Life & Work with Terrence Cruz of Torrance

Today we’d like to introduce you to Terrence Cruz.

Terrence, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Since I could remember I’ve always loved live performances, whether that’s come in the form of sports, film, music, or comedy. I grew up knowing I wanted to make people feel something. I’ve trained in combat sports my whole life and the same mentality to perform at my best is easily applicable to the way I see film projects. After graduating high school, I started with background work to get experience being on set. I learned how the industry works on shoot days, how everyone’s responsibilities affect others, and how I can become who I want to be. I was fortunate enough to level up and land the lead roles on short films, indie projects, commercials, and more. Being blessed enough to experience red carpet premieres and seeing myself on the big screen was a step towards making my dreams come true, and hope to enjoy doing this for the rest of my life!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely was never a smooth road. I’ve failed so many times, been rejected by some dream roles, come up short often enough where I felt defeated. A lot of things within my own wrongdoing, but some out of my control. Trying to balance my passion for MMA and acting is also difficult, I’ve had to learn how to balance what meant more to me in certain moments and as necessary as sacrifices are to make, it doesn’t get any easier. Each “no” I get from every casting director is just another moment closer to the next “yes” and as long as I keep that mindset and continue to improve my craft, the struggles are all worth it. It’s always going to be part of the game!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an actor! The projects I’ve had the most fun on have been other directors’ passion projects. It allows for the most creativity, collaboration, and the vibes on set are unmatched. It’s a lot more fun to be a part of something that everyone on set wants to be part of because they love it rather than a paycheck. I’ve also done all my own stunts, I’m proud to be able to use my MMA experience to coordinate my own fight scenes, which allows me to blend doing the two things I love. I think what sets me apart from others is my open minded attitude, I’m always trying to be better, do better, and finish what needs to be done in order to get where we need to be. The best feedback I always get is that I’m easy to work with and I appreciate how much fun being on set is.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love that Los Angeles is a giant melting pot. There’s so many different kinds of people, cultures, food, and activities. Everything I want and need is within an hour or two drive. Where else can you go snowboarding in big bear in the morning and enjoying the beach sunset in the same day? Then being able to enjoy authentic cuisine from countries across the planet both on the same street, we’re blessed to be able to experience so much.

The worst parts? Bad drivers, rude entitled influencers, selfish hate-filled people, expensive restaurants with small portions, overpriced coffee (why are we charging $10 for a 16-20oz?), and how the Lakers haven’t been champions since covid started.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beacons.ai/terrencejcruz
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrencejcruz
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/o_xh535Crv
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@terrencejcruz

Image Credits
Lola Miche
Paul Dimalanta
Ana Karotkaya
Emily Herrmann