Community Hub0 Subscribers
Community hub
Jason Genao
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
Jason Steven Genao (born July 3, 1996[1]) is an American actor. He is best known for his appearance as the character Ruby Martinez on the Netflix show On My Block.[2]
Key Information
Biography
[edit]Genao comes from a Dominican-American family in Jersey City, New Jersey.[2] He has 2 brothers: David and Danny. He graduated from William L. Dickinson High School.[3]
Genao began his acting career in 2015, when he appeared in the comedy film Ladrones. In 2016, Genao appeared in a recurring role–as Napoleon in the Netflix Original series The Get Down.
Genao was cast to play the main role in the teen comedy-drama series On My Block alongside Sierra Capri, Brett Gray and Diego Tinoco, which was released on Netflix on March 16, 2018 and final season which premiered on October 4, 2021.[4][5]
In 2022, Genao appeared in a recurring role as Devon in the comedy miniseries Boo, Bitch.
In 2023, Genao was cast in the war action thriller film Ambush opposite Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Connor Paolo and Aaron Eckhart, which was released on February 24, 2023.[6]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Ladrones[7] | Agente FBI | |
| 2017 | Logan[3] | Rictor | |
| 2023 | Ambush | Boyd | |
| TBA | Regulars [8] |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | William Reeves | 1 episode: "Forty-One Witnesses"[9] |
| 2016-2017 | The Get Down[10] | Napoleon | Netflix Original, 7 episodes |
| 2018–2021 | On My Block[2] | Ruby Martinez | Netflix Original, Main cast |
| 2022 | Boo, Bitch | Devon | Netflix Original, 5 episodes |
References
[edit]- ^ "11 Things You Didn't Know About Jason Genao". DoSomething.org. Retrieved 2025-07-14.
- ^ a b c Contreras, Russell. "Netflix's 'On My Block' hits race, poverty with teen humor" Archived 2021-01-13 at the Wayback Machine, The Santa Fe New Mexican, April 7, 2018. Accessed April 24, 2018.
- ^ a b Mota, Caitlin. "Jersey City high school grad hits the big screen with role in 'Logan'" Archived 2018-07-17 at the Wayback Machine, NJ.com, March 8, 2017. Accessed November 19, 2023. "Jason Genao has taken his first step toward achieving his lifelong goal of winning an Academy Award. A potential Oscar still may be a ways off, but the 20-year-old Dickinson High School graduate made his silver screen debut Friday for a role he played in the new X-Men movie Logan, which stars Hugh Jackman."
- ^ "Five Fits With: 'On My Block' Star Jason Genao". Esquire. March 11, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
- ^ Raschella, Cody (June 24, 2022). "Who is Jason Genao? Here's what the 'On My Block' actor is working on". WGTC. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
- ^ Villei, Matt (February 16, 2023). "Aaron Eckhart Is Debriefed on a Deadly 'Ambush' in New Clip [Exclusive]". Collider. Archived from the original on May 22, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
- ^ "Ladrones (2015)" Archived 2022-03-09 at the Wayback Machine, IMDb Accessed April 24, 2018.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (August 13, 2025). "Jason Genao, Jack Henry Robbins, Liza Treyger & Joyelle Nicole Johnson Join Indie Whodunit 'Regulars'". Deadline.
- ^ "Forty-One Witnesses" Archived 2022-03-09 at the Wayback Machine, IMDb Accessed April 24, 2018.
- ^ "The Get Down" Archived 2022-12-03 at the Wayback Machine, IMDb Accessed April 24, 2018.
External links
[edit]- Jason Genao at IMDb
- Jason Genao on Instagram
Jason Genao
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and background
Family and heritage
Jason Genao was born on July 3, 1996, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to parents of Dominican descent.[8] His father immigrated directly from the Dominican Republic, where he grew up in a large family of 14 siblings in modest conditions, while his mother was born in Long Island, New York, as a first-generation American of Dominican heritage. He has two brothers, David and Danny. His mother passed away in 2021 due to complications from COVID-19.[9][10] This blend of immigrant and first-generation experiences shaped a household deeply rooted in Dominican identity.[11] Genao was raised in a working-class family in Jersey City, where economic challenges were common, including periods of poverty as his parents pursued opportunities in the United States. His father later owned a bodega, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit often seen in immigrant communities. The family maintained strong ties to Dominican traditions, such as preparing authentic dishes like adobo and mangu, and engaging in communal activities like domino games, which fostered a sense of cultural continuity despite the urban American setting.[9][3] From early childhood, Genao grew up in a bilingual environment, achieving fluency in both English and Spanish through daily family interactions and exposure to Dominican media and conversations. These experiences instilled core family values of perseverance, ambition, and pride in one's roots, which later informed his advocacy for increased Latino visibility in entertainment, addressing the persistent underrepresentation and stereotyping of Hispanic narratives in media.[9][12]Childhood and education
Jason Genao was born on July 3, 1996, in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he spent most of his childhood in a diverse urban community with a significant Hispanic population, including many Dominican families. Although he lived in the Dominican Republic from a few months old until age three before returning to the United States, Genao primarily grew up in Jersey City, navigating life in a close-knit, multicultural neighborhood that shaped his early worldview. This environment, characterized by strong community bonds and cultural vibrancy, influenced his sense of belonging as a Dominican-American, though he later reflected on the subtle challenges of identity formation in a society where Hispanic experiences were often underrepresented in mainstream media.[9] Genao's interest in performing arts emerged around age nine, sparked by repeating lines from movies he watched after his family finally got cable television, and he soon joined his school's drama club, where a supportive teacher cast him in lead roles in school plays. These early experiences in local theater provided his initial exposure to acting, fostering a passion that went beyond casual playacting and aligned with family traditions of storytelling through Dominican culture. He attended public schools in Jersey City, graduating from William L. Dickinson High School, a diverse institution known for its supportive environment toward creative pursuits, where friends and teachers encouraged his dreams without dismissing them as unrealistic.[4][9][13][13][14] Lacking formal higher education in acting, Genao developed his skills through self-directed efforts and community involvement, including enrolling in an affordable summer acting program in New York City at age 16, funded by his family, which marked a pivotal step in honing his craft outside traditional schooling. As a young Dominican-American, he faced limited access to media representations that reflected his heritage, often learning about societal challenges like racism through films and shows rather than personal encounters in his integrated neighborhood, which heightened his awareness of broader identity struggles within the Hispanic community.[13][4][9]Professional career
Debut and initial roles
Jason Genao made his acting debut in 2015 with a minor role as an FBI agent in the Spanish-language comedy film Ladrones, directed by Joe Menendez. This appearance marked his first on-screen credit, coming shortly after he attended acting classes and auditioned multiple times following an initial failure that prompted him to research audition techniques online. The film, a heist comedy centered on a group of thieves targeting a corrupt businessman, provided Genao with early exposure in the industry despite the character's limited screen time. In 2016, Genao secured his first significant television role as Napoleon, a recurring character in the Netflix hip-hop drama series The Get Down, created by Baz Luhrmann and Shawn Ryan. Portraying a member of the Savage Warlords street gang who evolves into a key ally for the protagonists, Genao appeared in seven episodes across the show's single season, which explored the origins of hip-hop culture in the 1970s Bronx. This opportunity represented his initial major foray into streaming television and allowed him to showcase dramatic range in a ensemble cast featuring talents like Shameik Moore and Justice Smith. Genao's early career gained notable momentum in 2017 with his supporting role as Rictor, the leader of a group of young mutants, in the superhero film Logan, directed by James Mangold and starring Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. As one of the X-23 clones' protectors in the dystopian storyline, Genao's performance in this high-profile Fox/Marvel production drew industry attention, highlighting his ability to handle action-oriented scenes alongside established actors like Patrick Stewart. The film's critical and commercial success, grossing over $619 million worldwide, elevated his profile as a promising young talent. Transitioning from his New Jersey roots to the competitive Los Angeles audition circuit presented initial challenges for Genao, including frequent travel for opportunities and the persistence required to balance minor roles amid rejections in a saturated field. His grounded upbringing in Jersey City influenced a pragmatic approach to these early hurdles, emphasizing resilience as he built his portfolio before larger breakthroughs.Breakthrough with On My Block
Jason Genao was cast as Ruby Martinez in the Netflix series On My Block, which aired from 2018 to 2021, portraying a smart and resilient Latino teenager navigating the complexities of friendship, identity, and survival in South Central Los Angeles.[15] As one of four central friends entering high school, Ruby is depicted as the group's intellectual and humorous core, often providing comic relief through his quick wit and aspirations, while also revealing emotional depth in dealing with family expectations and personal insecurities.[16] Genao, a Dominican-American actor, brought authenticity to the Mexican-American character by drawing on his own cultural background, emphasizing Ruby's vulnerability and growth amid the series' blend of levity and tension.[17] The series, a coming-of-age comedy-drama created by Lauren Iungerich, Eddie Gonzalez, and Jeremy Haft, centers on the quartet's adventures and challenges in a vibrant yet perilous neighborhood, where themes of gang violence, cultural pressures, and adolescent bonds are explored with a mix of humor and realism.[18] Ruby's arc, in particular, highlights his role as the emotional anchor, balancing lighthearted moments—like his crush on classmate Olivia—with heavier narratives, such as surviving a shooting and grappling with trauma, which underscore the show's portrayal of resilience in Latino communities.[17] Over four seasons, the ensemble's dynamics drive the narrative, with Genao's performance adding layers of relatability to Ruby's journey from awkward teen to more confident young adult.[19] Genao's portrayal received critical praise for its authenticity and contribution to Latino representation on screen, with reviewers noting the ensemble's strong chemistry and the series' fresh take on diverse teen experiences.[16] His work as Ruby was highlighted for challenging stereotypes, offering a nuanced depiction of Dominican-American and broader Hispanic identities through the character's humor, intellect, and emotional range, which resonated with audiences and critics alike.[20] The performance earned Genao a 2019 Imagen Award nomination for Best Actor - Television, recognizing his role in elevating visibility for young Hispanic actors in streaming media.[21] The success of On My Block, evidenced by its 95% Rotten Tomatoes critic score and substantial viewership leading to four seasons, significantly boosted Genao's career, establishing him as a rising star in teen-oriented content and resulting in notable salary increases for the cast during production.[22] This breakthrough role solidified his presence in Hollywood, opening doors to further opportunities in diverse, character-driven projects while amplifying discussions on inclusive storytelling.[23]Post-On My Block projects
Following the success of On My Block, which provided a strong foundation for his career, Jason Genao diversified his portfolio with roles in projects such as the family adventure film Max Winslow and the House of Secrets (2019), where he played a tech-savvy teen competing in a high-stakes game against a supercomputer, and the indie comedy Film Fest (2020), further showcasing his range in lighthearted ensemble settings.[24][25] Genao further demonstrated versatility through guest appearances, including Isaac in the CBS drama God Friended Me (2018), a role involving a food truck mystery tied to themes of fate and community.[26] In 2022, he took on a recurring role as Devon in the Netflix miniseries Boo, Bitch, a comedy-horror that satirized social media culture through a ghostly revenge plot, reuniting him with On My Block co-creator Lauren Iungerich and allowing him to blend humor with supernatural elements.[27] Genao's post-2021 work increasingly incorporated themes of representation, as seen in his role as Star, one of two mysterious brothers, in the sci-fi thriller Divinity (2023) and his lead role as Boyd, a soldier facing underground warfare perils, in the action thriller Ambush (2023), which explored military tension and survival.[28][29] He continued this trajectory in the 2024 short film Physical Therapy, portraying a gay Latino physical therapist grappling with ethical dilemmas between serving low-income clients and a lucrative private practice job, a narrative that addressed workplace discrimination, identity, and the need for LGBTQ+ and Hispanic visibility in healthcare stories.[30][31] Beyond acting, Genao has engaged in philanthropy through initiatives like Impact Others, supporting community-driven changes in underserved areas, and shared reflections on his Dominican heritage in discussions around representation during Hispanic Heritage Month.[9] As of November 2025, Genao joined the cast of the upcoming indie film Regulars alongside Jack Henry Robbins and Liza Treyger, but he continues auditioning for roles that prioritize cultural authenticity and diverse narratives.[2]Filmography
Films
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Ladrones | Agente FBI | Feature film |
| 2017 | Logan | Rictor | Feature film |
| 2019 | Max Winslow and the House of Secrets | Benny Carrasco | Feature film |
| 2020 | Film Fest | Max | Feature film |
| 2020 | The Priest | Jason Lopez | Short film |
| 2023 | Ambush | Boyd | Feature film |
| 2023 | Divinity | Star | Feature film |
| 2024 | Physical Therapy | Ahuatl Amaro | Short film |
Television
Jason Genao has appeared in several television series, primarily in recurring and main roles within drama and comedy genres, with a focus on Netflix productions following his early guest spots. His roles often feature young, street-savvy characters navigating personal and social challenges. As of November 2025, he has no credited voice work or television specials.| Year(s) | Series | Character | Role Type | Episodes | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Teenage Delinquent | Guest | 1 | Portrayed a troubled youth involved in a criminal investigation in the procedural drama. |
| 2016–2017 | The Get Down | Napoleon | Recurring | 7 | Depicted a member of a Bronx street gang who transitions into the emerging hip-hop scene in the musical period drama. |
| 2018 | God Friended Me | Isaac | Guest | 1 | Played a young man connected to a divine mystery in the inspirational comedy-drama episode "Heavenly Taco Truck." |
| 2018–2021 | On My Block | Ruby Martinez | Main | 38 | Starred as the intelligent and humorous best friend in a group of teens facing life in a Los Angeles neighborhood across four seasons of the coming-of-age series. |
| 2022 | Boo, Bitch | Devon | Recurring | 5 | Portrayed a supportive high school acquaintance dealing with supernatural events in the limited comedy-horror miniseries. |
| 2025 | Regulars | TBA | Main | TBA | Upcoming indie whodunit series. |