Ever watch a reality show and feel like you’re missing half the story? That was exactly the vibe with Natalie Cruz during her stint on the 2025 Netflix revival of Temptation Island. She didn't just walk into the villa; she essentially took over the screen. While fans were busy arguing over her "shower scenes" with Grant Larsen or her unexpected alliance with his ex, Ashley Moore, the search bars were lighting up with a different question. Everyone wanted to know the deal with her background.
Natalie Cruz: The Ethnicity Question Explained Simply
The curiosity makes sense. Natalie has a look and a name that points toward a rich cultural heritage, and in the world of reality TV, identity often becomes a talking point. Natalie Cruz is of Hispanic and Latina heritage.
Specifically, she has roots that trace back to Central America. Her family background is Salvadoran. While she was born and raised in the United States—making her nationality American—she has been vocal about her pride in her immigrant roots. Her parents moved from El Salvador to Los Angeles before she was born, which is a classic West Coast story.
It’s actually kinda interesting how she balances those two worlds. On one hand, she’s the quintessential L.A. girl—driven, camera-ready, and working in sales. On the other, she credits her family’s work ethic and Salvadoran background for her "hustle" mentality. She isn't just a face on a screen; she’s a second-generation American navigating a very public spotlight.
Why the Confusion?
You might see some conflicting info online because "Natalie Cruz" is a pretty common name. If you search for her, you might stumble upon a multimedia artist from Maryland or a social justice advocate from Chicago. Both of those women are also named Natalie Cruz and are also Latina (one is Salvadoran-American and the other is Guatemalan).
But the Natalie from Temptation Island? She’s the 23-year-old (at the time of filming) who became the breakout star of Season 9.
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Beyond the Heritage: The Temptation Island Factor
Let’s be honest. Most people started Googling her ethnicity because they were already obsessed with her drama. Natalie wasn't just a "temptress" in the background. She was the catalyst for one of the biggest relationship implosions in the show's history.
Basically, she and Grant Larsen had an immediate, almost magnetic connection. It felt different from the usual "it's just a show" flings. They were talking about real life, deep feelings, and what happens after the cameras stop rolling.
The Post-Show Reality Check
What really solidified Natalie's status in the Temptation Island hall of fame wasn't even what happened on the island. It was the aftermath.
- The Ex-Files: In a twist no one saw coming, Natalie and Ashley Moore (the woman Grant was supposed to be committed to) became friends.
- The Betrayal: Natalie revealed that she and Grant actually tried to make it work in the "real world." They dated for a few months.
- The Receipts: She eventually found out Grant was trying to play both sides, leading to that viral TikTok live where she and Ashley basically aired out all his laundry together.
It was a masterclass in "girl code" over "guy drama." Seeing two women from different backgrounds—Natalie with her Salvadoran roots and Ashley with her own distinct perspective—team up against a guy who tried to manipulate the narrative was probably the most satisfying part of the season.
Career, Sales, and the Influencer Pivot
When she’s not dodging 4-minute apology videos from exes, Natalie works in sales. It’s a job that requires a lot of the same skills we saw on the show: charisma, the ability to read people, and a thick skin.
Since the show aired, she's shifted heavily into the lifestyle space. If you look at her social media now, she’s leaning into:
- Fashion and Beauty: Promoting brands that fit her "bold and confident" aesthetic.
- Travel: She’s talked about how traveling is her "love language," which was actually one of the things she and Grant bonded over initially.
- Wellness: Dealing with the "hate" that comes with being a reality TV "villain" (or at least the third party in a breakup) has led her to talk more about mental health and staying grounded.
What This Means for Representation
Having a woman of Salvadoran descent as a primary "character" on a major Netflix show matters, even if the show is about dating drama. Salvadorans make up one of the largest Hispanic groups in the U.S., yet they are often underrepresented in mainstream media compared to other groups.
Natalie doesn't shy away from it. She carries that "L.A. Salvadoran" energy—which is a specific blend of cultural pride and Southern California cool—into everything she does. She's proved that she can handle the heat, both on a tropical island and in the brutal world of social media commentary.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following Natalie's journey, here’s how to stay updated without the "fake news" noise:
- Check her TikTok and Instagram directly: That’s where the "real" tea is spilled, usually through lives rather than polished posts.
- Ignore the "Cast Bio" Tropes: Reality show bios are notoriously thin. Natalie has shown through her interviews (like her long-form chat with Reality Steve) that she has much more depth than the "temptress" edit suggested.
- Support the Business: Since she’s moving into the influencer and brand ambassador space, keep an eye out for her collaborations. She’s been very selective about who she works with post-show.
Natalie Cruz came for the "temptation," but she stayed for the sisterhood and the career boost. Whether you love her or think she played the game too well, you can't deny she made Season 9 worth watching.