The name Ella Cruz begets a sense of familiarity. Naturally so, as you may have been seeing her for many years now. From a child actress to a budding veteran in the entertainment industry, Ella is here to stay.
She worked her way up from playing auxiliary characters to currently Viva’s favorite character actress. I wouldn’t be surprised, as she is undeniably talented even at an early age.
Now that she stars in another blockbuster film, Gluta, let us know more about the life and work of the super talented Ella. Here are the things you may not know about Ella Cruz.
EARLY LIFE
Ella was born as Gabriela Annjane Umali Cruz on August 17, 1996 in Angat, Bulacan, Philippines. She has two other siblings, sisters Trisha and Iana and a brother named Ethan. She went to Angelicum College in Quezon City.
CAREER BEGINNINGS
Ella began her career in showbusiness with GMA Network. She appeared in her first television series Majika the high rating fantasy television series, as the Young Sabina in 2006. In the same year, she landed two episode projects for Now and Forever (Duyan and Dangal). She also appeared as the young version of Nadine Samonte in Super Twins way back in 2007.
Ella practically started her career playing the younger version of leading characters. In 2007, she played the Young Marimar (Marian Rivera) in the hit remake of the Mexican television series Marimar. She transferred to ABS CBN, the rival network in the same year and appeared in Maalaala Mo Kaya, Panyo episode. This was her first project with the network.
In 2009, she landed a major role in Carlo J Caparas’ Panday Kids, playing the role of Jenny. She also landed a supporting role in the drama fantasy series Ilumina, which was directed by Topel Lee and Mark Reyes. She acted besides Rhian Ramos, Aljur Abrenica and Jackie Rice.
FROM CHILD ACTRESS TO TEEN STAR
Like many celebrities in the Philippines, Ella grew up in front of the camera. She transitioned from taking children roles to teenage characters. In 2012, she acted as the teen Jasmin Valderama in the drama series Dahil Sa Pag Ibig which stars veteran actors Piolo Pascual, Jericho Rosales, Cristine Reyes and Maricar Reyes.
She also guested in the teen situational comedy series Luv U created and directed by the legendary Edgar Mortiz. In 2012, she landed the main role in the fantasy drama Aryana. She was also among the lead characters in the teen drama television series Bagito which stars Nash Aguas, Alexa Ilacad, Ariel Rivera and Angel Aquino.
MATURING IN TO A PROMISING ACTOR
Ella continued her journey into showbusiness, expanding the roles she plays. As a multi-talented actor, she is also a constant performer or guest performer in talk shows and is a constant face at the variety entertainment noon show ASAP.
She currently plays the role of Lisa in the high rating primetime television drama FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano in ABS-CBN.
AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS
With her extensive roles in television and films, it is not surprising for Ella to be nominated and awarded for her acting calliber. She got her first nomination and acting award from the 56th FAMAS Awards for Best Child Actress in 2008. In the same year, she won the 2nd Gawad Genio Awards for the Best Film Child Performer.
Ella was also awarded the Best Supporting Actress Award from the film Edward in the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival in 2019.
Her latest film Gluta premiers last July 2 and is currently streaming at Vivamax. She plays the story of an indigenous Aeta who dreams of becoming a beauty queen. Have you watched it yet? Be sure to support our girl as she again surprises us with another comedy drama film we will surely love!
