Biography
Who is Jay Hernandez?
Early life and background
Jay Hernandez was born in Montebello, California to parents who immigrated from Michoacan, Mexico. His mother worked as a secretary and an accountant, while his father was employed as a mechanic. He grew up alongside a younger sister named Amelia and two older brothers named Michael and Gabriel.
During his high school years, he attended Don Bosco Technical Institute located in Rosemead, California. He later transferred to Schurr High School in Montebello where he completed his senior year before starting his professional career in the entertainment industry.
Discovery and television debut
While riding an elevator in a high-rise building in Los Angeles, a talent manager named Howard Tyner approached Jay Hernandez. Recognizing potential for a Hollywood career, Tyner enrolled him in acting school and began sending his photographs to casting agents.
His television debut took place on the NBC series Hang Time, where he portrayed the character Antonio Lopez from 1998 to 2000. This early television role helped establish his presence in the industry and led to future film opportunities.
Film career and major roles
Jay Hernandez made his feature film debut opposite Kirsten Dunst in the romantic drama Crazy/Beautiful. He subsequently appeared in numerous motion pictures, including the sports drama Friday Night Lights and the action film Torque.
He gained wider recognition for portraying Paxton in Eli Roth's horror film Hostel and its sequel. In 2016, he joined the cast of the superhero film Suicide Squad as the metahuman character El Diablo and appeared in the comedy Bad Moms.
Magnum P.I. and directing debut
In 2018, Jay Hernandez was cast as the lead character Thomas Magnum in the CBS reboot of Magnum P.I. The series ran for multiple seasons on television before concluding its broadcast run.
Expanding his work behind the camera, it was announced that he would direct his first film titled Night Comes. The apocalyptic horror project featured principal photography in Vancouver, Canada.
Personal life
In 2006, Jay Hernandez married Daniella Deutscher, who was his former co-star from the television series Hang Time. The couple has maintained their relationship away from excessive public scrutiny while continuing their respective professional lives.
Birthday and age
Jay Hernandez was born on February 20, 1978, which makes Jay 48 years old today. That birthday falls under the Pisces sign. Jay shares the date with 60 other famous people.
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