Ismael Cruz Córdova on The Rings of Power, Growing up in Puerto Rico & Going to the Emmys

[@Dixiwonderlandyoutube]

Arondir and Durin are my favorite characters. So happy for Ismael for getting the roll because he is perfect for it. Hope he lives a better life today. Love that Jimmy never interrupted him and just sat there and listening to him.

[@luismarielagonzalez-santia4374]

Love his humility; a characterisitc of many of the people from the mountains in PR.

[@Undisputed_Dragon]

My family is also from the mountains of Puerto Rico; Yauco :)

[@janettorres8738]

I absolutely love this story and as a Puertorican woman I applaud you Ismail for not giving up and pushing your way through. I wish you the very best in your career ❤🇵🇷❤

[@Dildo_Gaggings]

He said he always dreamed of becoming an Elf, no PuertoRican in history has ever dreamed of becoming an Elf 🤣

[@janettorres8738]

@@Dildo_Gaggings 😆 that threw me off.

[@cherylanderson3340]

Ismael has a bright future. He's got a great speaking voice, looks handsome on film & has an essence he recognized & tapped into to make all this happen for himself. He can always be proud of himself for doing that alone. And now he can be proud of his work in this production.

[@rayweaver8295]

Found Ismael's youtube account

[@janellie1985]

@@rayweaver8295 get a life bro.

[@rayweaver8295]

@@janellie1985 found Ismael's alt account

[@mteokay1246]

@@janellie1985 found his only fans account. Oh my !

[@karenling2106]

all new lord of the rings the rings of power friday

[@fiazax428]

Watched him on Miss Bala and I’m obsessed! Got me watching all his interviews and following his socials 😅

[@ceceoo3]

That's why I'm here too! I only just watched Miss Bala today and I'm now hooked. He is mesmerizing! Actingwise and in every other way too.

[@fiazax428]

@@ceceoo3 I get it honestly!! I really want a part 2 of the movie, because I neeeeed him to be alive so there’s more to the story!

[@RyanHaney55]

I'm absolutely amazed how different his real voice is from his Elf voice. I never would have guessed Arondir was from Puerto Rico.

[@Visforelvenshireling]

That moment with Arondir and the tree was one of my favorite moments so far! That's so cool that he improv-ed it and they kept it!

[@cherylthomas5234]

Ismael, to me, The Rings of Power was 'made' by your performance and presence. I love your work, your intensity and your looks. You make an awesome elf, by the way. I hope you have a very long career. We all want to see more.

[@erikadixon8341]

I agree 💯 I can’t imagine it without him

[@aishas4818]

He is such a genuine and inspiring human being. He fully deserved the role, cause he is excellent in it and truly fits in perfectly within the world of Tolkien.

[@politicallyincorrect2564]

Whaaat hahahaha how he fits perfectly in Tolkien world?

[@DAMOSTKANGRY]

He’s killing it as Arondir in Rings of Power. Proud of my fellow Boricua

[@inthemindofkenzi8294]

His story alone makes me like him. He’s definitely got a presence.

[@syedfaiza4746]

Love how passionate he is about everything he did in the show . His positivity is immense even after a tough life .

[@carlosbright9615]

Ismael Cruz Cordova is an Afro Boricua (Puerto Rican) like me. It is good to see Black Ricans being represented in Hollywood oppose to only fair or white skin Ricans like Jennifer Lopez, Jon Seda, and Benicio Del Toro.

[@bollywoodoverhollywood8139]

He’s my favorite character in the show. He is absolutely stunning.

[@MarionTatum-ke5kx]

I love this actor, he has a captivating presence and I admire how he pushed forward and made his dream of acting become a reality! He's also very handsome which is a plus!Love those eyes!

[@EdoDoe613]

He’s the most elf-like elf in the show - even with a buzz cut! His beauty and elevated character nail it.

[@user-xg6sx5ev9u]

Just like tolkien wrote them, a true masterpiece. Peter jackson can go sit, it didn’t know what to do with middle-earth

[@theghostofbabanovac7069]

😂 😂😂

[@rayweaver8295]

It's hilarious how many shills there are in here

[@theghostofbabanovac7069]

@@rayweaver8295 hey you better watch out they are deeply versed in "The Shillmarillion"

[@preciousthing101]

Mando!!! I was STOKED to see him in The Rings of Power. He is doing an amazing job.

[@Shelma32Reactions]

My favourite character in Rings Of Power so far alongside The Stranger.

[@janedoe327]

agree!

[@massashihosono]

Oh man, what a story. And just think how many people has the same energy, inspiration and will power and don’t get the part. He is incredibly talented and lucky, we have the chance to see him on screen.

[@carkod]

yeah, and usually people from rags to rich tend to brag about their life story (read Eminem), but he is so humble and just took it for granted.

[@LVOskarliNE]

Talented? Lmao this dude cant act

[@classictalkies]

Wow! Now, that is tenacity. Working hard doesn’t = getting what you want all the time, so I’m happy for his success. 🥰

[@cam23417]

Perseverance!! Boricua de pura sepa!! 🇵🇷 ❤ Bello!

[@taynasabala2456]

He’s from my little home town Aguas Buenas PR!

[@frapino]

I thought he was perfect for the role, and after hearing the story behind it and where he came from just makes it sound like it was fate. Amazing actor. We are going to se alooooooooooooot of him in the next 2-3 decades.

[@kuskesh_haramzadeh]

He definitely plays my favorite character on the show. It kills me that I have to wait a whole week to watch another episode. I just remind myself that that's how we used to watch TV in the olden days 😆😉

[@emilylikesg2s451]

i teared up at that tree scene when he had to pray for forgiveness. kudos!!

[@erikadixon8341]

I adore Ismael 💯❤️

[@asmabegum1071]

I love his miss Bala movie so obsessed

[@bollywoodoverhollywood8139]

I was one of those idiots who second guessed this guy because Tolkien explicitly described his Elves as “fair”. But then I saw an episode of the show and if ANYONE is an Elf, HE is. Wise, strong and unbelievably gorgeous. He’s my favorite character on the show.

[@Meatandveggieeater]

I appreciate that.

[@imogenbegns]

He deserves it. He's great in the show!

[@wen3066]

Arondir is one of my fav characters.. he really nailed it ya know

[@kriss581]

He is so cool and charismatic in Rop, great actor

[@emmab4155]

❤️this man’s pursuit of his dream! Was thrilled to see him cast and am loving the series. Congrats to him💕

[@LifeOdysseyMotivation]

I love Arondir and Ismael himself. I am obsessed with him right now. I need to see him in person. 😍

[@thehunter7422]

Loving his charecter arc so far in the show. I wasn't gonna be a big fan on a bit of original characters mixed with the book charecters but so far , loving his performances and his fight scenes are pretty awesome. Can't wait to see more . Loving the episodes so far. Can't wait for episode 5

[@karenling2106]

be sure to watch a new episode of lord of the rings of power friday

[@solarlola5953]

@@karenling2106 ok thanks for the notification

[@mehmetca4735]

What an inspiring man

[@Auntkekebaby]

He's so striking. Very intriguing. His story is the reason why he's so good. His style is impeccable. 🔥🔥🔥

[@bianca-sg8zq]

What a beautiful, spiritual human being! Cruz is his own person...🥰👊🏼

[@eyrelobo6390]

He is IT!!! 🙏🏽✨✨✨❤️

[@wandah03]

Muy orgulloso de ti. Gracias por representar a Puerto Rico than bello 🇵🇷 y ojalá los racistas que tenían problemas con duendes de color se callen la boca después de escuchar tu historia y lo mucho que te fajaste por conseguir ese papel.

[@cindyym]

He’s amazing❤

[@Divine_Chareka]

He's a fantastic actor 👏

[@liban9984]

this guy is a great storyteller

[@Linknla]

He is so incredibly Handsome, those eyes… 😍🤩

[@moonanaii]

Super charismatic man! Rooting for him and to see him in more movies and shows 🙌🏾

[@bren8309]

My goodness... he is beautiful 💕

[@Liofigsguitar]

Proud of you kid! 🇵🇷

[@AM-el4iv]

I started watched the series with prejudice and with the mindset that I wasn't going to like it. Been a Tolkien fan for decades. Saw his character and said, ok, a dark skinned elf here we go. However I'm blown away by the quality of this show, and the actors in it including Ismael's character. I had no idea he was from Puerto Rico when I started watching. I'm Puerto Rican, born and raised, who's been living in the US since adulthood. I grew up in same conditions and understand 100% where he comes from. It is a long and hard way. Extremely proud of this guy!

[@EricSmith-jo1lt]

Dark skin??? The mf lighter than DRAKE!!! Lol

[@johnnyc3184]

He is so Inspiring and very Dreamy. Ugh May God and our Ancestors Bless him more and his Family!

[@madrabbit4916]

He seems to have a very beautiful and genuine soul. Glad to see him in Rings of Power. Thank you for your service to TV and Film. 🤟

[@pekinohe]

Never stop, never give up!❤️

[@juniorjimenez6381]

Wepa, Love him!

[@senivan22]

I love this man, Inspiring story! Never give up!

[@gjoraya]

Loved him in "Miss Bala" so happy for him. Finally getting his well deserved recognition🤩

[@fran5043]

Me too

[@saratorres8811]

Greetings from your Caribbean Island... Ismael and... congratulations 🎉🇵🇷♥️

[@frankalvarez7809]

His a true story of a successful person who works hard and does the right things in life and does deserve his success 🙌

[@sansan0123]

Makes me proud as a puertorican actress in training

[@kmallory100]

He’s the best character on the show!

[@swordwhale1]

so many of us, even us OLD fans of LOTR, think so! He's awesome!

[@kmallory100]

@@swordwhale1 I think the most hate for him comes from crazy people who just want to complain and not from actual fans of the books or greater mythology.

[@swordwhale1]

@@kmallory100 yep! A lot of fans over on reddit have said also that he is terrific and the most elvish elf!

[@mteokay1246]

@@kmallory100 crazy as in RACISTS

[@elektralyte1]

What a beautiful person inside and out!

[@shoWbitz]

That tree scene in episode 3 that he's talking about was so beautiful and powerful.

[@swordwhale1]

YES! It was both the most elvish, and the most Tolkien thing in the whole series so far... Ismael Cruz Cordova is amazing.

[@Halfwit_The_Brave]

Well nothing in this series is Tolkien, so that’s not saying much…

[@LudwigWan]

@@Halfwit_The_Brave Tell me you didn't watched the show, without telling me you didn't watched the show.

[@LudwigWan]

@@swordwhale1 What makes that tree scene more amazing that it was Ismael's idea that he should pray to it before cutting it down.

[@theghostofbabanovac7069]

@@swordwhale1 tell me you don't know the lore without telling me you don't know the lore. Elves loved trees but it's not like they never cut them down. Elves burned wood for fire. There's a hall of fire in Elrond's house, there's fire in the Woodland Realms when Bilbo & Thorin & Co. are travelling trough it and try to get food from the elves partying in the woods it's not like elves think trees are sacred, they have to use them to build (what do you think their boats are made of ?) to burn for furnaces, how do you think they've managed to forge swords or the rings of power ?!

[@swordwhale1]

So great to see this! I've been playing, illustrating and writing elves since 1978 when I read LOTR and played D&D... I'm an OLD fan... Ismael Cruz Cordova is just amazing in LOTR: RoP. He has clearly dived deep into Middle Earth and what it means to be elvish. The subtle details he brings to the character; movement, expressions, emotions, letting his soul shine through, and all the hard work for the action sequences, he IS the Most Elven Elf yet. (quote: “I knew that I would have the eyes of the world on me,” he says. “I needed to be undeniable, and to be the most Elven elf that I could be. And I needed my soul to shine through, too.” ) As a female fan, I'm liking the quietly subtle relationship ("Aronwyn") ... such chemistry! I love this series, and the entire cast and crew has thrown heart and soul into it, but Cordova BRINGS IT. Live long and prosper! You have our bows, our swords, and our admiration.

[@Halfwit_The_Brave]

Nope

[@katescarborough8583]

Totally agree! He is absolutely wonderful and a perfect Elf.

[@kbanghart]

@@Halfwit_The_Brave nope what?

[@swordwhale1]

@@kbanghart I don't know about the above commenter but Ismael's NOPE to rejections was priceless!

[@steffy2976]

I wish I'm left with him only on this planet. I'm crazy for you Ismael. I love you 🌹

[@nicolemichelle5381]

Love him and couldn't imagine anyone else playing Arondir

[@sarrystylesofficial]

Such an inspiring person + he’s great in RoP. I wish him all the best.

[@jonathantorres5934]

This is an amazing and inspiring story. I know exactly what Ismael went through groin-up. I am from Aguas Buenas as well; we actually went to the same school, as he is a few years older. I remember him spending many hours at the very small school library. Such an inspiration!

[@macphallic]

I freaking love this guy!!! No cap! Plus we have the same astrology sign and born in the same year!

[@danieldukette5321]

Yoooo!!!!! That means you two are soulmates no cap yo

[@macphallic]

Word…I mean, he’s charismatic as all get out, so how can folks not like him, but I truly feel him! ❤

[@NOOR4FM]

What a beautiful person, He is so handsome and those rings too 🤗

[@valeriamontenegro2580]

Babyyyyy wow beautiful man!! I love

[@Sir_Prize_its_Me]

That character was meant for him Hands down

[@MsMizlicious]

He sounds like a cool guy, like someone you will enjoy their company!

[@janellie1985]

This is awesome! Lloyd Owen (Elendil) is super passionate about his role as well. Glad to see there is so much passion behind the show! 🥰

[@onehundobri]

love him!!! so charming, intelligent, great actor, not to mention gorgeous

[@felipeortiz6386]

So proud of you bro 🙏👍👋 boricua!!!

[@chorotes96]

He is lovely and wise and also super funny? He is awesome

[@aisyaanisachannel8188]

i ❤ u ismael

[@ralisalewis351]

What an amazing story. Such determination!

[@girl43]

Loved him in Berlin Station but did not know his story... I'm glad he's getting this huge break on a global scale, he's earned it 🙌🏽

[@TheIdahogrl]

Great story from Ismael. Love his spirit.

[@janmbito]

SUPER BRUTAL🇵🇷🇵🇷🔥

[@James-bi8dg]

He's my Favorite character I just can't get over his haircut where do you get faded up in middle earth 😂😂

[@raquelrodriguez1500]

so proud....ismael & PR we love u

[@dylanturner3216]

What a story! Congratulations, Brother! You certainly are making Tolkine proud, your interpretation of his elves is as good as I’ve seen. Looking forward to seeing this amazing work grow and blossom.

[@Halfwit_The_Brave]

You obviously have no idea about Tolkiens elves.

[@svenstefansson4022]

Tolkien creates unlimited energy in his grave

[@shoWbitz]

@@Halfwit_The_Brave It seems you know Tolkien Legendarium quite well.. Now's your chance to prove your knowledge... Kindly elaborate and enlighten us, you cave troll! 💩🗑️

[@dhruvakumar7187]

@@Halfwit_The_Brave 😂🤣😂🤣😂😂😂, what are you, 12?

[@Halfwit_The_Brave]

Yes, I am 12. You have me figured out…

[@vgfjr505]

Great story… What really got to me was his story about studying even with candles in the house. When you really want something, you go for it with passion. When you love something do it to the max with pride because that’s what matters irrespective of the profession or trade. Give it your all. 💕🇵🇷💕

[@ceebee4750]

What a brilliant, lovely person. Big fan!!!!

[@inmaculadaconcepcion1600]

🥰✨❤️‍🔥✨Love him in Rings of Power!!!! 🙏🏽💞💞💞💞💞💞💞

[@The1Galliop]

Say what you will about the show, but the cast includes some amazing people.

[@squaeman_2644]

Not really...

[@kbanghart]

@@squaeman_2644 not really what? The people are not amazing? You don't like the actors? Or just trolling?

[@squaeman_2644]

@@kbanghart it's mediocre all round

[@kbanghart]

@@squaeman_2644 yes, I'm sure some people think it is. Others also think it's great. That's pretty much all shows.

[@h91rex100]

@@kbanghart some? Lol you obviously havent been paying attention to this dumpster fire

[@Ellie-tf3wl]

Some people in the comments are so negative 🙄 It’s just a show calm down

[@WeChoseHATE]

Handsome handsome man! Good actor too. 🤣

[@moiponemarumo6244]

This man is fine, Lord

[@jineika2055]

Love the rings of power

[@UnsocialSecurity89]

Jimmy is somebody I feel such a solid vibe from as a human. I wish I’d end up being his neighbor for the rest of my life haha

[@ms.pugsley]

Hahaha he's cancelled.

[@solarlola5953]

He’s a jerk and anti Trump

[@llopez31472]

Awesome I wish the best for you 🔥🔥🔥🔥🇵🇷

[@TLC26687]

Love him on LOTR

[@lucyfoster4082]

He’s so beautiful as Arondir…I’m having a hard time coming to terms with the mustache.

[@MancoMusic]

How inspiring is his story. Strength, determination, genuine soul. Respect mellon!

[@ShadayAV]

¡Eso e'! ¡Gózate el éxito bien merecido, hermano!

[@geminilife3014]

Such an inspiring story. So happy for him that his dream came true.

[@bluediamondeyesxoxo5788]

He's gorgeous

[@TheEmpress185]

He's doing a great job 👏

[@solarlola5953]

Very humble beginnings

[@fishmonger5026]

he is the man!

[@petrarabath8348]

A star is born!!!!!! I'm a fan!!!!!!