Ruby Cruz Net Worth

Ruby Cruz, an American actress born on March 31, 2000, has made her mark in the entertainment industry with her versatile performances. 

Best known for her role as Kit Tanthalos in the Disney+ series Willow, she has showcased her talent in various short films and television series. In 2023, Cruz took a significant step in her career by making her feature-length movie debut in Bottoms. 

As her career continues to soar, this article delves into her journey, her accomplishments, and her net worth, providing insights into the rising star’s professional trajectory.

Ruby Cruz’s net worth and career

Despite her young age, Cruz’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million, a remarkable achievement for someone just starting their career. 

Her journey to success began in her hometown of Los Angeles, California, where she was born to actor and musician Brandon Cruz and entrepreneur Liz Cruz. She began auditioning for film and television roles while still in high school. 

Her dedication to honing her craft led her to study theater at DePaul University. Still, she eventually dropped out to pursue her acting career full-time.

In 2018, she made her debut in the psychological horror series Castle Rock, playing the younger version of Lizzy Caplan’s character, Annie Wilkes. 

Ruby Cruz photographed by Timothy Fernandez (Source: Reddit)

Her performance was praised by critics, with TVLine commending her for capturing Caplan’s physicality. This early success paved the way for further opportunities. In 2020, she appeared in an episode of the long-running police procedural drama Blue Bloods.

Following that, 2021 proved to be a pivotal year for her career. She appeared in the critically acclaimed HBO drama series Mare of Easttown, and later that year, she landed the role of Kit Tanthalos, the first openly lesbian Disney princess, in the television series Willow.

Then, in 2023, she took a significant step in her career by making her feature-length movie debut in the film Bottoms. Directed by Emma Seligman, she played Hazel Callahan, alongside Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri. 

As Ruby’s career continues to soar, her net worth and fame are likely to follow suit. With a promising start in the entertainment industry, she has already proven her talent and versatility, and her future looks bright. 

Ruby Cruz had a supporting role in Mare of Easttown

In the critically acclaimed HBO crime drama limited series Mare of Easttown, Cruz had a supporting role that showcased her acting talent and contributed to the show’s rich ensemble cast. 

While Kate Winslet garnered widespread praise for her leading performance as Detective Marianne “Mare” Sheehan, her portrayal of Jess Riley, a supporting character, added depth and layers to the series’ storytelling.

Jess was the best friend of Erin McMenamin, a teenage single mother whose murder serves as the central mystery that Mare investigates. As Erin’s closest confidant, Jess played a pivotal role in the narrative, providing insight into Erin’s life and relationships. 

Ruby Cruz as Jess Riley in ‘Mare of Easttown’ (Source: Icons & Headers)

Her performance as Jess captured the nuances of a complex friendship, depicting the loyalty and support she offered Erin while also hinting at the tensions and conflicts that existed between the two young women.

Throughout the series, her portrayal of Jess allowed the audience to glimpse into the lives of Easttown’s youth, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and struggles they faced. 

Jess’s interactions with Mare and other characters revealed the societal pressures and hardships that shaped her and Erin’s experiences, adding texture and realism to the storytelling.

Ruby Cruz played a Disney princess in ‘Willow’

In 2022, Cruz made history by portraying Kit Tanthalos, the first openly lesbian Disney princess, in Willow. 

The show, a sequel to the beloved 1988 fantasy film of the same name, marked a significant milestone in Disney’s representation of LGBTQ+ characters. 

Her portrayal of Kit not only broke new ground but also demonstrated her versatility as an actress, navigating the complex world of fantasy and delivering a performance that resonated with audiences.

Kit, the daughter of Queen Sorsha and a member of the royal family of Tir Asleen embodies the classic Disney princess archetype. She possessed a tragic backstory, rebelled against the life planned for her, and embarked on a journey of self-discovery. 

However, what set Kit apart was her identity as an openly lesbian princess, a groundbreaking representation in the Disney canon.

Her portrayal of Kit was multifaceted, showcasing her ability to capture the essence of a Disney princess while also bringing depth and authenticity to a character that defied traditional norms. 

Kit’s romantic relationship with Shining Legion Knight Jade Claymore was a central aspect of her character arc. Her chemistry with her on-screen love interest was praised by critics and audiences alike. 

Beyond her romantic storyline, Kit’s journey involved navigating the expectations placed upon her as a princess, her desire to forge her path, and her growth as a person and a leader. 

She portrayed these nuances with skill, delivering a performance that resonated with audiences and showcased her range as an actress.

Ruby Cruz’s renowned role in ‘Bottoms’

Cruz took a significant stride in her career by delivering an acclaimed performance in the 2023 satirical teen comedy film Bottoms. The movie offered her a platform to showcase her versatility, stepping away from the fantasy genre and into the realm of edgy, genre-defying comedy.

In Bottoms, she portrayed Hazel, a high school senior and co-founder of an underground fight club, alongside her best friends PJ (Rachel Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri).

 While PJ and Josie’s initial motivation for starting the club was to attract cheerleaders, Hazel’s involvement stemmed from a desire for empowerment and a sense of belonging. 

Her performance as Hazel was widely praised by critics, who commended her ability to balance the comedic and dramatic elements of the character.

Hazel’s emotional arc, including her strained relationship with her mother, her feelings of isolation, and her eventual reconciliation with her friends, allowed her to demonstrate her range as an actress. 

Her ability to convey Hazel’s inner turmoil and her growth throughout the film’s narrative was a testament to her talent. In addition to her portrayal of Hazel’s emotional journey, she also excelled in the film’s more outrageous and comedic moments. 

Whether engaging in the chaotic and violent fight club sessions or navigating the film’s over-the-top satire, her comedic timing and commitment to the character’s quirks and idiosyncrasies added depth and authenticity to the performance.