Jackie Cruz is a Dominican–American actress, singer, and former model, best known for her role as Marisol "Flaca" Gonzales on the Netflix original series Orange Is the New Black.
Jackie Cruz was born on August 8, 1986, in New York City. Throughout her childhood, she moved between New York, Los Angeles, the Dominican Republic, and Miami. These diverse environments deeply influenced her perspective and identity, which she often credits for shaping her multi-faceted personality. Raised primarily by her mother and aunts, Cruz's upbringing instilled resilience and ambition from a young age.
At the age of 17, Cruz was involved in a car accident that left her in critical condition. She underwent brain surgery, suffered from a coma, and had severe lung injuries. The traumatic experience became a pivotal moment in her life, reinforcing her commitment to pursue her dream of becoming a musician and actress. Cruz later shared her recovery journey in a TED Talk in the summer of 2015, which inspired audiences across the country.
Jackie Cruz rose to fame for her portrayal of Marisol “Flaca” Gonzales on the critically acclaimed Netflix series Orange Is the New Black. Created by Jenji Kohan — also known for the series Weeds — the show became a cultural phenomenon upon its debut. Its first season received twelve Emmy Award nominations, and the series concluded in July 2019 after seven seasons.
Her performance in the ensemble cast garnered industry recognition, including three Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. Her success on the show opened the door for further opportunities and established her as a prominent Latina figure in Hollywood.
In 2013, Jackie Cruz was named one of the “Top Latino Powerhouses Under 40” by The Hollywood Reporter, alongside notable personalities like Eva Longoria, Selena Gomez, and Demi Lovato. Two years later, she was featured in Latina Magazine's 30 Under 30 list for her contributions to entertainment and advocacy work.
A committed advocate for diversity and inclusion, Cruz actively promotes Latina representation in the media. She uses her platform to encourage young Latinas to pursue their dreams and challenge industry norms. Her work continues to contribute to a more inclusive media landscape, where more voices and backgrounds are represented.
Jackie Cruz identifies as bisexual and has occasionally attracted media attention for aspects of her personal life. One notable instance occurred in 2009 when she appeared in a brief televised moment with Kourtney Kardashian during an episode of Kourtney and Khloé Take Miami. While sensationalized by the media, Cruz focuses primarily on her professional and advocacy work.
She is currently in a relationship with actor and artist Fernando Garcia. The couple frequently shares moments from their life together on social media. Garcia, who has also appeared in some of Jackie’s music videos on YouTube, often accompanies her at public events, and the couple is admired by fans for their creative and personal partnership.
| Birth Date: | 8 Aug, 1986 |
| Age: | 34 yrs |
| Occupations: | Actor Musician Model |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Queens |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | Actress, musician and former model |
| Net Worth 2021: | 3 million |
