John Lloyd Cruz has been a fixture in the Philippine entertainment world for decades, known for bringing both charm and depth to his roles. Born on June 24, 1983, in Manila, he started as a teen model but quickly proved there was far more to him than just good looks. As his career unfolded, Cruz became a standout for his versatility – just as comfortable delivering punchlines in romantic comedies as he was shouldering complex, dramatic films.
What sets John Lloyd apart isn’t just his on-screen talent, but his off-screen mystique. While celebrity culture often demands sharing every detail, he’s made a conscious decision to draw a line between what’s public and what’s personal. This sense of privacy only adds to the curiosity about who he is outside the spotlight.
Cruz’s love life has drawn its own share of attention, sometimes despite his best efforts to keep it out of headlines. Here’s a look at his most talked-about relationships:
- Ellen Adarna (2017–2019): John Lloyd’s time with Ellen Adarna was perhaps his most visible relationship. The pair stepped back from public life together and welcomed their son, Elias. While they eventually parted ways, they’ve quietly focused on co-parenting, mostly steering clear of drama and public statements.
- Angelica Panganiban (2012–2016): Their relationship lasted almost four years and made them one of local showbiz’s favorite pairs. Both have, at times, spoken about how difficult the breakup was, and Angelica has alluded to it occasionally in interviews since.
- Shaina Magdayao (2010–2012): Rumors swirled around Cruz and Shaina for a couple of years. Although they never opened up much about their relationship, their closeness was hard to miss, and they eventually went their separate ways with little fanfare.
- Ruffa Gutierrez (2009–2010): This brief romance generated buzz partly due to Ruffa being a single mom, and their age difference. It didn’t last long, but it was widely covered by the press at the time.
And then there’s Bea Alonzo. While John Lloyd and Bea have insisted for years that they’re just close friends and screen partners, their chemistry – in films and interviews – has always set tongues wagging. Their on-screen love team remains a fan favorite, making every collaborative project a major event.
In 2017, Cruz surprised everyone by stepping back from the limelight, taking a break many saw as a way to recalibrate and find new meaning, both personally and professionally. Since then, he’s been selective about his projects and even more private about his personal affairs. These days, he focuses on being a devoted dad and choosing roles that challenge him as an artist rather than chasing fame for its own sake.
Cruz rarely discusses his relationships in depth. In a rare moment of candor in 2018, he admitted, “Relationships change you in ways you don’t expect. Sometimes the lessons come from the pain.” That says a lot about how his personal experiences – good and bad – have helped shape the more contemplative, reserved individual he is today.
Whereas many actors share every twist and turn of their love lives on social media, Cruz prefers to keep things low-key. Breakups don’t come with joint statements or Instagram stories; he simply fades a little from view, letting life move on quietly.
Past Relationships
Isabel Santos
Ellen Adarna
Sarah Geronimo
Angelica Panganiban
Shaina Magdayao
Ruffa Gutierrez
Carmen Soo
Liz Uy
Ciara Sotto
Krista Ranillo
Kaye Abad
From heartthrob to serious artist, and now a dedicated father, John Lloyd Cruz has grown up in front of the cameras – but managed to keep the most important parts of his life just for himself. That ability to balance mystery with authenticity is perhaps his greatest role yet.
