Biography
Who is Wilson Cruz?
Early life and real name
Wilson Cruz was born Wilson Echevarria in Brooklyn, New York, on December 27, 1973. His parents were originally from Puerto Rico, and his family later relocated to Rialto, California. During his youth in California, he attended Eisenhower High School and successfully graduated from there in 1991.
At the age of 19, Wilson chose to come out to his parents as a gay man. While his mother eventually accepted the news after initial shock, his father reacted by asking him to leave the house. Wilson spent the following months staying with friends and living in his car before eventually reconciling with his father.
Breakthrough and television career
Wilson moved to Hollywood with the firm intention of working as an actor while remaining entirely open about his sexuality. In 1994, he secured his breakthrough role as Enrique Rickie Vasquez in the critically acclaimed teen drama series My So-Called Life. This landmark casting made him the first openly gay actor to portray an openly gay character in a leading role on an American television series.
Following the cancellation of My So-Called Life, Wilson built a steady career in film and television. He appeared in Oliver Stone's film Nixon as J. Edgar Hoover's servant Joaquin and acted in the movie Johns. In 2000, he joined the final season of Party of Five as Victor and later took on a recurring role in Raising the Bar.
Activism and community work
Alongside his acting career, Wilson has maintained a dedicated focus on advocacy for LGBTQ youth, particularly youth of color. He volunteered as a host for the online youth community Youth Zone at Gay.com and served as grand marshal for pride parades in West Hollywood, Chicago, and Montreal. In 2008, he delivered the keynote address at the Lavender Graduation and Rainbow Banquet at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Wilson joined the board of directors for GLAAD in 1997 to help guide the organization through a period of leadership transition. He later joined the staff of GLAAD in 2012, working as a National Spokesperson and Strategic Giving Officer. In 2023, he assumed the role of chair of the board of directors for GLSEN.
Birthday and age
Wilson Cruz was born on December 27, 1973, which makes Wilson 52 years old today. That birthday falls under the Capricorn sign. Wilson shares the date with 51 other famous people.
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