Ella Cruz Biography: Age, Boyfriend, Net Worth, Movies & TV Shows, Height

Gabriela Annjane “Ella” Umali Cruz, professionally known as Ella Cruz, is a multifaceted Filipino actress, dancer, model, host, and product endorser whose vibrant energy has lit up screens since childhood.

She first captured hearts at age 10 as the enchanting mermaid Aryana in the 2012 GMA Network fantasy series of the same name, a role that launched her into stardom and earned her child acting accolades.

Transitioning seamlessly across networks like ABS-CBN and TV5, Cruz has shone in teen dramas such as Dahil sa Pag-ibig and Bagito, while her film work in Maid in Malacañang stirred national conversations, blending her on-screen charisma with a bold, unfiltered voice that resonates in Philippine pop culture.

Profile

• Full Name: Gabriela Annjane Umali Cruz
• Stage Name: Ella Cruz
• Born: 17 August 1996
• Age: 29 years old
• Birthplace: Angat, Bulacan, Philippines
• Nationality: Filipino
• Occupation: Actress, Dancer, Model, Host, and Product Endorser
• Height: 1.53m
• Parents: Thristan Cruz and Jesica Janet Cruz
• Siblings: Trisha Cruz, Iana Cruz, and Ethan Cruz
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life and Education

Gabriela Annjane Umali Cruz was born on August 17, 1996, in Angat, Bulacan, Philippines, to Thristan Cruz, whose roots trace to Palau, and Jesica Janet Cruz, born in the Philippines.

The youngest of four, she grew up alongside sisters Trisha and Iana and brother Ethan in a supportive family that encouraged her artistic leanings from a tender age.

Cruz discovered her love for dance by mimicking hip-hop moves from music videos and enrolled in formal lessons early on, which fueled her entry into entertainment.

She attended local schools in Bulacan but left formal education after high school to chase acting opportunities full-time, later supplementing with on-set training.

Her ethnicity is Filipino with Palauan paternal heritage, and her religious beliefs remain unknown.

Career

Ella Cruz stepped into the spotlight at age nine with her debut in GMA Network’s Majika in 2006, a fantasy series that introduced her whimsical charm and dance flair to audiences.

She followed with child roles in films like Resiklo (2007), earning Best Child Actress at the 56th FAMAS Awards and Best Film Child Performer at the 2nd Gawad Genio Awards for her poignant portrayal amid environmental themes.

These early gigs, including spots on Goin’ Bulilit and hosting Tropang Potchi, built her foundation as a versatile young talent, blending innocence with budding intensity that caught the eye of producers across networks.

Cruz’s breakthrough arrived with the lead in Aryana (2012), where she embodied the nation’s first teen mermaid, navigating underwater adventures and romance that solidified her as a fantasy icon and paired her effectively with co-stars like Francis Magundayao in ABS-CBN’s Dahil sa Pag-ibig (2012).

She explored teen motherhood in Bagito (2014-2015) and hosted variety shows like Happy Truck ng Happinas on TV5, while dipping into Wattpad adaptations such as Avah Maldita (2017).

Signing with Viva Artists Agency in 2015 marked her pivot to mature roles, including the controversial Irene Marcos in Maid in Malacañang (2023), which sparked debates on history and drew both praise for her boldness and backlash for her candid interviews.

Cruz’s portfolio expands with indie films like Edward (2019) and recent TV5 projects including #ParangNormal Activity (2019), where her comedic timing shines alongside horror elements.

She ventured into digital content with TikTok dances and a 2016 poetry book Jump In co-authored with former love team partner Julian Trono, capturing their on-screen chemistry.

Her endorsements for brands like skincare lines and her dance covers with groups competing against Blackpink in Indonesia highlight her enduring appeal, fostering a legacy of empowering young Filipina performers through relatable, boundary-pushing narratives.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @ellacruz
• Facebook Handle: @officialellacruz
• Twitter Handle: @ella_cruz

Personal Life

Ella Cruz remains single with no spouse or children, prioritizing her craft and family bonds after a high-profile romance with actor Julian Trono from 2012 to 2017 that inspired fan fervor around their “JulianElla” pairing and culminated in their collaborative book.

Past links with co-stars like Francis Magundayao fueled on-set rumors, but she has kept subsequent relationships private, focusing instead on self-growth through dance and travel.

Filmography

• Resiklo (2007)
• A Moment in Time (2013)
• Edward (2019)
• Maid in Malacañang (2023)

Net Worth

Ella Cruz had an estimated net worth of $1 million.

Her earnings draw from a blend of acting salaries in series like Aryana and films such as Maid in Malacañang, coupled with lucrative product endorsements and hosting fees that tap her youthful appeal.

Dance gigs, social media collaborations, and residuals from early hits further bolster her finances, showcasing a steady climb in the competitive Philippine industry.