Jay Hernandez

Jay Hernandez was born Javier Manuel Hernandez Jr. on February 20, 1978, in Montebello, California. His parents, Isis Maldonado and Javier Hernandez Sr., were from Michoacán, Mexico. His career began uniquely when he was discovered in an elevator in Los Angeles by talent manager Howard Tyner. This encounter led to his enrollment in acting school and subsequent introduction to casting agents. Hernandez made his television debut in 1998 on the NBC sitcom “Hang Time” as Antonio Lopez, where he remained for two seasons. He later appeared as Eddie on MTV’s “Undressed” before transitioning to film.

In 2001, Hernandez achieved a notable milestone with a co-starring role alongside Kirsten Dunst in the teen romance “Crazy/Beautiful.” He portrayed Carlos Nuñez, a driven high school student whose academic and military aspirations are challenged by a complex relationship. The following year, he appeared in “The Rookie” as Joaquin “Wack” Campos. His filmography expanded to include action-oriented roles in movies like “Torque” (2004), “Ladder 49” (2004), and “Friday Night Lights” (2004). A significant turn in his career came with his role as Paxton in Eli Roth’s horror film “Hostel” (2005) and its sequel, “Hostel: Part II” (2007). He also took on the lead role of Carlito Brigante in the 2005 crime prequel “Carlito’s Way: Rise to Power.”

Hernandez continued to build a diverse portfolio with roles in films such as “World Trade Center” (2006) and “Takers” (2010). In 2016, he featured as Jessie Harkness in “Bad Moms” and portrayed Chato Santana / El Diablo in the superhero film “Suicide Squad.” His television career saw a renewal when he was cast as Thomas Magnum in the 2018 reboot of “Magnum P.I.”, a role he maintained until 2024 and for which he also served as a producer from 2021 to 2024. He directed two episodes of “Magnum P.I.” in 2022–2023. Further voice work includes Bonnie’s Dad in “Toy Story 4” (2019) and Yohualli in “Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires” (2025). Hernandez’s consistent work in both film and television showcases a sustained presence in the entertainment industry.