Raymond Cruz’s Role In Breaking Bad

Raymond Cruz is a familiar face to fans of crime dramas. He is known for his roles as Detective Julio Sanchez in The Closer and its spin-off Major Crimes. However, he showed his versatility by embodying the savage Tuco Salamanca in Breaking Bad.

Despite earning a hefty $100,000 per episode, Cruz grappled with the toll of grueling 12 to 14-hour days that left him physically, emotionally, and mentally drained. When his character met his demise, Cruz reportedly felt a sense of relief. Nevertheless, he revisited the role in the spin-off Better Call Saul, getting to live out his Salamanca life one more time.