Mercedes Dela Cruz, a Venezuelan-American-Spanish actress, has carved a remarkable path in the entertainment industry, showcasing her talents across modeling and acting for two decades. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, with roots tracing back to the Canary Islands through her Spanish father, Mercedes’ upbringing was split between Venezuela and the United States, fostering a rich multicultural background that informs her versatile career.
Her journey began in the world of modeling at a young age. Mercedes quickly became a sought-after face, representing prestigious brands across Europe, the USA, and South America. Her portfolio boasts collaborations with industry giants like 7UP, Lee Cooper, Bebe, and Nestle. She also graced commercials for Prada, Movilnet cellphones, Pisces Swimwear, Special K, and Blue Perfumes, among countless others. Her striking presence even led to a lead role in the MDO music video “Te Quise Olvidar,” further demonstrating her early appeal and versatility. Beyond fashion and music videos, Mercedes also became the face for major corporations such as COX cable CO., Comcast, McCafe, Trivial Pursuit Coca-Cola, and Tylenol, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in advertising.
Despite her flourishing modeling career, Mercedes pursued a law degree at the behest of her family. However, the allure of acting remained strong. Recognizing the need for rigorous training, she dedicated herself to studying under the renowned acting coach Eric Morris, whose students include Johnny Depp, Jack Nicholson, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. For four to six intense years, Mercedes immersed herself in Morris’s method acting techniques, honing her craft before venturing into the competitive world of film.
Her commitment to training paid off swiftly. Mercedes secured roles in both Venezuelan and Los Angeles-based productions, working alongside established actors like Eva Longoria in “Hustler’s Instinct” and Randall Battinkoff in “True Love.” These independent films garnered critical acclaim on the film festival circuit, including festivals in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, and Houston. “True Love” notably earned five awards, recognizing its direction, script, and overall quality, with particular praise directed towards the entire cast’s performances.
During a visit to Venezuela, a chance encounter with a TV network executive led to a pivotal opportunity. Mercedes was offered a lead role in a groundbreaking sitcom, one of the first of its kind produced in the country. She embraced the challenge, and the series became a resounding success for two years, significantly boosting her profile in her native country.
Returning to Los Angeles after her sitcom triumph (“Gato Tuerto”), Mercedes seamlessly transitioned back into the US market. She quickly landed roles in films and high-profile national commercials, continuing her upward trajectory. In 2011, she played a lead role in the action-packed motion picture “Disrupt/Dismantle,” also known as “Cartel War.” This film, distributed by Moving Pictures Film & TV and showcased at the Cannes Film Festival, competed in over twelve film festivals, winning five awards, including Best Production and Best Feature Film, further highlighting Mercedes’ talent and project quality.
That same year also saw the premiere of the Venezuelan film “Last Body” (“Ultimo Cuerpo”), where Mercedes played another leading role. The film traveled to prestigious film festivals in Colombia, Cuba, and Venezuela, expanding her reach within Latin American cinema. In 2012, she starred in the Venezuelan comedy “Solo en Casa” (“Alone at Home”), which became a box office success, ranking among the top-viewed films in Venezuela.
Mercedes’ commercial success in the United States continued to flourish. She became the national face of AT&T and a spokesperson for Comcast. Her appeal extended to the Hispanic market, where she collaborated with TV Azteca and became the image of Toyota. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, Mercedes’ international appeal is undeniable.
Beyond her on-screen achievements, Mercedes Dela Cruz is committed to social causes. A former Greenpeace activist, she actively supports ecological initiatives, children’s charities, peace advocacy, and animal rights. She also serves on the advisory board for The Artist and Athletes Alliance, further demonstrating her dedication to making a positive impact. Represented by Splitvision Entertainment, Optimisim Management, and Imperium 7 Agency for commercials, Mercedes Dela Cruz continues to build an impressive and diverse career. With over 10 films to her name and recognition as a highly talented actress, Mercedes Dela Cruz is undoubtedly a rising star with a promising global future.
