Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz is an American actor, producer, and LGBTQ+ advocate, renowned for his groundbreaking role as Rickie Vasquez in the 1994 TV series My So-Called Life. Born on December 27, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York, Cruz became the first openly gay actor to portray an openly gay character in a leading role on American television . His portrayal of Rickie, a sensitive and resilient teenager, resonated deeply with audiences and marked a significant moment in LGBTQ+ representation on screen.

Beyond his acting career, Cruz has been a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. He served as the Director of Entertainment Industry Partnerships and National Spokesperson for GLAAD and currently sits on the board of GLSEN, organizations dedicated to promoting LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion . His activism extends to his work as an executive producer of the Apple TV+ docuseries Visible: Out on Television, which explores the history of LGBTQ+ representation in television.

Cruz's reflections on his journey and advocacy are encapsulated in his words: "I was 19, 20. I didn't know what to do. I knew one thing: I never saw myself on TV or anyone like me, and I wanted to be that for someone else." His commitment to representation and empowerment continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations in the entertainment industry.