Cruz Manuelos is a character from the American TV series Lioness, played by Laysla De Oliveira. She is a tough but passionate young Marine who joins the CIA’s Lioness Engagement Team. Cruz is tasked with going undercover to get close to the family members of high-value targets and help take down dangerous terrorist organizations. Her journey is full of challenges, from facing her troubled past to navigating dangerous missions and complex relationships.

Trivia/Facts

• Cruz Manuelos, also known as Gunnery Sergeant Cruz Manuelos, is a key character in the TV series Lioness, portrayed by Laysla De Oliveira. She is a former Force Recon Marine and a member of the Lioness Engagement Team. After her initial mission, Cruz transitions to a Delta Force operator. Her character is rough around the edges but driven and passionate, making her a standout figure in the series.
• Cruz grew up in Oklahoma with her two brothers. Her father is Syrian, and her mother hails from Jalisco, Mexico. During high school, she excelled in track and field, winning state championships in javelin and running. However, the tragic loss of her mother during her junior year derailed her promising path.

Laysla De Oliveira in Lioness (2023)

• Following her mother’s death, Cruz faced a downward spiral, including a period of working as a stripper. She later found a less degrading job at a fast-food outlet. To escape an abusive relationship, Cruz enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. This decision marked a turning point, leading to her becoming a Force Recon Marine with two tours in Afghanistan.
• Cruz meets Joe at Camp Bragg, where she is recruited into the Lioness program. The program involves infiltrating the lives of close relatives of high-value targets. Cruz’s first mission centers on Aaliyah, the daughter of Saudi businessman Asmar Ali Amrohi. Her role involves forming a close bond with Aaliyah to gain critical intelligence.
• During her mission, Cruz undergoes rigorous and often brutal training to prepare for potential capture scenarios. She faces physical and psychological torture to test her resilience. Despite these challenges, Cruz manages to connect with Aaliyah and earns her trust. Her ability to adapt and endure is a testament to her mental and physical strength.
• Cruz’s relationship with Aaliyah becomes deeply personal, blurring the lines of her mission. Aaliyah becomes Cruz’s closest confidant, and their bond intensifies during their time together. Cruz finds herself conflicted between her feelings and her duty as a Lioness operative. This internal struggle is a recurring theme in her journey.
• Cruz faces numerous threats, including an attempted assault, being drugged, and near exposure of her true identity. Her mission reaches a climax at Aaliyah’s wedding in Mallorca. Cruz ultimately eliminates Aaliyah’s fiancé, Ehsan, and her father, Asmar, before signaling her team for extraction. This mission deeply affects Cruz, leaving her questioning her role and identity.

Zoe Saldana and Laysla De Oliveira in Lioness (2023)

• After the events of her mission, Cruz transitions to a Delta Force operator. Despite her efforts to move on, she is tracked down by Joe for another high-stakes assignment. Cruz reluctantly agrees to shadow Josie Carrillo, the new Lioness operative, to ensure her safety. This mission forces Cruz to confront her past and reevaluate her purpose.
• As a mentor to Josie, Cruz shares her hard-earned wisdom about the harsh realities of being a Lioness. She emphasizes the sacrifices required, including the need to lie to loved ones and endure personal pain. Cruz’s experiences serve as a cautionary tale and a source of guidance for Josie. Her mentorship highlights her growth and resilience.
• Cruz’s experiences shape her worldview, where she sees humanity as a fragile balance between chaos and order. She believes in the existence of saints, evil individuals, and the majority who follow power. This perspective helps her navigate the moral complexities of her missions. Cruz remains a character defined by her strength, vulnerability, and unyielding spirit.

Laysla De Oliveira and Stephanie Nur in Lioness (2023)

Cruz Manuelos’s Relationship with Other Characters

• Joe (Lioness Program Leader): Cruz shares a complex relationship with Joe, her mentor and recruiter for the Lioness program. While Joe is tough on her, she also provides guidance during critical moments. Cruz often struggles with Joe’s decisions, leading to moments of tension. Despite their conflicts, Cruz respects Joe’s leadership and relies on her for support.
• Aaliyah Amrohi (Target): Cruz develops a deep, emotional connection with Aaliyah, her undercover mark. Their bond evolves into a romantic relationship, creating a moral dilemma for Cruz. Aaliyah trusts Cruz, unaware of her true mission. Cruz is torn between her feelings for Aaliyah and her duty to the mission.
• Kyle (Team Member): Kyle works closely with Cruz during missions, offering her tactical support. He often acts as a sounding board for Cruz’s frustrations and doubts. While they share a professional bond, Kyle sometimes questions Cruz’s emotional involvement in her missions. Their relationship reflects the challenges of balancing personal emotions with professional duties.

Laysla De Oliveira and Stephanie Nur in Lioness (2023)

• Josie Carrillo (New Asset): Cruz acts as a mentor to Josie when she joins the Lioness program. She empathizes with Josie’s struggles, as they mirror her own past experiences. Cruz tries to guide Josie, helping her navigate the complexities of undercover work. Their dynamic highlights Cruz’s growth as both a soldier and a person.

Ray Corasani and Laysla De Oliveira in Lioness (2023)