GABRIELLE RUIZ
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words by VANESSA SALLES photo by BOBBY QUILLARD
ith an electric presence both on and off screen, Gabrielle Ruiz shines as Valencia Perez on The CW’s musical comedy-drama, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Having made the leap from stage to screen, the Mexican-American actress quickly became a fan-favorite and was upped to series regular by the show’s second season.
didn’t need to struggle about her choice and no big announcement was necessary. She just found love and that love was with a human who happens to be a woman. All our fans have thanked us for representing this specific LGBTQ story and it’s been an absolute honor and joy to share. Valencia is comfortable in her choice and she doesn’t need anyone’s approval – that, to me, is very inspiring.”
“I immediately fell in love with the creativity of the show’s dark comedy,” she recalls. “Being a Broadway actress for many years, I was eager to work on a new project that featured so much song and dance.” Recalling her audition process, Gabrielle reveals that she initially had a different take on her character. “At my first audition, I was definitely a little sweeter with Valencia’s reactions to Rebecca,” she says. “Then, Aline Brosh McKenna and Rachel Bloom gave me permission to really let loose in call-backs and play her as this intimidating, insecure mean girl.”
With the show’s new and final season airing this month, it’s no surprise that the cast is just as sad about it as fans are. “I keep telling people that I feel as though I’m experiencing Senior Year,” she laughs. “It’s definitely bittersweet having to say goodbye to the show that changed my entire life. While on set, everyone comes to work confident and experienced in what they do best. All we can do is be present, savor all the moments we have left, and look ahead for what’s to come.”
Even at Valencia’s worst, viewers couldn’t help but root for her happy ending - a testament to Ruiz’s stellar acting. “I’m so proud of Valencia’s evolution throughout the past three seasons,” the actress shares. “What I’m most proud of is that the changes Valencia has made in her life were for herself and not for anyone else. I admire that she’s ceased the moment of reinventing herself. I think we can all do that in our own lives; cease the moment.” Season three of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend finds Valencia with a newfound confidence and in a new relationship. “The story of Valencia and Beth was handled in the exact opposite way that the show usually portrays big moments,” Gabrielle explains. “There was no song and dance for them and I loved that Aline and Rachel made that choice for Valencia’s big life change. She
As for what’s up next, Gabrielle hopes to enjoy some down time with her husband. Having started her career in New York City, the actress admits that it took some time to get used to California. “My husband and I have spent the last 3 years finding our groove,” she says. “Now, we’ve discovered a new way of life here in LA and this is our first year of feeling settled in our new home. Before the year ends, I hope we make time to vacation in Southern California!” When asked about future projects, Ruiz is open to giving the ‘mean girl’ role another go. “Having gotten a taste of Valencia’s mean side in season one, I think it’d be really fun to work on a super villain role,” she says. “I would also die a very happy woman if I was ever apart of the biopic of Cher. Now that’s a dream role! Right now, I am loving seeing diversity and representation on TV. It’s just the beginning which is very exciting and encouraging to think about.”