. His parents were from Puerto Rico. Later, his family moved to Rialto, California, where he finished high school in 1991.

When Wilson was 19, he shared with his parents that he is gay. His mother was surprised at first but later accepted it. His father, however, asked him to leave home. Wilson lived in his car or with friends for a few months. Eventually, he and his father were able to make up.

Acting Career

After high school, Wilson Cruz went to Hollywood to become an actor.

Breaking Barriers

In 1994, he got a role in the TV series My So-Called Life. He played Enrique "Rickie" Vasquez, a gay teenager. This was a big moment because Wilson Cruz was the first openly gay actor to play an openly gay main character on American television. The show was very popular and is still remembered today.

Famous Roles

After My So-Called Life, Wilson Cruz continued acting in many films and TV shows. He appeared in the movie Nixon and the TV series Party of Five. He also had roles in shows like ER, Ally McBeal, and Grey's Anatomy.

Since 2017, he has been a main character in the science fiction series Star Trek: Discovery. He plays Dr. Hugh Culber, a starship doctor. This role has made him even more famous. He has also been a guest on the game show 25 Words or Less since 2020.

Helping Others

Cruz at Outfest 2010

Wilson Cruz is very active in helping young people, especially those who are LGBTQ+ and people of color. He has spent time volunteering and speaking out for them.

Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth

He has hosted an online community for LGBTQ+ youth. He has also been the Grand Marshal (a special leader) in several Gay Pride parades, including in West Hollywood, Chicago, and Montreal. In 2008, he gave an important speech at the University of Illinois at Chicago to celebrate LGBTQ+ students graduating.

Working with Organizations

Wilson Cruz joined the board of directors for GLAAD in 1997. GLAAD is an organization that works to make sure LGBTQ+ people are shown fairly and accurately in the media. In 2012, he became a spokesperson for GLAAD.

In 2023, he became the new leader of the board of directors for GLSEN. GLSEN is an organization that works to create safe and welcoming schools for all students, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity.

In 2020, Wilson was featured on the cover of Out magazine. The magazine praised him for how he uses his acting work to support his activism.

TV Shows and Movies

Here are some of the TV shows, movies, and stage plays Wilson Cruz has been a part of:

On Television

In Movies

On Stage

See Also

In Spanish: Wilson Cruz para niños

• List of Puerto Ricans