Posted by Raymond Cruz Biography
What is Raymond Cruz famous for?
Raymond Cruz is an acclaimed American actor, best known for portraying Tuco Salamanca in Breaking Bad and Detective Julio Sánchez in The Closer. Born September 10, 1964, in East Los Angeles, he grew up surrounded by gang culture but turned to American literature for inspiration. His passion for storytelling steered him away from violence and toward an acting career.
He studied at East Los Angeles College and began acting in 1987, debuting in Maid to Order. He quickly gained recognition through steady television and film roles. His performance as Tuco Salamanca, a violent drug lord, became one of the most memorable characters in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.
Cruz also impressed audiences as Detective Julio Sánchez in The Closer and its successful spinoff Major Crimes. Beyond television, his filmography includes Clear and Present Danger, Under Siege, The Rock, Alien Resurrection, Training Day, From Dusk Till Dawn 2, and Blood In Blood Out.
In his personal life, Cruz is married to actress Simi Mehta, whom he met on The X-Files. Recently, on September 8, 2025, he was arrested in Los Angeles after allegedly spraying a neighbor with a water hose. He was released on his own recognizance and is due in court on October 1, 2025.
Cruz’s dedication to his craft earned him the Imagen Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2009 for The Closer, alongside other award nominations.
Raymond Cruz Age
How old is Raymond Cruz?
Raymond Cruz is 60 years old, as he was born on September 10, 1964. He celebrates his birthday every September in East Los Angeles, where he grew up. He embodies resilience and passion in his acting career. Furthermore, this age highlights his decades of experience in roles like Tuco Salamanca in Breaking Bad and Detective Julio Sánchez in The Closer.
Raymond Cruz Height
How tall is Raymond Cruz?
Raymond Cruz stands 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) tall. Despite not being very tall, he commands powerful on-screen presence. His height has never limited his career growth or versatility. Moreover, his intensity in roles often makes him appear larger than life. Fans especially notice this in Breaking Bad as Tuco Salamanca. Similarly, in The Closer, his height never overshadowed his impactful performance as Detective Julio Sánchez.
Raymond Cruz Wife
Who Is Raymond Cruz’s Spouse?
Raymond Cruz married fellow actress Simi Mehta in 2000. They met while filming The X-Files together. Moreover, Simi later transitioned into a yoga instructor and founded a yoga studio. She also holds an astrophysics degree from Northern Illinois University. Despite occasional rumors, they remain a private couple. Furthermore, they seldom share personal details in interviews or public appearances, keeping their life largely out of the limelight.
Raymond Cruz Children
Raymond Cruz and Simi Mehta keep their family private. As of 2025, they have not publicly confirmed any children. Despite long marriage since 2000, he rarely discusses family life in interviews. Furthermore, media outlets report no information about children, which suggests they either have none or choose privacy. Consequently, fans should expect sparse details on his personal family in public sources.
Raymond Cruz Family
Raymond Cruz grew up in a Mexican-American family in East Los Angeles. He has said he stayed close to his mother throughout his life. Furthermore, he married actress Simi Mehta (now Simi Cruz) in 2000. Moreover, the couple keeps their family life private, and they have not shared any details about children publicly.
Raymond Cruz Ethnicity
Raymond Cruz belongs to Mexican-American heritage. He grew up in East Los Angeles within a Mexican-descent family. This cultural background shaped his early life and later inspired his nuanced acting. Moreover, his Mexican-American roots enriched his portrayals in roles like Tuco Salamanca in Breaking Bad and Detective Julio Sánchez in The Closer. His heritage remains a key part of his identity and career.
Raymond Cruz Movies and TV Shows
Raymond Cruz shines in both film and television. Highlights include:
- Film: Clear and Present Danger, Training Day, Alien: Resurrection, Under Siege, Blood In Blood Out, From Dusk Till Dawn 2.
- TV: He starred as Detective Julio Sánchez in The Closer and Major Crimes. Also he played Tuco Salamanca in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.
Moreover, he appeared in Blue Miracle, Wander, and Cleveland Abduction in recent years. His versatility continues to impress both long-time fans and new viewers.
Raymond Cruz Awards
Raymond Cruz won the 2009 Imagen Award for Best Supporting Actor in television for The Closer. He also earned a NAMIC Vision Award nomination in 2009 for that same role. Furthermore, he received a Saturn Award nomination in 2010 for Best Guest Starring Role on television for Breaking Bad. Additionally, he garnered multiple Screen Actors Guild ensemble nominations for dramatic series.
These honors reflect his impactful performances in crime dramas. His recognition underscores his talent in creating memorable characters.
Actor Raymond Cruz Lifetime Movie
Raymond Cruz starred in the Lifetime TV movie Cleveland Abduction in 2015. The film portrays him as Ariel Castro, the kidnapper in a harrowing true-crime drama. Moreover, the movie premiered on Lifetime on May 2, 2015, and depicted Castro’s cruel hold over three Ohio women for over 11 years. Additionally, Cruz’s intense portrayal earned attention for its chilling realism. This role highlights Raymond Cruz’s powerful range beyond his famous TV characters like Tuco Salamanca.
Raymond Cruz on Breaking Bad
Raymond Cruz played Tuco Salamanca, a violent and unpredictable meth kingpin, in Breaking Bad. He appeared in Season 1’s “Crazy Handful of Nothin’” and Season 2’s “Seven Thirty-Seven”. Moreover, he reprised that role in Better Call Saul, adding depth to Tuco’s backstory. Furthermore, Cruz described Tuco as intense, driven by fierce loyalty and fierce street smarts. Additionally, fans still mention his character as “top 5” for impact and memorability, despite limited episodes.
Raymond Cruz Arrested After Hose Incident
Raymond Cruz was arrested on September 8, 2025, after allegedly spraying a woman with a hose while washing his car. The incident happened in Los Angeles’s Silver Lake neighborhood, sparking quick media attention. Moreover, Cruz’s agent strongly denied malicious intent, calling the allegations “outrageous.” Authorities booked him for misdemeanor battery, but he was later released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in court on October 1, 2025, regarding the hose incident.
Was Raymond Cruz in the Military?
Raymond Cruz has not served in the military, and he never joined any armed forces. Instead, he portrayed military roles in films like Clear and Present Danger, where he played a U.S. Marine, Sergeant Rojas, and in Alien: Resurrection as a U.S. Marine Private DiStephano. Moreover, his real life remains rooted in acting, not military service. Fans recognize his on-screen soldier characters, but those portrayals do not reflect real military experience.
Raymond Cruz and The Conjuring Universe
Raymond Cruz played Rafael, a former priest, in the horror film The Curse of La Llorona. Moreover, he connected with his Catholic upbringing through this role and embraced its spiritual themes. Furthermore, the movie draws from Latin American folklore and loosely ties into The Conjuring universe. Although not a direct franchise entry, Cruz’s performance added depth and faith-driven nuance to the supernatural horror.
Raymond Cruz Net Worth 2025
Raymond Cruz has an estimated net worth of $3 million in 2025. His wealth comes mainly from acting in television and films. Furthermore, he earned recognition for playing Tuco Salamanca in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. Additionally, his long-running role in The Closer and Major Crimes significantly boosted his earnings. Over the years, Cruz’s consistent performances built financial stability. His net worth reflects a successful career spanning more than three decades.