Biography
Mercedes De La Cruz (Gendron) is a Canadian actress renowned for her captivating performances in over twenty television shows and independent films. As a model, she has appeared on the cover of ALEPH Magazine, held the title of Former Miss Hawaiian Tropic, served as the Molson Canadian Poster Girl, and secured a prominent contract with The Brick prior to Cindy Crawford taking over the campaign. Transitioning from a successful modeling career, De La Cruz became a versatile supporting actress, praised as a "great actress" by Academy Award nominee Sally Kirkland. Her portrayal of Carla, a clever pregnant prostitute in "Ramshackle Blues," earned her a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 2019 Vancouver Badass Film Festival. In 2021, she received the Best Actress award at the World Film Carnival Singapore for her role in the mystery/horror film "Because You're Dead To Me."
Born and raised in Edmonton, Canada, De La Cruz began performing on stage at age three. A talented dancer, she won numerous competitions and awards, including Outstanding Performer from Lecky's School of Dancing in 1994. She performed in front of large audiences in productions like "The Nutcracker" with the Alberta Ballet. Her passion for dance led to musical theater and then classical theater, where she discovered her love for acting. Starting with small roles and music videos, she relocated to Vancouver in 2009 to pursue acting full-time. Shortly after moving to "Hollywood North," she secured multiple international commercial roles and appeared in episodes of popular TV shows and films, such as Hallmark's "Right In Front of Me" opposite Janel Parrish, Lifetime's "Lonestar Christmas" alongside Marco Grazzini, AMC's "Bates Motel" with Freddie Highmore, Bravo's "Girlfriends' Guide To Divorce" featuring Lisa Edelstein, History Channel's "Project Blue Book" opposite Aidan Gillen from "Game Of Thrones," and the WB's "Supernatural" with Jared Padalecki.
De La Cruz recently completed filming a co-lead role in the feature "Because You're Dead To Me," as well as parts in "The Machine" for Legendary Pictures and Netflix's series "Maid," directed and executive produced by John Wells. In 2021, she was invited to join the Television Academy as a voting member for the Emmy Awards. Her acting training includes studies with Jeff Seymour, John Cassini, Neil Schell, Kate Twa, Dean Armstrong, Mathew Harrison, Zibby Allen, Jeb Beach, Bradley Stryker, Michelle Allen, Anthony Shim, Lindsay Gibson, Edward Foy, Daniel Bacon, Rhonda Fisecki, Shea Hampton, and Adam Davenport.
