Overview

Javier Manuel “Jay” Hernandez was born on February 20, 1978, in Montebello, California. He is an American actor who began his career in the late 1990s. He was discovered by a talent manager in an elevator in Los Angeles. Hernandez made his television debut in NBC’s ‘Hang Time’ (1998-2000) and gained recognition for his role opposite Kirsten Dunst in the film ‘Crazy/Beautiful’ (2001). Since then, he has appeared in numerous films, including ‘Friday Night Lights’ (2004), ‘Hostel’ (2005), ‘Bad Moms’ (2016), and ‘Suicide Squad’ (2016), where he played Chato Santana / El Diablo. From 2018 to 2024, he starred as Thomas Magnum in the reboot of ‘Magnum P.I.’ Hernandez comes from a working-class family and nearly quit acting early in his career before landing his breakout role. He is married to Daniella Deutscher.

What Is Jay Hernandez Net Worth?

Jay Hernandez, an American actor and model, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $4 million as of 2025. This financial standing is primarily a result of his extensive career in television and film, spanning over two decades.

Jay Hernandez’s Career in Television

Hernandez’s foray into television began with his role as Antonio Lopez on the teen sitcom “Hang Time,” where he appeared in 39 episodes from 1998 to 2000. While specific salary details for this early role are not publicly available, it provided a foundational platform for his subsequent television ventures. In 2006, he landed a recurring role as Carlos on the ABC drama “Six Degrees,” appearing in 13 episodes over its single season. Again, exact financial figures for his involvement remain undisclosed.

The actor continued to solidify his presence on the small screen with roles in various series, including a starring role as Paul Wells in the short-lived ABC series “Last Resort” (2012). In 2013, he took on the role of Dante Rivas in ABC’s “Nashville”, appearing in 7 episodes. His exposure broadened further with a lead role as Daniel Acosta in the Fox crime drama “Gang Related” (2014). He appeared in 13 episodes. Hernandez also took on a recurring role as Dimitri Havelock in the critically acclaimed science fiction series “The Expanse” from 2015 to 2016, starring in 8 episodes. In 2017, Hernandez landed a recurring role as Curtis Pryce in ABC’s “Scandal”, appearing in 4 episodes.

A significant milestone in Hernandez’s television career arrived in 2018 when he secured the lead role of Thomas Magnum in the reboot of the classic action series “Magnum P.I.” on CBS. The series ran for five seasons, with Hernandez starring in 96 episodes. While precise salary details for his role as Thomas Magnum have not been publicly confirmed, lead actors in successful network television series can command substantial per-episode fees. Assuming a conservative estimate of $50,000 per episode, Hernandez could have earned around $4.8 million over the show’s run. However, this figure could be significantly higher depending on his contract negotiations and any potential backend deals.

Jay Hernandez’s Film Career

Parallel to his television endeavors, Hernandez has also maintained an active film career. His breakthrough role came in 2001 with the romantic drama “Crazy/Beautiful,” co-starring Kirsten Dunst. While box office numbers for this film are available ($47 million worldwide), Hernandez’s individual earnings are not publicly disclosed.

He followed this up with supporting roles in films such as “The Rookie” (2002), “Ladder 49” (2004), and “Friday Night Lights” (2004). In 2005, he starred in Eli Roth’s horror film “Hostel,” which, despite mixed reviews, was a commercial success, grossing over $80 million worldwide against a budget of less than $5 million. Hernandez reprised his role in “Hostel: Part II” (2007). Again, specific salary details are not available.

Hernandez’s filmography also includes roles in “World Trade Center” (2006), Oliver Stone’s film which grossed $163 million worldwide. In 2016, he appeared in the DC Comics adaptation “Suicide Squad,” which was a significant box office success. While the film grossed over $746 million worldwide, Hernandez played a supporting role as Chato Santana/El Diablo, so his individual earnings would have been a smaller fraction of the overall revenue.

Other notable film credits include “Carlito’s Way: Rise to Power” (2005), “LOL” (2012), “Bad Moms” (2016), and a guest appearance in “Star Trek: Picard” (2023). Earnings from these roles would have contributed to his overall net worth, though specific figures are not publicly available.

Analysis of Jay Hernandez Net Worth

Jay Hernandez’s estimated $4 million net worth is a culmination of his consistent work in both television and film. While precise salary figures for many of his roles remain undisclosed, his consistent presence on screen over the past two decades has undoubtedly provided a steady stream of income. The lead role in “Magnum P.I.” likely represents a significant portion of his earnings, although the precise financial details of his contract remain private. His involvement in commercially successful films such as “Suicide Squad” and “Hostel” would have also contributed to his wealth.

Without access to specific contract details, investment information, or other potential income streams, it is difficult to provide a more granular breakdown of his net worth. However, based on available information, it is reasonable to attribute the majority of his wealth to his acting career in television and film.

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