Ruby Jean Cruz (born March 31, 2000) is an American actress. She has acted in various short films and television series including Mare of Easttown and Castle Rock, and most notably as Kit Tanthalos in Willow.
In 2023, she made her feature length movie debut as Hazel Callahan in Bottoms, directed by Emma Seligman.
Career Ruby Cruz was born to actor and musician Brandon Cruz and Liz Cruz, an entrepreneur. Cruz grew up in Los Angeles, California, and began auditioning for film and television roles in high school. She studied theater at DePaul University before dropping out to pursue her acting career.
In 2018, Cruz played the younger version of Lizzy Caplan's character, Annie Wilkes, in Castle Rock. Cruz received praise from TVLine for the way she captured Caplan's physicality. In 2020, Cruz appeared in season 10 of Blue Bloods.
In 2021, Cruz appeared as Jess Riley in the HBO drama series Mare of Easttown. Later that year, Cruz was cast as Kit Tanthalos, the first openly lesbian Disney princess, in the television series Willow. She took over the role from friend and Mare of Easttown costar Cailee Spaeny, who dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. The show, which premiered in November 2022, acts as a sequel to the 1988 film of the same title.
In 2023, she appeared alongside Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri in Bottoms as Hazel Callahan, a co-founder of a high school fight club for girls. In 2024, she joined the cast for the third season of The Sex Lives of College Girls as Ash. In 2025, she starred in The Threesome, a romantic comedy film. In 2026, she joined the cast of the Elden Ring film, a live-action adaptation of the game of the same name. It is set for a March 2028 release.
Personal life Cruz is queer and of Mexican heritage. Her father is American former actor and punk musician Brandon Cruz. Her mother, Elizabeth "Liz" Cruz (), is an entrepreneur, whom her father married in 1994 and later divorced. She has one older brother, Lincoln, born 1995.
Filmography
Films Year Title Role Notes 2018 Aging Out June Short film The Jump Luna Murder On The Green Lucy 2019 Spin The School Girl 2020God Is a Lobster Bea 2023 Bottoms Hazel Callahan 2024 What Would Jesus Do? Thandi Short film 2025 By Design Shelia the Intern Steak Dinner Taylor Short film The Threesome Jenny 2026 Magazine Greer 2028 Elden Ring Post-production
Television Year Title Role Notes 2019 Castle Rock Teen Annie Wilkes 2 episodes 2020 Blue Bloods Amanda Webster Episode: "Where the Truth Lies" 2021 Mare of Easttown Jess Riley 6 episodes 2022 Willow Princess Kit Tanthalos/Young Bavmorda (voice only) 8 episodes 2024–2025The Sex Lives of College Girls Ash 5 episodes 2026 For All Mankind Lily Dale Main role (season 5)
Music videos YearTitleArtist2023"Salad"Blondshell
References
Further reading 'Willow' stars Ruby Cruz and Erin Kellyman break down that epic love scene ‘Willow’ Star Ruby Cruz Talks Her Complicated Disney Princess and Taking Over the Role From Her Good Friend Ruby Cruz Says Playing Princess Kit in Willow Was 'Empowering' And 'Therapeutic' | Exclusive 'Willow': Ruby Cruz on How She Carved Her Own Unique Path to Becoming a Disney Series Star ‘Willow’: Ruby Cruz Cast As A Lead In Disney+ Series
External links