Get to know more about the life of the Teejay Cruz, the son of veteran star Tirso Cruz III and Lyn Ynchausti in this gallery.
Many in showbiz were shocked after hearing the news that former child star TJ Cruz or Tristan Jedidiah Cruz in real life passed away early morning of November 21, 2018 at the age of 37.
According to the Instagram post of entertainment columnist Lolit Solis, TJ was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer.
He celebrated his 37th birthday on October 22, 2018. His mom Lynn Ynchausti penned this heartfelt birthday message for TJ. She said, “I am blessed to have given birth to this son of mine 37 years ago, October 22, 1981 at 8:41AM. I praise and thank God for you! I am a proud mother because you have a very good heart, a hardworking person, and so full of talent! I pray for good health and more blessings to come your way. May the good Lord continue to use you mightily and for His glory. Happy Happy Birthday Teej,”
Throwback photo of TJ with his Daddy Tirso and Mommy Lynn
TJ was part of the youth-oriented show 'Ang TV' in the Kapamilya network.
TJ also appeared in some movies like Rollerboys (1995) and Eskapo (1995).
TJ Cruz has another younger brother named Elmo Jeremiah "Bodie" Cruz, who is a former housemate in 'Pinoy Big Brother' in 2007.
Bodie shared this throwback photo of his Kuya on his birthday last October 2018. He posted, “Happiest birthday to my older brother, TJ. We may not have a perfect relationship but know that I love you.”
TJ Cruz was also one of the co-founder of Spike For Hope. It is a fundraising volleyball tournament to support the non-profit organization, Make A Wish Philippines.
'Beautiful Strangers' actress Djanin Cruz with her Kuya TJ!
You will always live forever in the hearts of your family and friends. Rest in peace, TJ.
On November 21, 2020, Tirso Cruz marked the second death anniversary of his son TJ. He posted on Instagram, "GODly heavenly morning TJ! Today marks the second year when you were called home by the Lord to heaven. Memories of your life [have] been flashing through my mind since I woke up early this morning. Oh how we miss you! We will be having a replay of the interview we had to commemorate that sad event in our life. And after, there will be a Q & A portion so that we may share with other people, who may be going through the loss of a loved one, on how we are coping with our loss. Missing you so much TJ. We love you!"