Amazon Prime Video’s Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power recently landed on the streaming platform. The prequel series which is said to be the most expensive television series ever made features an all-star cast which includes Puerto Rican actor Ismael Cruz Córdova. Ismael, plays Arondir, a Silvan Elf with a forbidden love for the human healer Bronwyn.Córdova has faced a barrage of online attacks since the series premiered from racist gatekeepers and online trolls. This is nothing new, following their joining the Star Wars universe, Kelly Marie Tran, John Boyega, and most recently Moses Ingram, have faced a barrage of online attacks. Similarly, Halle Bailey has received non-stop hate since she was cast as Ariel in Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.Despite the backlash from some longtime fans of Lord of the Rings, Ismael Cruz Córdova is a favorite of many viewers. Some of you might already know him, and some of you might not have heard of him before. Here’s what you need to know about Ismael Cruz Córdova.
8 Who Is Ismael Cruz Córdova?
He was born in Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico, which is situated in the Central Mountain Range. The actor started pursuing an acting career at age 15, landing several local gigs while also joining his High School Drama Club. His career really started to take off after he moved to New York City and finished his studies at NYU.
In an interview with HOLA!, Córdova discussed his struggles growing up in dirt-floored houses and working as a child. He said he wanted to be a pediatrician until discovering the drama club changed his life.
7 Ismael Cruz Córdova's Family Relationships
Ismael Cruz Córdova and his sister, De, have a close relationship. The actor posted a heartwarming video to his instagram as a tribute for his sister’s birthday where he revealed that she’s pregnant. “Happy birthday to my dear sister who’s there for me every step of the way!” he wrote.
In the reel, the soon-to-be uncle gently kissed his sister’s baby bump, the video was tied together with Bruno Mars’ “Count on Me”.
6 Ismael Cruz Córdova Appeared In This Beloved Franchise And More
Ismael Cruz Córdova has appeared in another big franchise before landing his role in Rings of Power. Ismael recently starred as Qin, a purple-skinned Twi'lek who was held captive by the New Republic on a prison ship, in the first season of The Mandalorian.
The actor also had recurring roles on both The Good Wife and Ray Donovan, in addition to starring in season 3 of the Epix drama series Berlin Station. Ismael Cruz Córdova also played Armando “Mando” on Sesame Street from 2013 to 2015.
5 How Ismael Cruz Córdova Responds To Racist Trolls
On its first day, Rings of Power premiered to 25 million viewers worldwide, but controversy has followed Ismael Cruz Córdova's casting, as well as the casting of other Black actors. Córdova, who is Afro-Puerto Rican recently told Esquire that he received "pure and vicious hate speech" every day for the past two years.
He said this motivated him to fight hard for the role. "I felt that I could carry that torch," he shared. "I made sure that my elf was the most Elven, the most incredible, because I knew this was coming."
4 Ishmael Cruz Córdova Has Been Recognized As A Trailblazer
Ismael Cruz Córdova has been recognized for his acting work in New York with several awards and critical recognition. He was named one of Latino Leaders Magazine's 25 leaders of the future, and Ford Motors awarded him a VOCES de Ford Award, which recognizes trailblazing exemplary individuals in the entertainment industry.
3 How Much Is Ismael Cruz Córdova’s Net Worth?
There is no telling how much exactly the actor is worth, though idolnetworth estimates that Ismael Cruz Córdova is worth around $17 million. Other sources are reporting different figures. Córdova earned his fortune from appearances in commercials, TV and movie roles.
2 Is Ismael Cruz Córdova Dating Anyone?
Ismael Cruz Córdova maintains a very private personal life, there hasn’t been any mention of a relationship on any of his social media. Córdova began posting pictures of himself with Gina Rodriguez, the star of Miss Bala, to his Instagram account in 2019, sparking rumors that the two might have been dating.
Córdova and Rodriguez met on the set of Miss Bala, which Ismael also starred in, but Gina married actor Joe LoCicero shortly after.
1 What’s Next For Ismael Cruz Córdova?
Ismael Cruz Córdova has already finished filming his next film. He’s set to star in Finestkind, a crime thriller drama film that also features veteran Tommy Lee Jones (The Fugitive), Ben Foster (The Punisher), and Jenna Ortega (Scream). He is playing a character named Costa.
The movie will be released on Paramount+. He’s also worked on Simple Little Lies and a TV series called Cabinets of Curiosities which is currently in post-production.
