J.R. Cruz(II)

Actor, Writer, Improviser, Comedian, but most notably an accomplished Omnivore. Growing up in California's San Fernando Valley Pacoima projects, J.R.'s life was nothing less than ordinary after losing his mother at an early age and being raised by his grandparents. J.R was imprinted with an invaluable lesson, that life is too short to do something that doesn't make you happy. So going against the grain, J.R. plunged into the Dramatic Arts. Shortly after high school, J.R. landed a supporting role in the Sundance Award Winning film "Quincenera" which received Audience and Jury Award for best Dramatic Film. J.R. continued to star in many independent films while attending Pierce College in pursue of his Arts degree. J.R. has been studying and performing improv comedy since he was 18. He is one of the founding members of The Gardener's Improv Comedy troupe, a former student at the Groundlings School of Improv, and also an improv instructor at DUSTIN FELDER ACTING STUDIO. He believes that life is improv: "If you shut up and listen before you reply, everything will build from there. The better performer/actor you are the better person you will become and visa versa. Listening is not just an imperative improv rule, it's an act which makes you a better human being." He has also had the honorable pleasure of studying with one of Hollywood's best go-to acting coaches Dustin Felder who is now not only his friend, but also his colleague. Although his first and greatest love will always be stage and live comedy performances, J.R. continues to see success in film and television. J.R.'s latest booking on "The After" was a dream for him as he had the pleasure of working with Chris Cater, Director and Creator of X Files. Make sure to check him out performing Standup in your local Comedy Club.