Mercedes De La Cruz is a celebrated Canadian actress renowned for her captivating and diverse performances across numerous television series and independent films. Before making her mark in acting, Mercedes De La Cruz established herself as a successful model, gracing the cover of ALEPH Magazine and becoming a recognizable face as Former Miss Hawaiian Tropic and Poster Girl for Molson Canadian. Notably, Mercedes De La Cruz secured a high-profile campaign for The Brick, preceding Cindy Crawford in the role, demonstrating her early career success and broad appeal.
Transitioning from a flourishing modeling career, Mercedes De La Cruz seamlessly moved into acting, quickly earning acclaim as a versatile supporting actress. Her talent was recognized early on, with Academy Award nominee Sally Kirkland praising her as a “great actress.” Mercedes De La Cruz’s compelling portrayal of Carla, a resourceful pregnant prostitute in “Ramshackle Blues,” garnered her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 2019 Vancouver Badass Film Festival, marking a significant milestone in her acting journey. Further solidifying her acting prowess, in 2021, Mercedes De La Cruz received the prestigious Best Actress award from the World Film Carnival Singapore, an international film festival, for her captivating performance in the mystery/horror film ”Because You’re Dead To Me.”
Born and raised in Edmonton, Canada, Mercedes De La Cruz’s passion for performance ignited at the young age of three when she began performing on stage. Displaying exceptional talent in dance, she amassed numerous awards and accolades, including the Outstanding Performer award from Lecky’s School of Dancing in 1994. Her dedication to dance led her to perform in front of large audiences in notable productions like “The Nutcracker” with the Alberta Ballet. From dance, Mercedes De La Cruz expanded her artistic horizons into Musical Theater and subsequently Classical Theater, where she discovered her deep passion for the craft of acting.
Mercedes De La Cruz began her acting career with smaller roles and appearances in music videos. In 2009, she made a pivotal move to Vancouver, often referred to as “Hollywood North,” to dedicate herself fully to acting. This strategic decision quickly paid off as she secured numerous international commercials and began appearing in a variety of popular TV shows and films. Her growing filmography includes appearances in Hallmark’s “Right In Front of Me” alongside Janel Parrish, Lifetime’s “Lonestar Christmas” with Marco Grazzini, AMC’s “Bates Motel” opposite Freddie Highmore, Bravo’s “Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce” with Lisa Edelstein, History Channel’s “Project Blue Book” alongside Aidan Gillen of “Game Of Thrones” fame, and the WB’s “Supernatural” opposite Jared Padalecki. These roles showcase her versatility and ability to excel in diverse genres and productions.
Recently, Mercedes De La Cruz completed filming as the co-lead in the feature film “Because You’re Dead To Me,” further cementing her status as a leading talent. She also secured roles in “The Machine” for Legendary Pictures and Netflix’s series “Maid,” directed and executive produced by John Wells, adding to her impressive and expanding portfolio. In 2021, a significant recognition of her contribution to the television industry came with her admission into the Television Academy as a voting member for the Emmy Awards, a testament to her industry standing and peer recognition.
Throughout her career, Mercedes De La Cruz has honed her acting skills by studying with a diverse range of esteemed coaches, including Jeff Seymour, John Cassini, Neil Schell, Kate Twa, Dean Armstrong, Mathew Harrison, Zibby Allen, Jeb Beach, Bradley Stryker, Michelle Allen, Anthony Shim, Lindsay Gibson, Edward Foy, Daniel Bacon, Rhonda Fisecki, Shea Hampton, and Adam Davenport. This commitment to continuous learning and refinement underscores her dedication to her craft and her pursuit of excellence in acting. Mercedes De La Cruz continues to build a dynamic and impressive career, marked by versatility, talent, and a strong commitment to her art.
