2.
He originally hails from Puerto Rico.
6.
Ismael’s dreams became a reality, and he made history as the first Black elf to be featured in a Tolkien adaptation.
7.
He’s spoken candidly about how hard he fought for the role of Arondir after receiving “pure and vicious hate speech” in his DMs for two years.
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In 2006, he landed one of his first recurring TV roles as Jimmy Patrick on The Good Wife. While the part was originally only one day of work, it ended up turning into five episodes.
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You might also remember him for his roles in Sesame Street, Ray Donovan, Mary Queen of Scots, or The Undoing.
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He has a number of upcoming projects to keep an eye out for including Simple Little Lives, Cabinet of Curiosities, and Finestkind.
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The actor is always keeping his creative streak alive. He’s known to spend his off days playing music and as a visual artist.
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Currently, he has over 200,000 followers on IG alone. Follow his daily adventures: @ismaelcruzcordova
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Growing up, he was a national champion swimmer and was even awarded a scholarship to a private school.
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Ismael’s favorite person in the world is his nephew, and he hopes to inspire him as he grows up.
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The one thing he wanted to bring home from Middle-earth? His sword, of course, because it was “so gorgeous.”
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And finally, Ismael isn’t afraid to clap back at haters when it comes to representation within The Rings of Power.
It’s not about the billboard – it’s about becoming unmissable, undeniable, irrevocably present and rooted, as a people, as beings, as individuals. A huge “we are here”. And we have been here. (1/4)
Twitter: @IsmaelC_C
“[I’m] looking for zero favors, but to live with the same chances to dream and thrive as anyone else,” he said while speaking about his character displayed on a major billboard. “If you’ve ever felt discarded, marginalized [and] silenced — you are my people. And this moment is yours too!”
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