Soliman Cruz
Soliman Cruz | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 14, 1963 |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
| Children | 4 |
Soliman Cruz is a Filipino actor.
Early life and education
[edit]Cruz was born in September 14, 1963.[1][2] He has been into theater since fifth grade and an attendee of the Kasaysayan ng Lahi Summer Arts Workshop at Nayong Pilipino.[3]
Dulaang Sibol director Onofre R. Pagsanghan scouted Cruz in a workshop theater workshop in Camp Claudio, Parañaque. Pagsanghan endorsed Cruz's enrollment to the Philippine High School for the Arts in Los Baños, Laguna.[4][5] He did not enter college.[4]
Career
[edit]After graduating from high school, Cruz joined the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Bulwagang Gantimpala in the 1980s and impressed theater director Tony Espejo. He was cast in roles suitable for his "intense, macho acting".[4] He initially started with supporting roles but was given lead roles such as a Vietnamese refugee in Bienvenido Noriega's "Takas". Cruz is also noted for directing children's plays. His contemporaries included Pen Medina.[6]
Cruz's first short film was the 8mm Kwentong Barbero in 1991 of director Jon Red. He had a break when he portrayed the father of the gay protagonist in the 2005 film, The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros. He then appeared in the 2006 Metro Manila Film Festival film Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo. He also acted in independent films such as Manila Skies (2009) and Norte (2013).[7] He often appears in supporting roles for works of Filipino director Lav Diaz.[8]
Cruz had a hiatus in his career due to suffering from drug dependency.[9] He went back to acting in 2017.[6][8]
He has also appeared in supporting roles in television such as Ang Probinsyano or Pepito Manaloto.[3]
In 2021, Cruz was filming for Spre Nord (To The North) of director Mihai Mincan. The Romanian film tackles themes of addiction which parallels with Cruz's own personal life.[10] He got a role due to Mincan being a fan of Diaz's works.[8]
Personal life
[edit]Cruz had two daughters with actress Roence Santos.[4][5] In total he has three biological children and a stepdaughter.[8]
Cruz became dependent on illegal drugs with him wandering in the streets near Manila Bay becoming viral.[11]
He featured in a December 2012 episode of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho where he was evaluated by psychiatrist-psychologist Randy Dellosa who diagnosed him with methamphetamine addiction with possible schizophrenia.[5][9] Alternatively he is reported to use cocaine.[4]
He eventually volunteered himself to undergo drug rehabilitation in 2015.[12] He was treated in several places; Bicutan, Bulacan and Cavite.[6] He recovered by 2018.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ "Happy Birthday Soliman Cruz". Dreamscape Entertainment. 14 September 2018. Retrieved 29 December 2024 – via Instagram.
- ^ Gabinete, Jojo (28 March 2021). "Ano ang reaksyon ni Soliman Cruz sa pagiging bida sa edad na 58 at sa international movie pa?" [What is the reaction of Soliman Cruz on being in a lead role at age 58, and in an international movie even?]. PEP.ph (in Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- ^ a b Suralta, Bryle (25 November 2022). "Character Actor Soliman Cruz on His Best Roles: 'Yung May Stench or Purgation sa Kanyang Pagkatao'". Esquiremag.ph. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Guerrero, Amadis Ma. (5 January 2012). "Soliman Cruz conquers his demons". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- ^ a b c Cruz, Marinel (5 January 2013). "The perplexing Soliman Cruz". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- ^ a b c "Soliman Cruz is back onstage and reclaiming his life". Lifestyle.INQ. 30 June 2017. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- ^ Bhandari, Shirin (18 August 2018). "The Recovery of Soliman Cruz". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Nepales, Janet Susan (25 September 2022). "Soliman Cruz, the surprise leading man in European film 'To the North'". GMA News. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- ^ a b Montealegre, Lyn Luna (20 December 2024). "Soliman Cruz admits hearing voices in his head; diagnosed with probable schizophrenia". PEP.ph (in Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- ^ Arevalo, Rica (17 May 2021). "The destiny of Soliman Cruz". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- ^ Kang, Kristine (29 May 2024). "Soliman Cruz, pinagsisisihan ang kanyang adiksyon noon" [Soliman Cruz, regrets past addiction]. GMA Enterntainment (in Filipino). Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- ^ Llanera, Melba (21 January 2023). "Soliman Cruz finds redemption after voluntary drug rehab". PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. Retrieved 29 December 2024.