Gabrielle Ruiz is an American actress best known for playing the role of Valencia Perez on The CW comedy-drama series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. On May 23, 2016 it was announced that Ruiz was being promoted to series regular returning for season 2. Prior to Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, she acted in several Broadway musicals. On August 4, 2016 Ruiz married Philip Pisanchyn in a small private ceremony at a villa in Saint Martin. She currently resides in New York City with her husband.
Early life
Gabrielle was born to her parents Eduardo and Sylvia Ruiz in Edinburg, Texas. She discovered her love of performing at a young age through dance. She was trained in dance at Melba's School of Dance and the Texas Association for Teachers of Dance. Gabrielle also took vocal lessons which allowed her to excel in the Texas All-State Choir.
Education
Through high school, Gabrielle attended a public school. After graduation, Gabrielle attended Oklahoma City University to obtain a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance Performance. While in college she was a member of the American Spirit Dance Company, OCU Rhythms, numerous musicals, work-study, and Delta-Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi.
Career
After college, Gabrielle landed various roles on both television and Broadway. Her breakthrough role was as Valencia Perez on The CW comedy-drama series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Gabrielle is currently represented by VGP Artist Management and Kazarian/Measures/Ruskin & Associates. Her career isn't limited to acting, though: She is also a motivational speaker and teacher of future professional performers.
Filmography
Film roles Year Title Role Notes
2014 Sex, Love, and Salsa Maria Indie Film Award, Best Featured Actress
Television roles Title Role Broadcasting Station
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Valencia Perez The CW
Orange is the New Black Co-Star Netflix
Law & Order: SVU Co-Star NBC
Sesame Street Singing Electrician PBS
One Life to Live Principal Dancer/ Singer ABC Daytime
Broadway/ National Tour Title Role Theater performed
If/Then Featured, under study Anne & Elena Richard Rodgers Theater
Evita Featured Marquis Theater
In The Heights Carla, under study Nina & Elena Richard Rodgers Theater
A Chorus Line Diana Morales First National Tour
Gabrielle Ruiz - Vulture Awards Season Party, Sunset Tower Hotel in Los Angeles 08-12-2016 (x4)