John Lloyd Cruz was born as John "Juward" Lloyd Espidol Cruz on June 24, 1983 to Luisito Llora and Aida Espidol Cruz. He is the youngest in the family. His family and some very close friends called him by his nickname "Idan". He finished his grade school at Marikina Catholic School in 1995. He was discovered by a talent scout in a mall while he was hanging out with his friends. Due to financial problems since his father's marble business was not doing well, he decided to enter showbiz to help his family.