José Carlos Ruiz (born November 17, 1936) is a Mexican film and television actor, born in the City of Jerez, Zacatecas, Mexico. He starred in telenovelas such as María Isabel, Soñadoras, Mariana de la noche, Sortilegio, Soy Tu Dueña, Un Refugio para el Amor, Amor Bravío and Corazon Indomable. He comes from humble origins and was once a hired hand for the company Luz y Fuerza. He worked as an assistant coffee mill worker, a butcher, and also an interior decorator, until he began his acting studies at Mexico's Institute of Fine Arts.