Meet Eddie Ruiz | Actor/Producer/Writer/Teaching Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eddie Ruiz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eddie, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor has been staying true to myself. I started working very quickly in Hollywood when I returned from grad school in London, UK. I started noticing the demand for my work but not recognizing the purpose of my intention with my work. I recognized this conflict in my success when I wasn’t happy with the characters I was portraying and who was really telling stories that were suppose to reflect my communities and indigenous roots. After some reflection and noticing my own power in selecting my own work, I began to produce, write and chose my own projects about stories that reflected truthful stories and characters. This has given me the power to stay honest and authentic to myself, more importantly, my work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most excited and proud that I have crossed into several forms of artistic means. I have worked professionally as an actor, producer, writer from independent to studio projects. I have also worked in radio on one of the biggest shows in Los Angeles “Big Boy Morning Show” with Big Boy himself as Eddie: The Intern which led me to some voice-over work in several video games. The latest success and passion that I have discovered is being a Teaching Artist in marginalized and underserved communities. I will always give credit to my education first. Graduation from The Central School of Speech and Drama prepared me to the fullest for my future and it really opened a lot of doors for me. Nothing about this business is easy as everything is unpredictable, but continue to practice meditation and preparation. I have discovered that balancing your time and efforts allows you to reenergize yourself in this exhausting business. I have picked up many hobbies that allow me to escape and go into places that allow to express myself artistically but not have to worry about any deadlines or memorizing of lines.
I have learned that nothing is certain until you sign a contract. I also have leaned that if you want to see representation of yourself, you must create that. So if you want it in film, write it. If you want it in our schools, be the teacher. Do the work, lets not just complain about it.
I want the world to know that I never settled. I never compromised for the sake of a paycheck. I have walked away from huge paycheck but I chose my integrity over money.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ah man. I am the most low-key person. I am all about back yard hang outs and my cooking. I love to cook for my friends and family. But if I had to chose, always go back to my roots, Boyle Heights. I am all about Marisco Trucks and their seafood cocteles near State Street. I also love walking all the bridges that connect Boyle to downtown, especially at night when downtown is lit up. I am all about the panaderas on 1st street and supporting our fruteros at the local parks. Lastly, is finding the local coffee shops that always have cafe de la olla. I grew up on all of this and these streets and I will make sure to keep exposing my 2 kids to my community and anyone else in my life.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My inspiration comes straight up from my family! I was raised in a Mexican household were traditions were the priorities. My family is one of the most caring and giving individuals. My father taught me the importance of being disciplined and business savvy. While my mother taught me to be connected with my emotions and always show respect. I constantly learn from my siblings as they all continue to break the socio-cultural barriers with their ongoing success in their individual careers. They continue to push me in my own artistic endeavors and always dream beyond the limits. Whenever I feel down or discouraged, I think about all the hardships my family overcame and is revives my inspiration for my aspirations.

Website: www.eddie-ruiz.com

Instagram: el_eddieruiz

Twitter: @TheEddieRuiz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Actor.Eddie.Ruiz