Wilson Cruz, born Wilson Echevarría on December 27, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York, is an American actor, producer, and activist known for his groundbreaking roles and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.

      Cruz was born to Puerto Rican parents and later moved to Rialto, California, where he attended Eisenhower High School, graduating in 1991. At 19, he came out as gay to his parent, his mother eventually accepted him, but his father initially rejected him, leading Cruz to spend months living in his car and with friends before they reconciled.

     Determined to pursue acting while being open about his sexuality, Cruz landed his breakout role in 1994 as Rickie Vasquez in the critically acclaimed TV series My So-Called Life. This made him the first openly gay actor to play an openly gay character in a leading role on American television.

     Following this success, Cruz appeared in films such as Nixon (1995), Johns (1996), All Over Me (1997), Supernova (2000), and Party Monster (2003). He also had recurring roles in TV shows like Party of Five, Raising the Bar, Grey’s Anatomy, and Noah’s Arc.

    Cruz portrayed Dr. Hugh Culber in Star Trek: Discovery, a role that has further cemented his status as a prominent LGBTQ+ figure in entertainment. He has also worked as an executive producer on Visible: Out on Television, a documentary series exploring LGBTQ+ representation in media.

     Beyond acting, Cruz is a dedicated activist, working with organizations like GLAAD and GLSEN to support LGBTQ+ youth, particularly those from marginalized communities. In 2023, he became the chair of the board of directors for GLSEN, continuing his advocacy for inclusive education.

     Cruz has received numerous accolades, including the Emery S. Hetrick Award for his contributions to LGBTQ+ youth, the Vito Russo Award from GLAAD, and the Liberty Award from Lambda Legal. His work in entertainment and activism has made him a respected figure in both fields.
Wilson Cruz’s career and advocacy have paved the way for greater LGBTQ+ representation in media, making him an influential voice in Hollywood and beyond.