Jackie Cruz
A Dominican-American actress and singer who turned her role as Flaca on 'Orange Is the New Black' into a platform for authentic Latina representation.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Dominican–American actress, singer, and former model·Birthday: August 8·Millennials
Biography
Jackie Cruz's road to acting was unconventional. A severe car accident in her teens, which required a lengthy recovery, shifted her focus from modeling to performing. She landed small roles in film and television before her breakthrough as Marisol 'Flaca' Gonzales on Netflix's groundbreaking series 'Orange Is the New Black'. Over seven seasons, she developed Flaca from a background inmate into a fan-favorite character with depth, humor, and a musical soul. Off-screen, Cruz is a vocal advocate for Latino representation in Hollywood and a musician, releasing music that blends pop with Latin influences. Her career embodies a drive to create opportunities and tell stories that reflect her own heritage and experiences.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jackie was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jackie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jackie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Marisol 'Flaca' Gonzales across all seven seasons of the hit Netflix series 'Orange Is the New Black'.
- Released her debut EP 'Chapter One' in 2020, showcasing her work as a singer-songwriter.
- Founded a production company focused on developing content that highlights Latino stories and talent.
- Directed and starred in the music video for her single 'Loca', which amassed millions of views online.
Did You Know?
She was discovered by a modeling agent while shopping at a flea market in Los Angeles at age 15.
She taught herself to play guitar during her recovery from a near-fatal car accident.
She is a dual citizen of the United States and the Dominican Republic.
She has a tattoo of the word 'Flaca' on her wrist, in tribute to her character.
“I fought my way back to walk, then to act.”
