marcel ruiz
A Columbia University Class of ’25 graduate with top honors, Marcel Ruiz is eager to introduce to the industry and his loyal fan base the 21yrs old version of the adorable and talented teenager in “One Day at a Time” and “Breakthrough”! Growing up with award-winning directors for parents and a notable television host and comedian for a grandfather, Marcel Ruiz was introduced to the entertainment industry at an early age. Born in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ruiz moved to Los Angeles at age 9, turning his acting hobby into a full-fledged career.
Ruiz starred as Alex Alvarez in Netflix’s “One Day at a Time” opposite Rita Moreno, Justina Machado, and Isabella Gomez. Developed by Gloria Calderon-Kellett and Mike Royce, and executive produced by Norman Lear. Inspired by Lear’s 1975 series of the same name, it depicts three generations of a modern Cuban-American family and the trials and tribulations they face in their day-to-day lives, living under one roof. His performance earned him an Imagen Award for Best Young Actor, a Teen Choice Award nomination for Comedy TV Actor, and Variety Magazine's 10 Latinxs to Watch.
On the big screen, he was seen as John Smith, the young lead in 20th Century Fox’s “Breakthrough”, alongside Chrissy Metz, Josh Lucas, and Topher Grace. Based on a true story, the film features Ruiz as John Smith, the 14-year-old Missouri teen who fell through ice, drowned, and was pronounced legally dead. Soon thereafter, John was miraculously revived. The film was Produced by DeVon Franklin and Executive Produced by Stephen Curry’s Unanimous Media.
Most recently, while attending his final year at Columbia, he co-wrote, executive produced, and starred in the coming-of-age feature film “Summer of 3”. The film follows “Javi,” played by Ruiz, who, after moving to L.A. following his father's death, is forced to return to Puerto Rico for his grandpa's funeral. He soon meets two social misfits who turn his summer around and entangle him in the middle of a love triangle. His other passions include DJ’ing, writing, photography, fashion, and athletics, specifically basketball and soccer. Ruiz currently resides in New York and Los Angeles.
