www.ambiente.us JANUARY / ENERO 2008
MIKE RUIZ: In Front and Behind the Lens
By Herb Sosa herb@ambiente.us
If you are a fan of Mike Ruiz for purely his physical
attributes, including being named one of People
in Español’s 50 Most Beautiful People in ’06 or
the critically acclaimed gay film Latin Boys Go to
Hell and the TV series The Swan, you are missing
a whole lot about this talent.
Raised in a working class Latino Family in Montreal,
Canada with two older brothers, this handsome 6’2�,
42 year-old man was once a chubby little kid who
was taunted by schoolyard bullies. In a recent one-
on-one with RuPaul, Ruiz said “I knew someday I’d
overcome my weight problem. I also had a dislocated
shoulder and broken arm at birth—it was always a
little askew and I used to get taunted at school
relentlessly—but I knew I would overcome that and I did.�
Ruiz describes his whole life to be a manifestation
of all of his fantasies - working in entertainment,
making pretty pictures, the surreal and fantastical.
Mike adapted that as part of his personal aesthetic
as well, creating the body that he always wanted.
“It’s like a creative endeavor, a sculptural endeavor.�
Globally, Ruiz is probably best known for his work behind the camera, as a hugely successful photographer
and director. His work in celebrity and fashion photography, “presenting an upscale fashion edge to
sensuality with inspirational images of iconic personas� reads as a Who’s who– Kirsten Dunst,
Ricky Martin, Britney Murphy, Erasure, Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez, Zac Efron & RuPaul -
just to name a few.
Ruiz recently worked with Jenna Jameson on images for her new series of erotic tales. “Jenna has this
amazing chemistry with the lens,� Ruiz recently told the Windy City Times. “She loves the camera and
the camera reciprocates that love. Every shot is beautiful.� Ruiz has also contributed to Dolce and
Gabbana's Hollywood and Iman's The Beauty of Color books.
Ruiz’s work can be found on the fashion and editorial pages of Vanity Fair, Interview, Italian Elle, as well
as advertising campaigns for Sean John, MAC Cosmetics, and Reebok. Working with rapper Lil Kim Ruiz
helped to develop the image for her Royalty watch line and has most recently branched out as a Director,
creating music videos for Traci Lords and Kelly Rowland.
Currently promoting his motion picture directorial debut of Starrbooty, a madcap spy/comedy adventure
starring the original supermodel of the world, RuPaul, it is a wonder this once picked on & shy Latino kid from
Montreal has time to enjoy his success.
I caught up with Mike between his many projects and connecting flights…
HS: Thanks for talking to Ambiente Magazine, Mike. Our readers and I have been very curious about you for
some time now. Do you find fame and recognition to be comfortable to you? Are they signs of achieving
success?
MR: I must admit, I do like the gratification that comes with being acknowledged for my work. I'm not sure if
fame is always a sign of success. You can be a murderer and be famous so I don't think that they necessarily
go hand in hand.
HS: You have worked on both sides of the camera. Which is more rewarding to you & why?
MR: I much prefer working behind the camera. I feel that my voice as a creative person is much better served
from behind the lens.
HS: It is obvious that you are a very handsome man that takes care of himself. What inspires this?
MR: Neurosis! I'm a 43 year old gay man working in the fashion industry and living in Chelsea! Who wouldn't
feel the pressure to look a certain way? Seriously, I like feeling healthy and I do take pride in my appearance?
Working out is very therapeutic for me. It's the only time I have completely to myself where I can get lost in the
playlist on my Ipod®.
My experience with my family in regards to my sexual orientation has always been positive. It was always a
non issue for them. As far as my career goes, being openly gay in any creative field is sometimes an asset. It
certainly has never been a hindrance. – Mike Ruiz
HS: Do you feel that being Latino worked for or against you professionally? …and being openly gay?
MR: My heritage is Latino but I was raised by a French Canadian mother and American father and as a result
I identify with a few cultures. As a result, I've always been able to travel effortlessly between cultures so I've
never felt alienated by any, professionally or personally. In regards to being openly gay, I don't define myself
by my sexual orientation therefore, nor does anyone else. I always hope that my ability as an artist transcends
everything else when people are deciding whether or not to work with me.
HS: Do you find Hollywood & Madison Ave. a welcoming place for Latinos and/or Gays wanting to work in the
industry(s)? How so?
MR: These days, I think Latinos have many doors open to them in advertising and entertainment thanks to
people like Jennifer Lopez and Ricky Martin just to name a few. Being openly gay is a different story. There is
still some ignorance and intolerance to overcome in this country before people can be openly gay in
entertainment without feeling any repercussions.
Mike Ruiz has known RuPaul for several years and 3 years ago they worked on a music video with him. Their
taste for the funny and irreverent became obvious to both and from that experience they discovered that they
had a mutual taste for the tasteless. After reminiscing about the old days with Rupaul and how much fun he
used to have playing this character called "Starrbooty", both decided to reprise the character in a feature film.
Directing Starrbooty may be Ruiz’ latest endeavor, but he is already working on publishing a book about
his life. “My career has been a series of unexpected opportunities so who knows what will present itself
in the future. All I know is that I'm open to anything as long as I can have fun doing it.�
As for New Years Resolutions, Mike vows to stop having New years resolutions and have MORE fun!
Word Association….
Miami - Sexy
New York - Inspiring
Montreal - Nostalgic
Image - Everything (kidding)
Fame - Fleeting
Favorite thing to wear - My new Gucci Hi-tops
Favorite food - Sushi
Favorite type of man – Smart and Funny
Most important thing in my life – Living every minute like it's my last
When I die, I want to be … - Bronzed and propped up in Columbus Circle!
Thank you to Mike Ruiz & Jeff Dorta of Project Publicity for this interview.
For more information on Mike Ruiz and his projects, visit his website at www.mikeruiz.com.
Also, don’t miss www.starrbooty.com
Copyright © AMBIENTE MAGAZINE. Do not reproduce without citing this source.
HERB SOSA herb@ambiente.us
Cuban-American, community activist, Miami historian, preservationist and freelance writer, Herb Sosa is a
founding member and Director of Unity Coalition/Coalición Unida, a non-profit focused on minority political &
social empowerment. He is also Editor-In-Chief of Ambiente Magazine, a Latino/Hispanic focused LGBT
publication and regularly offers public speaking, leadership and political empowerment training workshops.
Sosa served as chairman of Miami Beach's Historic Preservation Board for over six years, and has served on
the Board of Directors of the Miami Design Preservation League, Dade Heritage Trust, Miami Beach
Community Development Corp., Shelbourne & Fernwood HIV/AIDS Housing, and variety of other
organizations throughout South Florida.
In 1995 Mr. Sosa created and developed the Ba-Balú Store concept in Miami & Miami Beach, celebrating
Cuban heritage thru art, cigars, music and unique giftware, and earning the store the unique distinction of
being named one of Conde N’ast Traveler Magazines top 100 destinations in the world in 1996.
In January 2004, Herb Sosa was named one of Tentaciónes Magazines Top Ten Latina/o activists in the U.
S. and in 2005 was named one of OUT magazines Top 100 LGBT Activists and featured on LOGO TV.
MIKE RUIZ: In Front and Behind the Lens
By Herb Sosa herb@ambiente.us
If you are a fan of Mike Ruiz for purely his physical
attributes, including being named one of People
in Español’s 50 Most Beautiful People in ’06 or
the critically acclaimed gay film Latin Boys Go to
Hell and the TV series The Swan, you are missing
a whole lot about this talent.
Raised in a working class Latino Family in Montreal,
Canada with two older brothers, this handsome 6’2�,
42 year-old man was once a chubby little kid who
was taunted by schoolyard bullies. In a recent one-
on-one with RuPaul, Ruiz said “I knew someday I’d
overcome my weight problem. I also had a dislocated
shoulder and broken arm at birth—it was always a
little askew and I used to get taunted at school
relentlessly—but I knew I would overcome that and I did.�
Ruiz describes his whole life to be a manifestation
of all of his fantasies - working in entertainment,
making pretty pictures, the surreal and fantastical.
Mike adapted that as part of his personal aesthetic
as well, creating the body that he always wanted.
“It’s like a creative endeavor, a sculptural endeavor.�
Globally, Ruiz is probably best known for his work behind the camera, as a hugely successful photographer
and director. His work in celebrity and fashion photography, “presenting an upscale fashion edge to
sensuality with inspirational images of iconic personas� reads as a Who’s who– Kirsten Dunst,
Ricky Martin, Britney Murphy, Erasure, Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez, Zac Efron & RuPaul -
just to name a few.
Ruiz recently worked with Jenna Jameson on images for her new series of erotic tales. “Jenna has this
amazing chemistry with the lens,� Ruiz recently told the Windy City Times. “She loves the camera and
the camera reciprocates that love. Every shot is beautiful.� Ruiz has also contributed to Dolce and
Gabbana's Hollywood and Iman's The Beauty of Color books.
Ruiz’s work can be found on the fashion and editorial pages of Vanity Fair, Interview, Italian Elle, as well
as advertising campaigns for Sean John, MAC Cosmetics, and Reebok. Working with rapper Lil Kim Ruiz
helped to develop the image for her Royalty watch line and has most recently branched out as a Director,
creating music videos for Traci Lords and Kelly Rowland.
Currently promoting his motion picture directorial debut of Starrbooty, a madcap spy/comedy adventure
starring the original supermodel of the world, RuPaul, it is a wonder this once picked on & shy Latino kid from
Montreal has time to enjoy his success.
I caught up with Mike between his many projects and connecting flights…
HS: Thanks for talking to Ambiente Magazine, Mike. Our readers and I have been very curious about you for
some time now. Do you find fame and recognition to be comfortable to you? Are they signs of achieving
success?
MR: I must admit, I do like the gratification that comes with being acknowledged for my work. I'm not sure if
fame is always a sign of success. You can be a murderer and be famous so I don't think that they necessarily
go hand in hand.
HS: You have worked on both sides of the camera. Which is more rewarding to you & why?
MR: I much prefer working behind the camera. I feel that my voice as a creative person is much better served
from behind the lens.
HS: It is obvious that you are a very handsome man that takes care of himself. What inspires this?
MR: Neurosis! I'm a 43 year old gay man working in the fashion industry and living in Chelsea! Who wouldn't
feel the pressure to look a certain way? Seriously, I like feeling healthy and I do take pride in my appearance?
Working out is very therapeutic for me. It's the only time I have completely to myself where I can get lost in the
playlist on my Ipod®.
My experience with my family in regards to my sexual orientation has always been positive. It was always a
non issue for them. As far as my career goes, being openly gay in any creative field is sometimes an asset. It
certainly has never been a hindrance. – Mike Ruiz
HS: Do you feel that being Latino worked for or against you professionally? …and being openly gay?
MR: My heritage is Latino but I was raised by a French Canadian mother and American father and as a result
I identify with a few cultures. As a result, I've always been able to travel effortlessly between cultures so I've
never felt alienated by any, professionally or personally. In regards to being openly gay, I don't define myself
by my sexual orientation therefore, nor does anyone else. I always hope that my ability as an artist transcends
everything else when people are deciding whether or not to work with me.
HS: Do you find Hollywood & Madison Ave. a welcoming place for Latinos and/or Gays wanting to work in the
industry(s)? How so?
MR: These days, I think Latinos have many doors open to them in advertising and entertainment thanks to
people like Jennifer Lopez and Ricky Martin just to name a few. Being openly gay is a different story. There is
still some ignorance and intolerance to overcome in this country before people can be openly gay in
entertainment without feeling any repercussions.
Mike Ruiz has known RuPaul for several years and 3 years ago they worked on a music video with him. Their
taste for the funny and irreverent became obvious to both and from that experience they discovered that they
had a mutual taste for the tasteless. After reminiscing about the old days with Rupaul and how much fun he
used to have playing this character called "Starrbooty", both decided to reprise the character in a feature film.
Directing Starrbooty may be Ruiz’ latest endeavor, but he is already working on publishing a book about
his life. “My career has been a series of unexpected opportunities so who knows what will present itself
in the future. All I know is that I'm open to anything as long as I can have fun doing it.�
As for New Years Resolutions, Mike vows to stop having New years resolutions and have MORE fun!
Word Association….
Miami - Sexy
New York - Inspiring
Montreal - Nostalgic
Image - Everything (kidding)
Fame - Fleeting
Favorite thing to wear - My new Gucci Hi-tops
Favorite food - Sushi
Favorite type of man – Smart and Funny
Most important thing in my life – Living every minute like it's my last
When I die, I want to be … - Bronzed and propped up in Columbus Circle!
Thank you to Mike Ruiz & Jeff Dorta of Project Publicity for this interview.
For more information on Mike Ruiz and his projects, visit his website at www.mikeruiz.com.
Also, don’t miss www.starrbooty.com
Copyright © AMBIENTE MAGAZINE. Do not reproduce without citing this source.
HERB SOSA herb@ambiente.us
Cuban-American, community activist, Miami historian, preservationist and freelance writer, Herb Sosa is a
founding member and Director of Unity Coalition/Coalición Unida, a non-profit focused on minority political &
social empowerment. He is also Editor-In-Chief of Ambiente Magazine, a Latino/Hispanic focused LGBT
publication and regularly offers public speaking, leadership and political empowerment training workshops.
Sosa served as chairman of Miami Beach's Historic Preservation Board for over six years, and has served on
the Board of Directors of the Miami Design Preservation League, Dade Heritage Trust, Miami Beach
Community Development Corp., Shelbourne & Fernwood HIV/AIDS Housing, and variety of other
organizations throughout South Florida.
In 1995 Mr. Sosa created and developed the Ba-Balú Store concept in Miami & Miami Beach, celebrating
Cuban heritage thru art, cigars, music and unique giftware, and earning the store the unique distinction of
being named one of Conde N’ast Traveler Magazines top 100 destinations in the world in 1996.
In January 2004, Herb Sosa was named one of Tentaciónes Magazines Top Ten Latina/o activists in the U.
S. and in 2005 was named one of OUT magazines Top 100 LGBT Activists and featured on LOGO TV.
| RESIDENTIAL COMMERICAL Licensed Across Florida CGC060449 dructorbuilds.com 305-401-8914 |
| GAY & LESBIAN ALLIANCE AGAINST DEFAMATION WWW.GLAAD.ORG |
| Gay American Heroes Foundation Honoring LGBT persons who died because of their sexual orientation and gender identity www.gayamericanheroes.com |
| Endulge Yourself... Chocolate Themed Gifts www.dulcestore.com |
| Web resource for LGBTQ youth www.matthewsplace.com |
| An online forum on sexual health education for gay and bisexual men www.lifelube.org |
| www.familiasporladiversidad.org |
| LIGA Contra el SIDA - SoFla. League Against AIDS www.leagueagainstaids.org |