Rayver Cruz, whose full name is Raymond Oliver Cruz Ilustre, is a well-known Filipino actor, dancer, singer, and television host.
He is currently signed exclusively with GMA Network and has been a significant presence in the entertainment industry for more than twenty years.
He is particularly recognized for his leading roles in television series like “Spirits” and “Rounin.”
Beyond acting, Rayver has also impressed audiences with his remarkable dance skills and performances on numerous variety shows and dance competitions.
REAL FACTS ABOUT RAYVER CRUZ
FULL NAME: Raymond Oliver Cruz Ilustre
BETTER KNOWN AS: Rayver Cruz
DATE OF BIRTH: July 20, 1989
PLACE OF BIRTH: Las Piñas, Metro Manila, Philippines
NATIONALITY: Filipino
OCCUPATIONs: Actor, dancer, singer, TV host
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Raymond Oliver Cruz Ilustre was born on July 20, 1989, in Las Piñas, Metro Manila, Philippines. He is the son of Beth Cruz and the late Rodolfo Cruz, Sr., who passed away in 2009 due to kidney failure.
Rayver hails from the prominent Cruz family, renowned for their significant impact on the Philippine entertainment industry. He has two older brothers, Rodjun Cruz and Omar Cruz-Ilustre.
For his primary education, Rayver attended St. Mark’s Institute in Las Piñas. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Management from St. Francis of Assisi College in 2010.
CAREER
Rayver started his career as a child actor, co-hosting the children’s program 5 and Up on ABC (now TV5) alongside his brother Rodjun Cruz.
He later joined ABS-CBN and became a part of Star Magic in 2002, quickly rising to fame.
His big break came in 2005 when he took on his first leading role in the primetime series *Spirits*, portraying the character Red alongside Maja Salvador. He later played Mythos in *Rounin* (2007).
Throughout the years, Rayver has featured in a variety of popular television series and films, including:
– *Saturday Night Chills*
– *On the Job 2: The Missing 8*
– *The Cheating Game*
Additionally, he participated in *Ultimate Dance 4*, demonstrating his talents as a performer on various variety shows such as *Studio 7* and *All-Out Sundays*.
In 2018, after departing from Star Magic, Rayver made his return to GMA Network and has since hosted programs like *The Clash* alongside his girlfriend, Julie Anne San Jose.
PERSONAL LIFE
Rayver Cruz is currently in a relationship with singer-actress Julie Anne San Jose, which they publicly announced in February 2022.
Their connection has deepened over time, and they exchanged their first “I love you’s” in November 2023 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
Before dating Julie Anne, Rayver was in a relationship with actress Cristine Reyes. They began dating in 2011 but broke up in 2012.
Additionally, Rayver was previously rumored to be in a relationship with Sarah Geronimo before his time with Cristine, although that relationship was kept more private.
