Pasadena Recognizes Actor E.R. Ruiz as the 2023 Robert Gorski Award Recipient

E.R. Ruiz, an actor and burn survivor, has been recognized as the 2023 recipient of the Robert Gorski Access Award by the City of Pasadena Accessibility and Disability Commission.

This prestigious award acknowledges a Pasadena resident with a disability who has made significant contributions to enhancing accessibility and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities and the City’s disability community.

The award will be presented to E.R. Ruiz during the Pasadena City Council meeting on Monday, July 17, 2023, with the City Council and Accessibility and Disability Commission presenting the honor.

Born in Los Angeles, E.R. Ruiz has quietly worked behind the scenes to advocate for accessibility and quality of life improvements for individuals with disabilities.

His acting career includes notable roles such as Gillon in the F.X. series “Sons of Anarchy” as a member of the One-Niners, as well as appearances in BET+’s “The Family Business,” Apple+’s “Lisey’s Story” based on Stephen King’s novel, and the film “Worth” alongside Michael Keaton, directed by Sara Colangelo.

He is the son of Eddy Ruiz Sr. and Mary Mosley, nephew of Jack Mosley, and cousin to boxing champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley.

When he was 9, E.R. Ruiz was in a house fire reportedly caused by his little brother from playing with matches. E.R. suffered 3rd-degree burns to over 40 percent of his body. His uncle David Mosely (a well–known portrait artist) saved him from the fire. Besides saving his life, E.R. credits his uncle David for his love of the arts and music and his cousin Sugar Shane Mosely for being a fighter in spirit.

E.R. is a hero and an advocate behind the scenes, on the big screen, and in his community for improving accessibility and the quality of life for disabled individuals. E.R. worked as an EMT in the past and has continuously led by example. He has worked with and volunteered for various organizations such as Firefighters Quest for Burn Survivors, World Boxing Council, and

Pasadena-based Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation (AABRF). Ruiz supports the AABRF and participates in their annual programs and events such as the “Burn Firefighters Relay.” He also served as the Emcee to the organization’s 50th Anniversary Virtual Gala.

Ruiz’s community work extends to local government as well and he participated in a meeting at the City of Pasadena’s Accessibility and Disability Commission to educate and speak about his experiences with services from the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation.

Robert Gorski, for whom the award was named, was a prominent figure in the disability rights movement within Pasadena. He died in 2020. Gorski played a pivotal role in enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities and championing the cause of facilitating local employment for disabled people. Gorski also served as the ADA Coordinator at the City of Pasadena, ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

For more information about the commission, please visit the City of Pasadena Accessibility and Disability Commission website.