John Lloyd Cruz

Currently considered as the Philippines’ Box Office King, John Lloyd Cruz is one of the best actors of his generation. Named after the saint, John the Baptist, the actor was born on June 24, 1983 to Filipino parents. He initially dreamed to be a pilot, but fate had other plans for him. He was just walking around the mall when he was spotted by a talent scout, who was hell-bent on bringing him to ABS-CBN. He wanted to help out his family financially, so he gave in to the insistence of the scout. So at 14 years old, he became of the members of Star Magic, the talent center of ABS-CBN. He was launched in a group called Koolits with Baron Geisler and Marc Solis. The group eventually dissolved, and John Lloyd was left to his own devices.

His biggest break came in with his role in the teen-oriented series Tabing Ilog, where he received his first acting award in the 2001 Star Awards for TV. Other meaty roles followed, but it was in the drama Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay that his acting chops was really recognized. Paired with the lovely Bea Alonzo, they soon became one of the hottest loveteams in the network. Their huge following spawned more TV series roles, including the hit Maging Sino Ka Man, where he and Bea became full-pledged dramatic actors with their intense roles.

Critics were in awe of John Lloyd’s talent, and soon he was hailed as “the next Christopher De Leon.” John Lloyd starred with the veteran actor in Maging Sino Ka Man, and it was clear that John Lloyd can pit talents against Christopher.

His movies include All About Love (2006), One More Chance (2007) and A Very Special Love (2008). He is set to star in two more films in 2009.

The actor also became a much sought-after endorser, and he is now the commercial model for leading brands such as Nescafe and Biogesic. He is also one of the image models for Bench, along with Bea.