Andrea De Cruz is a Singaporean actress who rose to prominence in the local entertainment industry in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
She owes her fame to her roles in TV series such as Hotel and Reunion.
In addition to her acting career, she is best known for her near-fatal health crisis caused by taking the Slim 10 diet pill.
In 2002, she suffered from liver failure, and her then-boyfriend, actor Pierre Png, heroically donated part of his liver, saving her life.
contour
- Full name: Andrea Heidi de Cruz
- Date of birth: June 24, 1974
- Age: 50 years old
- Gender: Female
- Place of birth: Singapore
- Nationality: Singapore
- Occupation: Actor, psychologist
- Height: Not applicable
- Parents: Not applicable
- Siblings: Not applicable
- Spouse: Pierre Png (married 2003)
- Children: Not applicable
- Relationship status: Married
- Religion: Not applicable
- Ethnicity: Eurasian (Sino-Portuguese)
- Net worth: $1 million and $5 million
early life and education
Andrea De Cruz was born in Singapore on June 24, 1974. She is 50 years old this year. She is of mixed Eurasian and Chinese and Portuguese ancestry.
Although there is limited public information about her parents and siblings, De Cruz grew up in Singapore. Although she does not come from a Chinese-speaking background, this multicultural society may have affected her multilingualism, especially her proficiency in Mandarin.
Andrea was educated at CHIJ Katong Convent, a Catholic girls’ school in Singapore known for its emphasis on well-rounded development.
After completing his secondary education, De Cruz continued his education in the United States, studying at San Francisco State University. She pursued a degree in psychology, reflecting her early interest in human behavior and mental health.
Her academic background in psychology has influenced some of her public roles, particularly in advocating for physical and mental health. Media reports have not focused on DeCruz’s racial and religious background. Nonetheless, her Eurasian heritage remains an important part of her identity in Singapore’s multicultural landscape.
personal life
Andrea De Cruz is married to Singaporean celebrity actor Pierre Png. Their relationship became public knowledge when Png made headlines for donating part of his liver to DeCruz during the 2002 health crisis.
The couple met in the entertainment industry, but it was Png’s life-saving act that cemented their bond. They married in 2003, a year after the transplant, and their relationship has been hailed as one of the most enduring in Singapore’s entertainment industry.
Despite facing numerous health challenges over the years, including a battle with cervical cancer in 2017 and a brain aneurysm in 2019, DeCruz has always been grateful for Png’s unwavering support. Although the couple had no children, they developed a strong relationship based on mutual respect and care for each other.
Profession
Andrea De Cruz began her acting career in Singapore in the mid-1990s, appearing in various TV series and variety shows. Her most famous roles are in “Hotel” and “Reunion”, which were well received by local audiences.
She also appeared in the films “Tiger Whip” (1998) and “Love Story” (2000), further establishing herself as a versatile actress who can handle both dramatic and light-hearted roles.
In addition to acting, D’Cruz has hosted various television shows, including beauty pageants such as Miss Universe Singapore. Her career was temporarily derailed after a liver transplant, causing her to take a five-year hiatus from acting.
Although her presence in the entertainment industry has diminished, she remains active in various public appearances and charitable causes, particularly those related to health and wellness.
Awards
- 2007: Nominated for the Asian Television Award for Best Actress for her role in “Do Not Disturb – Lunch Time”
net worth
Andrea De Cruz’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. Her wealth is mainly derived from her acting career and business ventures in which she is involved with her husband Pierre Png.
In 2021, the couple co-founded Tipsy Flamingo, a bar-restaurant that is now part of Singapore’s successful Tipsy Collective.
dispute
Andrea De Cruz’s most significant controversy stemmed from the 2002 Slim 10 diet pill scandal, which nearly claimed her life. Slim 10 is a popular weight loss product manufactured in China and sold throughout Asia. DeCruz, like many others, takes these drugs to control his weight.
However, it was later discovered that these pills contained dangerous substances such as fenfluramine, which can cause serious health complications, including liver failure. De Cruz’s case attracted widespread media attention in Singapore due to the seriousness of her condition and the involvement of other local celebrities.
De Cruz sued the dealer and manufacturer of Slim 10 after her then-boyfriend Pierre Png received a life-saving liver transplant. In a highly publicized legal battle, she was awarded S$900,000 in compensation for her suffering and medical expenses. Put up with it.
The case also highlighted the lack of regulation in Asia’s dietary supplement market and prompted changes in consumer protection laws governing health products.
The Slim 10 scandal remains one of the most notorious cases in Singapore’s entertainment history, thrusting De Cruz into the spotlight outside of his acting career.
In addition to his Slim 10 ordeal, DeCruz has faced other personal health crises, including a cervical cancer diagnosis in 2017 and a brain aneurysm in 2019.
While these health challenges aren’t controversial in the traditional sense, she remains in the public eye as she shares her ongoing struggles and resilience.
social media
- Instagram: @andrea_decruz
- Twitter: N/A
film chronology
- Tiger Whip(1998)
- A story about love(2000)
- Reunion(2001)
- Hotel(2001)
- Fountain of Life(2002)
- Blueprint: Scars(2003)
- Shining Star(2006)
- Rhapsody in Blue(2006)
- My Dear Relatives(2007)
- Do Not Disturb – Lunch Time (2008)
