You probably know her as Flaca from Orange Is the New Black, the eyeliner-loving inmate with a heart of gold. But off-camera, Jackie Cruz has been building a life that looks nothing like Litchfield. At the center of that world is Fernando Garcia, a man who stayed mostly in the shadows until a surprise beach wedding in 2020 changed everything.
Honestly, people still ask "Who is Jackie Cruz’s husband?" like he’s some mystery man. He’s not. He’s an artist, a father of three, and basically the reason Jackie says she found her center again.
Meeting at a Manhattan Bar
Their story didn't start on a red carpet. It started at Rockwood Music Hall in Manhattan. Fernando was working as a bartender back then. Jackie walked in wearing a bolero hat, and apparently, that was all it took.
He liked the hat. He told her so.
They’ve actually been together for over a decade now—way longer than most people realize. While Jackie was rising to fame on Netflix, Fernando was the steady presence in the background. They dated for about seven years before he popped the question in February 2020.
Then the world shut down.
The Secret Beach Wedding
While everyone else was baking sourdough and doom-scrolling, Jackie and Fernando were planning a getaway. On August 28, 2020, they tied the knot in Oaxaca, Mexico.
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It wasn't a Hollywood circus.
Only 12 people were there.
They wore rings by Sarah Appleton and kept things "small and tender," as Jackie put it. They didn't even announce it immediately. When they finally did, it was just a simple photo of their hands against the sand with the date as the caption. No long-winded speeches. Just a vibe.
Moving to Mexico and the Fertility Journey
For a while, the couple seemingly vanished from the LA scene. They moved to Mexico, specifically spending time in Oaxaca and Tlalpan. It wasn't just a vacation; it was a total lifestyle overhaul.
Jackie has been very open about her struggle with fertility. Doctors told her the chances of a natural pregnancy were slim. They suggested all the standard medical routes, but Fernando was the one who encouraged her to try a different path first. He’s big into natural living and spirituality.
They went raw vegan. They meditated. They disconnected from the Hollywood noise.
"My husband, he's really into just being natural and believing that you can do it," Jackie told People.
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She admitted she was skeptical at first. She wanted results now. But she leaned into the process, and while she was in the middle of a detox, she realized she was already three months pregnant.
The Growing Family: From Twins to Three
In March 2022, the couple welcomed twins—a boy and a girl. Jackie famously shared a video of herself dancing in the hospital while 8cm dilated. That’s some serious energy.
Fernando’s role as a dad seems to be his favorite "gig" yet. He’s posted about how a man doesn't truly understand the meaning of life until he has a family of his own. It's clear they’ve built a partnership based on shared values rather than just industry proximity.
But they didn't stop at two.
In early 2025, Jackie showed up at the Aspen Snow Ball Gala with a visible baby bump. By October 2025, they welcomed their third child. They’ve kept a lot of the specifics—like the kids' names—under wraps, which is pretty rare for a celebrity couple these days. They seem to prefer the "off the grid" life in Mexico over the paparazzi-filled streets of Los Angeles.
Who is Fernando Garcia, Really?
If you’re looking for a resume, Fernando is primarily a professional artist and designer. His work is vibrant, often reflecting the same spiritual and natural themes the couple lives by. He goes by the handle "i.man.fernando" on social media, where he mostly shares glimpses of his art and his life as a "vibe curator" for his family.
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He’s not an actor. He’s not looking for the spotlight.
That’s probably why it works. Jackie has spent years in front of the lens, and having a partner who is grounded in a completely different world—art, nature, spirituality—seems to be her anchor.
What This Means for Fans
If you’ve been wondering why Jackie Cruz hasn't been in every single new show lately, it’s because she’s been busy living. She’s making a return now, with projects like Woozy and the Lifetime movie Husband, Father, Killer on the horizon, but she’s doing it on her own terms.
Key takeaways from their relationship:
- Privacy is a choice: You can be a famous actress and still keep your marriage mostly quiet.
- Natural health matters: They credit their lifestyle shift in Mexico for helping them overcome fertility hurdles.
- Support systems are everything: Jackie often calls Fernando her "light" in her darkest moments, referencing her life before the fame and her recovery from a near-fatal car accident years ago.
If you’re following Jackie’s journey, expect more "slow living" content and perhaps more art collaborations with Fernando. They’ve proven that you don't need a massive wedding or a constant social media presence to have a successful celebrity marriage.
To stay updated on Jackie's upcoming film projects while she balances life in Mexico, keep an eye on her official production announcements, as she's currently transitioning back into more frequent acting roles after her maternity hiatus.