Jackie Cruz (born August 8, 1986) is a Dominican–American actress, singer and former model. She is known for her role as Marisol "Flaca" Gonzales on the Netflix original series Orange Is the New Black.

Early life Born Jacqueline ChavezTranscript Of "Latina To Latina" Episode One With Jackie Cruz by Jenny Hollander, Apr 10 2018. Quote: "...my legal name is Jacqueline Chavez. I go by Jackie Cruz. I've changed my name 10 times throughout my career to fit in. Cruz stuck. It's a part of... deep in the family. But Chavez I never really liked."interview with 'Orange Is The New Black' Stars Diane Guerrero And Jackie Cruz AccessOnline.com (Published to YouTube on Aug 5, 2019). Quote: "A lot of people don't know my real last name is Chavez." in Queens, New York, on August 8, 1986, Cruz grew up between Los Angeles, California, and Santiago, Dominican Republic. She was raised by a single mother, and she speaks fluent English and Spanish. Cruz was inspired to become an entertainer at the age of seven after watching Whitney Houston in The Bodyguard. She attended Alexander Hamilton High School in Los Angeles, where she was a member of the school's music academy.

At age 16, Cruz moved out of her mother's apartment and became homeless. When she was 17, she was the victim of a car accident where she suffered a collapsed lung, fell into a coma and required brain surgery. Her song "Sweet Sixteen" is based on the incident.

Music career When Cruz was in high school, she worked with will.i.am's producers in a girl group called Krush Velvet, although the group never signed to a record label. Her debut extended play, Hollywood Gypsy, was released independently in 2010.

Cruz is a part of a band called "The Family Portrait".

Acting career In 2009, Cruz began making appearances on the E! television series Kourtney and Khloé Take Miami. She and Kourtney Kardashian became friends after meeting in an art class, which led to further appearances on the series. In one episode, Cruz and Kardashian were filmed kissing, an incident that Kardashian later stated she was "so embarrassed" by. Although Cruz initially stated that she and Kardashian remained friends following the incident, Kardashian later stated that she "can never talk to [Cruz] again".

Cruz cites Rita Moreno as an acting influence.

Cruz was working as a model and a waitress at New York City restaurant Lavo before she was cast as Marisol "Flaca" Gonzales on the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black. Originally a recurring character for the first three seasons, it was announced in April 2015 that she would be promoted to series regular for the fourth season.

In early 2022 she filmed a starring role in the romantic comedy, "Things Like This", directed by fellow Orange Is the New Black actor, Max Talisman.

In May 2022, she wrapped filming on the horror-thriller History of Evil. Her recasting into the role wasn't known until afterward.

In 2024, Cruz starred in the Lifetime film Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story which was based on the Pladl incest and murder case where she portrays Alyssa Diaz.

Personal life In 2016, Cruz told AfterEllen: "I like the person whether it's a woman—we don't like to be labeled. I'm in a relationship with a man right now, but I've liked women in the past. So I guess we don't want to be labeled. We don't really talk about it, but the actions speak louder than words, am I right? So you're seeing it. You're living it."

In August 2020, Cruz married artist Fernando Garcia. In December 2021, Cruz and Garcia announced they're expecting twins. In March 2022, Cruz announced on Instagram that she had welcomed twins (a girl and a boy). In February 2025, Cruz announced that she and Garcia are expecting their third child together. In October 2025, they welcomed their third child.

Discography Hollywood Gypsy (2010)

Singles Year Title Album 2018 Don't Waste My Time (Ft. Feefa) TBA 2019 Melly 16 TBA La Hora Loca TBA

Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 2016 13 Steps Izar2019This Changes EverythingHerselfDocumentary film2020 Here After Susan Faraway Eyes Nessa JenningsRosaRosashort film Tremors: Shrieker Island Freddie2021 Lansky Dafne I Love Us Ruby Ellis Nuevo Rico Barbie short film; voice Midnight in the Switchgrass Suzanna All the World Is Sleeping Toaster2022 Panama Cynthia Benitez Bumblebees Cyd short film BOYMOM Mom2023History of EvilAlegre Dyer2024Blood, Beach, BetrayalLuciaSay a Little PrayerRuby Serrano2025Things Like ThisAvaBest EyesRosashort film; post-productionBetty Bird Goes to WarBeeshort film2026Never Change!Victoria MayoTBACleveland.ErikaUpcomingTBAWoozyGloriaUpcoming

Television Year Title Role Notes 2007 Graciela Episode: "The New Guy" 2008 My Own Worst Enemy Mendez's Girlfriend Episode: "Down Rio Way" 2009–2010 Kourtney & Khloé Take Miami Herself 2 episodes 2013–2019 Orange Is the New Black Marisol "Flaca" Gonzales 2014 Unforgettable Maria Torres Episode: "True Identity" 2016 Blue Bloods Rosa Alvarez Episode "Blast from the Past" 2020 Good Girls Rhea Recurring role (season 3)Acting for a CauseLady CapuletEpisode: “Romeo and Juliet” 2024 Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story Alyssa Pladl Television film

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