Wilson Cruz is an American actor known for playing Rickie Vasquez on My So-Called Life, Angel in the Broadway tour production of "Rent" and the recurring characters Junito on Noah's Arc and Dr. Hugh Culber on Star Trek: Discovery. As an openly gay man of Afro-Puerto Rican ancestry, he has served as an advocate for gay youth, especially gay youth of color.

Cruz can most recently be seen recurring in the CBS series Star Trek: Discovery playing the role of ‘Dr. Hugh Culber’ and recurring on the Netflix’s series, Thirteen Reasons Why, playing the role of ‘Dennis Vasquez.’ Early in his career, Cruz won the hearts of audiences playing ‘Rickie Vasquez’ on My So Called Life. It was the first openly gay teenager role to air on network primetime television. He has continued to earn fans and critical acclaim on television, film and on stage.

Cruz’s theatre accolades include his portrayal of the critically acclaimed role ‘Angel’ on Broadway and in the West Coast Premiere of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning musical, "Rent". His portrayal earned him The Los Angeles Ovation Award and Dramalogue Award. He also starred in Tick, Tick, BOOM! at the Westport Country Playhouse, West Coast Premiere, and its Frist National Tour.

Cruz has also portrayed a long line of memorable and poignant characters on television. From one of TV’s first transgender characters in the Emmy nominated episode of Ally McBeal, to series regular roles on Party of Five, Rick and Steve, The Happiest Gay Couple In The World. Cruz recurred as ‘Kenji Comez Rejon’ on FOX television’s ensemble drama, The Red Band Society, starring Oscar winner, Octavia Spencer. He has also recurred on Shameless, The West Wing, Noah's Arc, Pushing Daisies,The Closer, NCIS, American Dad, Related Monk, ER, The Finder, and Hustling.

Cruz’s career has equally translated to success on the big screen in both studio and independent films. His film credits include, He's Just Not That Into You, Supernova, Nixon, The People I've Slept With, Party Monster, Coffee Date, Johns, All Over Me, and Meth Head.

On the frontlines of LGBT advocacy, Cruz recently served as the Director of Entertainment Industry Partnerships and as National Spokesperson for GLAAD, the nation’s leading LGBT media advocacy organization. Cruz also wrote and is executive producing a six- part Docuseries, Out of The Box: How America Came Out on TV.

Cruz joined the board of directors of GLAAD in 1997 and joined the staff of GLAAD in 2012 as a National Spokesperson and Strategic Giving Officer.

Hispanic Heritage, Hispanic Heritage Month, LGBTQ, LGBT Awareness Month, Actors, Entertainment Industry, Television Actor, Netflix, Suicide Prevention, Puerto Rican, Puerto Rico, Movie Actor, Diversity, Culture, LGBTQ Voices, Lesbians, Gay Rights, Gay Activism, Gay Marriage, Transgender, Civil Rights, Activists, African-American Speaker, BLM Diversity Topics, Hispanic,