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Andrea De Cruz
Andrea De Cruz
Andrea De Cruz
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Andrea Heidi De Cruz (simplified Chinese: 爱丽; traditional Chinese: 愛麗; pinyin: Ài lì; born 24 June 1974) is a Singaporean actress and psychologist. She left Mediacorp when her contract ended, but continues to work on an ad hoc basis.

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

De Cruz was educated at CHIJ Katong Convent and studied psychology at San Francisco State University.

Career

[edit]

De Cruz was a psychologist before going into show business. Although not from a Chinese-speaking background, she speaks Mandarin and has acted in Channel 8 dramas.

In 2021, De Cruz with Png opened a restaurant, Tipsy Flamingo, as part of the Tipsy Collective at Raffles City Singapore.[1]

Personal life

[edit]

She married fellow MediaCorp actor Pierre Png in 2003.

Health issues

[edit]

In 2002, De Cruz was a victim of the Slim 10 pills scandal and suffered from liver failure as a result. Png, who was her boyfriend at that time, donated part of his liver.[2] She filed a lawsuit against various distributors of Slim 10 pills and fellow actor Rayson Tan.[3] De Cruz began her court battle against the importers and distributors of diet pills that she says nearly caused her to die of liver failure.

Lawyers for De Cruz began arguments in the High Court seeking unspecified damages in a civil suit against Health Biz, the importer and distributor of “Slim 10" diet pills.[3] The case was expected to last three weeks. De Cruz sought damages for injuries she alleged were caused by the drug and to cover the cost of her liver transplant surgery and treatment, court documents said. She also sued the pills' distributor, TV Media, and actor Rayson Tan Tai Ming who sold the pills to her. Tan was later cleared while the distributors were forced to compensate her. De Cruz took a 5-year break from acting and later stated that she has moved on from the incident.[4] Over the years, she would have varying degrees of liver rejection despite taking immunosuppressants, including after her second COVID-19 vaccination jab in 2021.[5]

In 2017, De Cruz was diagnosed with first stage cervical cancer and had recovered from it. In 2019, she was unable to move the left side of her face due to a 3mm brain aneurysm.[6]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Work Role Notes Ref
1998 Tiger's Whip
2000 Stories About Love

Television appearances

[edit]
Year Work Role Notes Ref
2001 The Reunion 顶天立地
The Hotel Grace Wong
2002 Springs of Life
No problem 考试家族 Li Ye
2003 Blueprint: Scars
No Place Like Home
Making Love
2006 The Shining Star
Rhapsody in Blue Veron
2007 My Dear Kins 亲本家人
2008 Do Not Disturb - Lunch Hour
Phua Chu Kang 8
Our Rice House
Sayang Sayang Nancy Tan
2009 Sayang Sayang II

Variety Shows

[edit]
Year Work Notes Ref
1999 Showbuzz Weekend
Executive Health
Head To Toe
2001 Supermodel of the World/Singapore
2002 Miss Singapore Universe 2002
All Change
2003 The Nation’s Countdown 2003
Miss Singapore Universe 2003
Sun Moon Star
2006 Global Picnic
Miss Singapore Universe 2006
President's Star Charity 2006
2007 Miss Singapore Universe 2007

Accolades

[edit]
Year Award Category Nominated work Results
2007 Asian Television Award Do Not Disturb - Lunch Hour Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Andrea De Cruz

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Andrea De Cruz is a Singaporean actress, clinical psychologist, and entrepreneur best known for her roles in Mediacorp television dramas during the late 1990s and early 2000s, as well as her remarkable recovery from severe health challenges including a life-threatening liver failure and subsequent diagnoses of cervical cancer and a brain aneurysm. Born in Singapore, she graduated with a degree in clinical psychology and initially pursued a career in the field, working for a year at San Francisco County Jail before joining Mount Elizabeth Hospital in 1998. In 1998, De Cruz joined Television Corporation of Singapore (now Mediacorp), debuting in Tiger's Whip (1998) and later appearing in notable productions such as No Problem (2002) and Sayang Sayang (2008–2009), though she stepped away from full-time acting in 2002 due to health complications. That year, she suffered acute liver failure triggered by the weight-loss supplement Slim 10, leading to an emergency liver transplant on May 7, 2002, donated by her then-fiancé Pierre Png in what was Singapore's first non-related living donor procedure of its kind. The couple married on October 18, 2003, and Png has remained a steadfast supporter through her ongoing medical journey, including a 2017 diagnosis of stage-one cervical cancer from which she recovered, a 2019 discovery of a 3mm brain aneurysm requiring monitoring, and a 2021 episode of liver rejection after her second COVID-19 vaccination dose. Beyond her entertainment and medical backgrounds, De Cruz has ventured into entrepreneurship, owning the hair salon Cinq and the boutique florist Belmont Flora, while co-owning the restaurant Tipsy Flamingo, which opened in 2021; she is also recognized for her culinary skills, particularly in preparing Peranakan dishes and plant-based recipes for family and friends. Despite her health battles, she continues to work on an basis in acting and advocates for through various platforms.

Early life and education

Upbringing in Singapore

Andrea Heidi De Cruz was born on June 24, 1974, in , into a Eurasian family of mixed European and Asian descent. As a member of 's diverse Eurasian community, she was immersed in the city's multicultural environment from an early age. De Cruz attended CHIJ Katong Convent, a Catholic girls' in . Limited details on specific family dynamics are available. Following her secondary education, De Cruz pursued higher studies abroad in the United States.

Academic background and early interests

De Cruz completed her secondary education at CHIJ Katong Convent in Singapore before pursuing higher studies abroad. She enrolled at the University of San Francisco, where she earned a degree in Clinical Psychology in 1997. During her university years, De Cruz developed a strong interest in mental health and counseling, drawn to the field of clinical psychology through her coursework in behavioral sciences and therapeutic techniques. This focus equipped her with foundational knowledge in assessing and treating psychological disorders, inspiring her initial career aspirations in therapeutic practice. Following graduation, De Cruz worked for a year at the County Jail, gaining practical experience in clinical settings. She returned to in 1998 and joined a private practice as a clinical psychologist at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, where she provided counseling and services for approximately one year. While employed as a , De Cruz was scouted by Television Corporation of Singapore (TCS), the predecessor to , which marked the beginning of her transition into the entertainment industry. This opportunity arose amid her professional practice, highlighting an unexpected pivot from counseling to media roles.

Career

Pre-entertainment profession

After graduating with a degree in from the in 1997, Andrea De Cruz embarked on her career in by working for one year at the San Francisco County Jail, where she provided counseling and psychological support to inmates dealing with behavioral and emotional issues. In 1998, De Cruz returned to and took up a position as a in a private practice at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, specializing in counseling for patients facing various psychological challenges, including those related to stress, anxiety, and adjustment disorders. Her role involved conducting assessments, therapy sessions, and collaborative care in , contributing to the holistic treatment of individuals navigating health-related emotional difficulties during her approximately one-year tenure. De Cruz's hands-on experiences in , particularly in supporting patients through personal crises and struggles, laid a foundation that resonated with her subsequent public efforts in advocacy, though she soon pivoted from the field. That same year, she was scouted by Television Corporation of Singapore (TCS) while in her professional role and chose to transition into entertainment, marking the end of her pre-showbiz career in .

Acting and media tenure

De Cruz entered the entertainment industry with her acting debut in the 1998 film Tiger's Whip, where she portrayed a local girl in a romantic subplot. Shortly thereafter, she was scouted by Television Corporation of Singapore (TCS), Mediacorp's predecessor, and signed an artiste contract in the late , primarily focusing on Mandarin-language dramas aired on Channel 8. This period marked her transition from to media, allowing her to leverage her academic background in selecting roles that delved into interpersonal dynamics. During her Mediacorp tenure, De Cruz earned recognition for key television roles, including Seow Luolin in the family-oriented drama The Reunion (2001), Li Ye in (2002), and supporting parts in Springs of Life (2002). She continued with selective appearances post-2002, such as in The Shining Star (2006) and Do Not Disturb - Lunch Hour (2007), as well as Nancy Tan in Sayang Sayang (2008–2009), showcasing her versatility in ensemble casts. These projects highlighted her contributions to Channel 8's popular serials, often emphasizing themes of relationships and personal growth. In addition to acting, De Cruz was actively involved in hosting and variety programming, notably serving as a host for Miss Singapore Universe pageants from 2002 to 2007, including editions in 2002 and 2003. Her poised on-screen presence in these events solidified her media profile during the early . Around 2002, following the end of her full-time contract, De Cruz shifted to ad hoc engagements with , enabling her to balance selective acting and hosting opportunities while pursuing other interests. This transition allowed her to maintain a presence in the industry without exclusive commitments, as evidenced by her continued roles in subsequent years.

Business ventures and later pursuits

Following her departure from Mediacorp in 2002, Andrea De Cruz transitioned into , leveraging her background in to inform her professional pursuits in wellness and . In 2006, De Cruz co-founded Cinq Salon, a hair salon located in Scotts Square, , where she serves as managing director and oversees operations including and . The salon emphasizes personalized hair spa treatments and holistic care, drawing on De Cruz's expertise in psychology to foster client . She previously co-owned the boutique florist Belmont Flora on McNair Road, which complemented her interest in aesthetic and therapeutic environments. In 2021, De Cruz co-opened the beach-themed restaurant and bar Tipsy Flamingo at Raffles City Shopping Centre with her husband and the Tipsy Collective group. The venue features a relaxed lagoon-inspired setting with cocktails and dishes like rolls, marking her entry into the F&B sector as a partner focused on concept development and operations. De Cruz launched the podcast And Won Should Know in early 2025, co-hosting with Yen Won to discuss topics such as , perimenopause, and personal wellness. The series integrates her training—earned with first-class honors and prior experience in psychiatric clinics and correctional facilities—to provide evidence-based insights and advocacy for challenges. Episodes emphasize through open conversations on hormonal changes and , positioning the as a platform for . Post-Medi corp, De Cruz has maintained selective ad hoc media engagements, including occasional acting and hosting roles, while prioritizing her business and advocacy work up to 2025.

Professional accolades

De Cruz earned a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress at the 12th in 2007 for her performance in the Singaporean sitcom Do Not Disturb - Lunch Hour. This accolade, presented by the organization, recognized outstanding performances across Asian broadcasting, with De Cruz competing alongside nominees from the , , , , and fellow Singaporean talent. The nomination affirmed her standing as a prominent figure in Singapore's media landscape during the mid-2000s, contributing to her reputation for versatile roles in local dramas and comedies.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Andrea De Cruz met fellow actor while working on the set of the drama series Heartlanders in the early , where their professional collaboration blossomed into a romantic relationship. The couple married on October 18, 2003, in a ceremony at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in . In 2023, De Cruz and Png marked their 20th wedding anniversary by sharing nostalgic photos and heartfelt messages on social media, with Png reflecting on their journey as "one helluva ride" and expressing enduring love and gratitude. Their partnership has been characterized by mutual support, with Png playing a pivotal role in De Cruz's personal stability and shared professional endeavors, including co-managing aspects of her post-acting career transitions. De Cruz and Png do not have children but consider their adopted pets as integral family members, including shih tzus named Woofie, , and —the latter of whom passed away in March 2025—and a poodle named Fluffy. Together, they have pursued joint business ventures that strengthen their family bond, such as opening the bar and Tipsy Flamingo at Raffles City in 2021.

Health challenges

In April 2002, Andrea De Cruz suffered after consuming Slim 10 diet pills, which were later found to contain the undeclared hepatotoxic substance N-nitrosofenfluramine, leading to her hospitalization in critical condition. De Cruz filed a against the manufacturers, importers, and distributors of the pills, including Guangzhou Yuzhitang Health Products and local entities, alleging and seeking damages for her medical expenses, ; the court awarded her compensation, which was reduced to approximately S$1.63 million on appeal in 2004. To save her life, De Cruz underwent an emergency liver transplant on May 7, 2002, with part of the donor liver coming from her then-fiancé, actor , who matched as a compatible living donor. The couple has since marked the transplant's anniversary annually, with De Cruz reflecting publicly in 2023 on the "extra 21 years" it granted her, expressing gratitude to Png for his sacrifice during her . This health crisis prompted De Cruz to quit full-time acting at , though she returned on an ad hoc basis later. In 2017, De Cruz was diagnosed with stage 1 following routine screening, which she successfully treated and recovered from without long-term complications. In 2019, De Cruz experienced sudden loss of movement on the left side of her face, leading to the discovery of a 3mm via ; she has since opted for ongoing monitoring rather than surgical intervention, with regular check-ups confirming stability. De Cruz has experienced varying degrees of liver rejection over the years despite lifelong immunosuppressive medication, including an episode in late 2021 following her second vaccination dose, which required treatment with steroids and increased medication dosages; she has since recovered. Following her recoveries, De Cruz has engaged in public advocacy to raise awareness about health risks, sharing her experiences in interviews to warn against unregulated diet pills like Slim 10 and encourage women to prioritize regular screenings for conditions such as . Her openness about these challenges has highlighted issues of and the dangers of undeclared ingredients in supplements, contributing to broader discussions on consumer safety in .

Filmography

Feature films

De Cruz made her feature film debut in Tiger's Whip (1998), portraying a local girl who becomes the romantic interest of the protagonist, Dick, during a whimsical quest blending , , and themes of relationships and illness. Directed by C.K. Cheong and co-starring David Calig and R. Chandran, the film received mixed reviews, noted for its cheesy romance subplot but forgettable overall execution, with an user rating of 3.7/10 from limited votes. In 2000, she starred in the anthology film Stories About Love, contributing to the segment Haura directed by Abdul Nizam, where she played a young woman who discovers deceptions in her idealized relationship with a man portrayed by Mark Richmond. The multilingual production, featuring additional segments on romantic themes with co-stars like and Beatrice Chia, was selected for the , underscoring its cultural exploration of love across Singaporean contexts. De Cruz's subsequent film appearances remained limited, with no major feature credits recorded after 2000 up to 2025, reflecting her primary focus and other media pursuits following her transition from .

Television dramas

Andrea De Cruz's television career with Channel 8 featured several Mandarin dramas that highlighted her versatility in dramatic and comedic roles, often portraying strong female characters navigating family and personal challenges. Her earliest TV appearance was a guest role as Gillian in the English-language Under One Roof (1998). In 2000, she starred in the TV series Making Love, a romantic anthology exploring relationships and intimacy. In 2001, she appeared in The Reunion (顶天立地), a drama centered on three national service buddies and their post-army journeys toward achieving their ambitions. De Cruz played Seow Luolin, whose character arc explored themes of friendship, romance, and professional growth amid the group's dynamics. She also featured in No Problem (考试家族) in 2002 as Li Ye, a family comedy-drama about students and their exam pressures. Her performance in Springs of Life (生命里的春天) in 2002 came during a turbulent period, as she faced a severe health crisis from liver failure caused by Slim 10 weight-loss pills later that year. The comedy-drama followed a group of young adults dealing with career, relationships, and life's unexpected turns, with De Cruz contributing to the ensemble's lighthearted yet relatable portrayals of youthful struggles. The timing of her role underscored her resilience, as she continued filming amid emerging health issues. De Cruz appeared in a supporting role in The Shining Star (星闪闪) in 2006, a family-oriented about a blind girl's emotional journey toward independence and love. Her portrayal added depth to the storyline's focus on overcoming adversity, blending heartfelt moments with themes of support and self-discovery in a close-knit family setting. In 2007, she contributed to the comedic anthology series Do Not Disturb - Lunch Hour, which featured self-contained stories set in a single hotel room, emphasizing voyeuristic glimpses into private encounters. De Cruz's episodes highlighted her comedic timing, delivering humorous takes on relationships and awkward situations with sharp wit and charm. In 2008, she guest-starred in Phua Chu Kang as herself in an episode and played Dr. Rebecca Long in Cosmo & George. Post-2002, De Cruz made guest appearances in dramas like Sayang Sayang (2008–2009), where she played Nancy in select episodes, bringing nuance to supporting roles amid her reduced schedule due to health recovery and family priorities. Her Mandarin proficiency facilitated seamless integration into these Channel 8 productions, allowing her to convey complex emotions effectively.

Variety and hosting appearances

De Cruz established herself as a versatile host within MediaCorp's variety and live event programming during the early 2000s. She co-hosted the Miss Singapore Universe 2001 pageant alongside Lawrence Chau, marking one of her initial forays into pageantry emceeing. In 2002, she took on the role of host for the makeover series All Change, a program she also helped script for its inaugural season, highlighting her multifaceted involvement in unscripted content creation. Her tenure was interrupted by health complications later that year, causing her to miss the entire second season. De Cruz continued to anchor major pageantry events, co-hosting the Miss Singapore Universe 2007 finals with , where her poised delivery contributed to the event's glamorous atmosphere. Her hosting extended to high-profile charity specials, including 's President's Star Charity, where she emceed segments to support fundraising efforts for community causes. After leaving her full-time contract with around 2008, De Cruz pursued ad hoc media engagements, such as emceeing the Tab Fashion Spectacular launch in 2012, blending her entertainment background with corporate event hosting. These experiences honed her abilities in live performance, emphasizing quick adaptability and audience interaction in dynamic, non-scripted environments.

References

  1. https://www.herworld.com/life/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-andrea-de-cruz-the-actress-who-overcame-the-odds
  2. https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/local/andrea-de-cruz-cervical-cancer-brain-aneurysm-pierre-png-680241
  3. https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/andrea-decruz-thanks-pierre-png-for-extra-21-years-as-they-celebrate-21st-transplant-anniversary
  4. https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/pierre-png-and-andrea-decruz-celebrate-20th-anniversary-of-liver-transplant
  5. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0208184/
  6. https://prabook.com/web/andrea.cruz/2578021
  7. https://sgmagazine.com/drupal/city-living/news/20-local-celebs-we-grew
  8. https://mothership.sg/2017/02/5-things-to-know-about-the-eurasian-community-that-gave-us-benjamin-sheares-and-joseph-schooling/
  9. https://www.thecityceleb.com/biography/celebrity/actress/pierre-pngs-wife-andrea-de-cruz-biography-age-parents-controversy-instagram-films-net-worth-awards-boyfriend/
  10. https://mummyweeblog.com/interview-7-andrea-decruz-media-personality/
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  16. https://mothership.sg/2021/08/pierre-png-tipsy-flamingo/
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  22. https://www.stomp.sg/singapore-seen/andrea-decruz-and-pierre-png-celebrate-20th-wedding-anniversary-its-been-one-helluva
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  25. https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/actor-pierre-png-and-wife-andrea-de-cruz-mourn-death-of-their-shih-tzu-cookie
  26. https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=58f9876e-5faf-4cd2-bbfc-0d7337c5d316
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  28. https://www.elitigation.sg/gd/s/2004_SGCA_29
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  31. https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/liver-failure-cervical-cancer-brain-aneurysm-how-andrea-de-cruz-remains-optimistic-pierre-png
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  35. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0249989/
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