Wilson Cruz, a Brooklyn native, was born December 27, 1973. Cruz began acting at age 17, but is best known for his roles as Enrique "Rickie" Vasquez in the TV series My So-Called Life and Angel in the 1998 Broadway cast of Rent. Cruz's other acting credits include, Great Scott!, Sister, Sister, ER, Ally McBeal, and Noah's Arc and the 2007 film Ode.

Homelessness
Wilson Cruz was kicked out of his home after coming out to his father at age 19.

For several months, Cruz was among the thousands of gay homeless teens forced to survive on the streets. Wilson Cruz did eventually reconcile with his father, but saw a brighter future in Hollywood and in 1994 landed a role on the popular series My So-Called Life.

Wilson Cruz and Gay Youth
Despite his busy acting career, Wilson Cruz devotes much of his time to LGBT youth related causes.

Wilson Cruz Trivia

• Cruz graduated from Eisenhower High School in San Bernadino, California.
• Cruz plays the saxophone.
• Cruz admires Tom Hanks and Robert De Niro.