7 Shocking Facts About Monty De La Cruz (Timothy Granaderos) And His Career After 13 Reasons Why
Montgomery "Monty" de la Cruz remains one of the most controversial and polarizing characters in modern teen drama history, largely due to his central role in the dark and complex narrative of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. Portrayed with chilling intensity by actor Timothy Granaderos, the character's journey from a vicious bully to a tragic, albeit deserved, figure of justice and conspiracy captured global attention and sparked countless debates among fans and critics alike.
This article, updated for late December 2025, dives deep into the man behind the infamous character: Timothy Granaderos. We explore his complete biography, the immense challenge of playing a character like Monty, and—most importantly—where his career has taken him since leaving Liberty High and the world of one of Netflix's most discussed shows.
Timothy Granaderos: Complete Biography and Profile
The actor who brought the menacing presence of Monty De La Cruz to life is Timothy Granaderos. Unlike his on-screen persona, Granaderos is known for his charming personality and dedication to his craft, often engaging with fans about the complexities of playing such a dark role. His professional and personal life is a study in contrasts to the character he is most famous for.
- Full Name: Timothy Granaderos Jr.
- Date of Birth: September 9, 1986
- Age (as of late 2025): 39 years old
- Place of Birth: Port Huron, Michigan, USA
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Half-Filipino (Filipino on his father's side)
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm)
- Early Career: Started in the entertainment industry as a production assistant and model before transitioning to acting.
- Breakout Role: Montgomery "Monty" de la Cruz in 13 Reasons Why (2017–2020)
- Other Notable Roles: Ash Franklin in Tagged, Taylor Price in In the Vault, and appearances in The Twin and Walker Independence.
- Relationship Status: Engaged to long-time partner Kate Dixon.
- Current Status: Active in television and film projects, focusing on diversifying his portfolio beyond the controversial teen drama genre.
The Dark Legacy of Montgomery De La Cruz in 13 Reasons Why
Monty De La Cruz was introduced as a secondary antagonist, a textbook jock and bully at Liberty High School. His character arc became central to the show's most disturbing themes, embodying the toxic masculinity and abuse that permeated the school's environment.
The true shock factor of Monty's character escalated dramatically in the later seasons. In Season 2, he commits a brutal sexual assault against Tyler Down, an event that became one of the show's most criticized and discussed plot points. This act cemented Monty as a truly villainous figure.
The mystery surrounding Bryce Walker's death in Season 3 placed Monty at the center of a massive cover-up. He was framed for the murder by Clay Jensen and his friends, a conspiracy that was ultimately accepted by the police due to Monty's known violent history. He was arrested, also facing charges for the rape of Tyler Down.
The character’s fate was sealed when he was found dead in his jail cell. The official cause was an inmate-on-inmate killing, a shocking twist that solidified his dark legacy and served as the catalyst for the final season's narrative, where the group struggled to keep the truth about his framing a secret.
Timothy Granaderos's Career Trajectory: Life After Liberty High
For any actor, playing a character as universally reviled as Monty De La Cruz presents a significant challenge: avoiding typecasting. Timothy Granaderos has actively worked to showcase his range and talent in diverse roles since the conclusion of 13 Reasons Why. This post-Monty era is crucial for his long-term career success.
Recent and Upcoming Projects (2024–2025)
Granaderos has been consistently working, proving his commitment to the industry. His most recent and noteworthy projects demonstrate a clear move toward different genres, including horror, crime drama, and comedy.
- Buried in Barstow: He has appeared in this crime-thriller series, which offers a stark contrast to the teen drama setting of his breakout role.
- The Twin: This film project allowed Granaderos to delve into the horror and suspense genre, further diversifying his filmography.
- Walker Independence: A role in this Western-themed series showcases his ability to adapt to historical and genre-specific television.
- Untitled Horror Movie: His involvement in an upcoming horror feature, as mentioned on his professional profiles, suggests a continued interest in darker, more mature roles that leverage his on-screen intensity.
- Guest Roles: Granaderos has also secured guest-starring roles in major network shows like S.W.A.T. and the HBO Max comedy The Sex Lives of College Girls, which helps him reach new audiences and break away from the heavy drama of his Netflix days.
The Challenge of Playing a Villain
Granaderos has often spoken about the emotional toll and professional difficulty of playing Monty. He has noted the importance of separating himself from the character's heinous actions, particularly the sexual assault of Tyler Down. The actor has used his platform to discuss the difference between the performer and the part, often emphasizing that the role was a necessary component of the show's exploration of serious social issues.
The intensity of the role, which involved depicting a character from an abusive family who channeled his pain into bullying, required a raw and honest performance. This dedication earned him recognition for taking on one of the most difficult and darkest roles in a series already known for its controversial subject matter.
The Relationship That Sparked Curiosity: Monty and Winston
One of the most complex and unexpected layers added to Monty's character was his secret relationship with Winston Williams (played by Deaken Bluman). This storyline, which revealed Monty's repressed homosexuality and his struggle with his identity, was a key entity that fueled fan curiosity and provided a deeper, albeit tragic, context for his anger and violence.
The relationship was a central plot device in the final season. Winston, who was with Monty on the night of Bryce Walker's murder, became the only person who could clear Monty's name, leading to a tense, season-long pursuit of justice for the framed character. This narrative thread explored themes of secrecy, self-hatred, and the devastating consequences of living a lie, further cementing Monty's role as a tragic antagonist.
Timothy Granaderos and Deaken Bluman received praise for their portrayal of this complicated dynamic, adding topical authority to the show's exploration of LGBTQ+ issues within a hostile high school environment. The raw depiction of Monty's internal conflict—his desire for connection battling his fear of exposure—is a performance that continues to resonate with viewers.
In conclusion, while the character of Monty De La Cruz is forever immortalized as a figure of darkness and controversy in the world of 13 Reasons Why, the actor Timothy Granaderos continues to build a robust and diverse career. By taking on challenging roles in various genres and actively engaging with his audience, he is successfully navigating the transition from a breakout star in a sensational series to a respected working actor in Hollywood. His journey is a testament to the fact that even the most reviled characters can launch successful and enduring careers.
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