Raymond Cruz (born September 10, 1964)[1] is an American actor, best known for his starring role as Detective Julio Sanchez in the series The Closer and its spinoff Major Crimes,[2] as well as his recurring role as drug lord Tuco Salamanca in the crime drama Breaking Bad and its prequel series Better Call Saul.

[3] In an interview with The Daily Beast, Cruz stated he witnessed someone shot in front of him when he was 12 years old, noting that "his brains came out the back of his head.

[4][5][3] Cruz attended 3 high schools after being expelled writing editorials on the newspaper that caused him to be late to class as well as being considered inappropriate.

[7] Cruz's film roles include sniper Ding Chavez in Clear and Present Danger,[8] Hector in Out For Justice,[8] Tom Berenger's second-in-command Joey Six in The Substitute,[8] U.S. Marine Sergeant Rojas in The Rock,[8] as Jesus in From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money,[8] USM Private Vincent DiStephano in Alien Resurrection,[8] and Ramirez in Under Siege.

[8] Cruz is married to fellow actress Simi Mehta whom he co-starred with on The X-Files in the episode "El Mundo Gira".