Gabrielle Ruiz


Gabrielle Ruiz is an American actress best known for playing the role of Valencia Perez on The CW musical comedy-drama series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Prior to Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, she performed in several Broadway musicals.

Early life and education

Gabrielle was born to Eduardo and Sylvia Ruiz in Edinburg, Texas. Both parents are of Mexican heritage. She discovered her love of performing at a young age through dance. She was trained in dance at Melba's School of Dance and the Texas Association for Teachers of Dance. She also took vocal lessons and was part of the Texas All-State Choir. She attended public schools through high school, and graduated from Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance in 2007. While in college she was a member of the American Spirit Dance Company, OCU Rhythms, numerous musicals, work-study, and the Alpha Phi women's fraternity.

Career

After college, Ruiz landed various roles on both television and Broadway. Her breakthrough role was playing Valencia Perez on The CW comedy-drama series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of Hamilton, saw her perform in his musical In the Heights and referred her to the CXG show producers. On the basis of his recommendation, she got an audition and then landed the part.

Personal life

On August 4, 2016, Ruiz married Philip Pisanchyn in a small private ceremony at a villa on Saint Martin. They live in New York City and occasionally Los Angeles. On April 28, 2021 she gave birth to a girl, Mercedes.

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
2007One Life to LivePrincipal DancerEpisode #1.9956
2009Sesame StreetSinging ElectricianEpisode: "Y a Quest, Y Not?"
2013Law & Order: SVUTinaEpisode: "Deadly Ambition"
2015–2019Crazy Ex-GirlfriendValencia PerezRecurring role
Main role
2016Orange is the New BlackSinging Inmate #2Episode: "Power Suit"
2018Alone TogetherLindaEpisode: "Pop-Up"
2019Modern FamilyAnneEpisode: "Snapped"
2019The FilthFrantic ShopperEpisode: "Filthy Day Jobs"
2019Better ThingsHerselfEpisode: "The Unknown"
2020Action Nat and the CatBellEpisode: "The Field Trip"
20202024Star Trek: Lower DecksLieutenant Lemonts / Ensign Castro / T'LynVoice, 17 episodes
2021Mr. MayorEmily BiyataEpisode: "Dodger Day"
2021–presentSpidey and His Amazing FriendsRio Morales

TitleRoleTheater performed
If/ThenFeatured, understudy Anne & ElenaRichard Rodgers Theater
EvitaFeaturedMarquis Theater
In the HeightsCarla, understudy Nina & VanessaRichard Rodgers Theater
A Chorus LineDiana MoralesThird National Tour