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Jon Huertas
Jon Huertas
from Wikipedia

Jonathan William Scott Hofstedt (born October 23, 1969) is an American actor. Known professionally as Jon Huertas, he is best known for his role as homicide detective Javier Esposito in Castle, witch hunter Brad Alcerro in Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Sergeant Antonio 'Poke' Espera in HBO's Generation Kill, Joe Negroni in the film Why Do Fools Fall in Love, and Miguel Rivas in This Is Us.

Key Information

Early life

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Huertas was born in New York City to a Puerto Rican father and an American mother.[1] He was raised by his grandparents. By ten years of age, he began taking part in school plays, which was his first inspiration to pursue acting. Huertas graduated John Handley High School in Winchester, Virginia, in 1987 at the age of 17. After spending a year attending college, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1987 and served for eight years as an aircraft nuclear/conventional weapons specialist.[2][3] He participated in Operation Just Cause and Operation Desert Storm.[4]

Career

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Huertas's acting career started in 1993 when he played an uncredited part in The Webbers.

In 1998, Huertas portrayed Joe Negroni in the romantic drama Why Do Fools Fall in Love alongside such stars as Halle Berry, Paul Mazursky, and Ben Vereen. In 1999, he appeared in two films: the horror movie Cold Hearts and the action movie Stealth Fighter. In the 2000s, he appeared in many films, but his biggest role was in television in 2008 as Sergeant Espera in HBO's miniseries Generation Kill about the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

From 1998 to 1999, Huertas played the role of Antonio in the television series Moesha. From 1999 to 2000, he played Brad, a witch hunter, in Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. From 2009 to 2016, Huertas starred in the role of Detective Esposito in ABC's police procedural Castle. In 2012, Huertas and his Castle co-star Stana Katic received the award for Performance in a Drama Episode at the 16th Annual PRISM Awards.[5]

Huertas was elected to serve a one-year term, beginning September 25, 2010, as an alternate member of the National Board of Directors and as a member of the Hollywood Division Board of Directors of the Screen Actors Guild.[6]

Huertas joined the cast of This Is Us in 2016 for the show's first season. In an interview with Tell-Tale TV, Huertas said he didn't know at first that his character Miguel on This Is Us would be aged, or that he would wind up married to Mandy Moore's character, Rebecca.[7]

In October 2019, Huertas appeared on The Rookie. He played Alejandro Mejia/Cesar Ojeda in the episode "The Bet", reuniting with former co-stars from Castle, Nathan Fillion and Seamus Dever, as part of ABC's Cast from the Past Week.

Personal life

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Huertas married his long-term girlfriend, Nicole Bordges, in Tulum, Mexico, on May 4, 2014.[8]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1996 Executive Decision Sammy, Terrorist
South Bureau Homicide Officer #2
1998 Why Do Fools Fall in Love? Joe Negroni
1999 Cold Hearts Darius
Stealth Fighter Lt. Bradley Elias
2000 Buddy Boy Omar
Auggie Rose Paramedic #1
Picking Up the Pieces Paulo Credited as John Huertas
A Family in Crisis: The Elian Gonzales Story Rafael
2001 Green Diggity Dog Tim Porter
2002 Bug Mitchell
Borderline Ciro Ruiz
2003 El Gusano Dan
2005 Induction Rico Rodriguez
2006 The Yardsale Chuy
Right at Your Door Rick
Hot Tamale Alex
2007 The Insatiable Javier
Making it Legal Mike Carlton
Believers Victor
2008 The Objective Sergeant Vincent Degetau
2011 Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 Alberto
2012 Stash House Ray Jaffe
2014 Reparation Jerome Keller
2017 Altered Perception Andrew
2019 Imprisoned Diaz
2020 Initiation Officer Rico Martinez
2022 Prisoner's Daughter Joseph
2026 California Scenario TBA Also producer

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1993 The Webbers Pimp - Uncredited 1 episode
1995 Beverly Hills, 90210 Peter Manguson 1 episode
1997 JAG Cayuga Helmsman and Ramirez 2 episodes
1998 Nash Bridges Hustler 1 episode
Moesha Antonio 8 episodes
1999 St. Michael's Crossing
Undressed Evan 6 episodes
Time of Your Life Unknown 1 episode
Sabrina, the Teenage Witch Brad Alcerro 12 episodes
2000 Touched by an Angel Warren 1 episode
2001 Resurrection Blvd. Unknown 1 episode
2002 NYPD Blue Juan Episode: "Less is Morte"
The Shield Robbie Villanueva 2 episodes
2004 The Division Juan 1 episode
The Joe Schmo Show T.J. "The Playah" 9 episodes
Crossing Jordan Manuel Rios 1 episode
2005 Without a Trace Luis Alvarez 1 episode
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Psych Tech Leon Madera 1 episode
Cold Case Carlos 1 episode
2006 Invasion National Guardsman 1 episode
2007 Prison Break DeJesus 1 episode
2008 Generation Kill Sergeant Antonio "Poke" Espera Miniseries; 7 episodes
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Trevor 1 episode
NCIS Sergeant Jack Kale 2 episodes
2009 Dark Blue Chavez 1 episode
2009–2016 Castle Javier "Javi" Esposito Main role; 173 episodes
2012 Chelsea Lately Javier Esposito in Castle 1 episode
2016–2019 Elementary Halcon 3 episodes
2016 Con Man Diego Alfonso 2 episodes
2016–2022 This Is Us Miguel Rivas Recurring (season 1); Main role (season 2–6)
2019 The Rookie Alejandro Mejia/Cesar Ojeda 1 episode "The Bet"

Directing credits

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Television
Year Title Notes
2016–2022 This Is Us 2 episodes
2022–2026 The Rookie 3 episodes
2023 The Rookie: Feds 1 episode
2023 The Company You Keep 1 episode
2024–2025 Tracker 2 episodes
2025 The Irrational 1 episode
2025 Ballard 1 episode

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jon Huertas (born Jonathan William Scott Hofstedt; October 23, 1969) is an American actor, director, producer, and veteran best known for his portrayals of Detective Javier Esposito in the ABC procedural drama (2009–2016), Sgt. Antonio "Poke" Espera in the miniseries (2008), and Miguel Rivas in the family drama (2016–2022), the latter of which he also directed two episodes. Born in to a Puerto Rican and African American father and a white mother, Huertas was raised primarily by his grandparents and developed an early interest in through school plays. He graduated from John Handley High School in , in 1987, after which he briefly attended college before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force that same year. Huertas served for eight years as a pararescue jumper and nuclear weapons technician and was honorably discharged in 1995. His military experience informed several of his early roles involving military or law enforcement characters and provided him with the discipline and benefits to pursue higher education in theater. After his discharge, Huertas relocated to to launch his acting career, initially taking on guest roles in television series such as Pacific Blue (1997) and The O.C. (2003). His breakthrough came with the role of in the Why Do Fools Fall in Love (1998), followed by his critically acclaimed performance as the battle-hardened Marine sergeant in , a of Evan Wright's book on the . Huertas achieved mainstream recognition as the quick-witted detective Esposito alongside in , appearing in all 173 episodes over eight seasons and earning an for Favorite TV Actor – Supporting Role in a in 2012. In , his portrayal of the devoted stepfather Miguel earned widespread praise for its emotional depth, contributing to the series' cultural impact on discussions of family and grief. Transitioning into directing and producing, Huertas helmed episodes of The Rookie (2023), Tracker (2024), and others, co-founded the production company WestSide Stories, and became a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for his work behind the camera. In his , Huertas married interior designer Nicole Bordges in 2014; the couple resides in and has no children. He remains active as a and advocates for veterans' issues through organizations like Veterans in Media & Entertainment.

Early years

Upbringing and family background

Jon Huertas was born on October 23, 1969, in to a Puerto Rican father of African descent and a Caucasian mother. He was primarily raised by his grandparents, who provided a stable foundation amid his family's circumstances. Growing up in until high school, when he moved to , Huertas experienced the challenges of an urban environment, including at-risk conditions common to the area during his childhood. He has reflected on his upbringing as occasionally tough, noting that his and grandparents worked hard to ease family life despite these difficulties. Huertas's Puerto Rican heritage, stemming from his father's side with family roots in , played a key role in shaping his early identity as an Afro-Latino. Raised Catholic by his grandparents, he was exposed to cultural elements of the Puerto Rican community in New York, which influenced his personal development.

Education and military service

Huertas attended John Handley High School in , where he graduated in 1987 at the age of 17. He had developed an early interest in performance through participation in school plays starting around age 10. Following graduation, Huertas briefly attended college for one year before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1987. He served for eight years as an aircraft nuclear/conventional weapons specialist and pararescue jumper, roles that involved rigorous training and high-stakes operations. During his tenure, he participated in Operation Just Cause in in 1989 and Operation Desert Storm in 1991, contributing to combat and support missions. Huertas was honorably discharged in 1995, having gained valuable skills in leadership, , and cultural awareness through international deployments and team-based environments. He has credited his with providing the structure and confidence he previously lacked, describing it as a transformative that instilled a strong and prepared him for future professional pursuits. This period of service broadened his global perspective and emphasized resilience, influencing his approach to in subsequent endeavors.

Professional career

Early pursuits in music and acting

Following his eight-year service in the United States , which ended around 1995, Jon Huertas relocated to to pursue a career in . Huertas had nurtured interests in both and since childhood; he began in elementary school and participated in school plays, viewing the two arts as interconnected pursuits that allowed him to express himself creatively. Upon arriving in , however, he focused primarily on , enrolling in classes advertised in the to build his skills, though his initial experience involved a questionable program that cost him $3,000 for headshots and instruction from what turned out to be a fraudulent company. Huertas's teacher encouraged him to join the (SAG), which he did shortly after starting classes, marking his formal entry into professional acting. This step helped him secure representation through a Texas-based agent, leading to his first on-screen opportunities. His earliest television guest appearances included the role of Peter Magnuson in an episode of in 1995, followed by parts as Cayuga Helmsman and Ramirez in JAG in 1997, and as a hustler in an episode of in 1998. In 1998, Huertas landed his first film role as Joe Negroni, a member of the doo-wop group , in the biographical drama Why Do Fools Fall in Love. These early credits represented incremental progress amid significant challenges during the , including financial hardships where he exhausted his savings and relied on odd jobs such as waiting tables to cover expenses while attending countless auditions. The competitive nature of the industry often typecast him in stereotypical Latino roles, testing his perseverance, but his military-honed discipline helped him persist through the "lean years." Huertas also appeared in two episodes of NCIS in 2008 as Jack Kale, a Marine involved in a investigation.

Breakthrough roles in television

Huertas gained significant recognition for his portrayal of Antonio "Poke" Espera in the 2008 HBO miniseries , a seven-episode production depicting the 2003 U.S. Marine Corps invasion of based on Evan Wright's . Drawing from his own experiences as a U.S. , Huertas infused the role of the streetwise with authenticity, highlighting the complexities of military life and racial dynamics within . This performance marked an early breakthrough, showcasing his ability to embody disciplined yet nuanced authority figures and earning praise for its grounded realism. His casting as Detective Javier Esposito in the ABC procedural drama (2009–2016) solidified Huertas's status as a prominent television , with the character appearing in all 173 episodes across eight seasons. As the tough, loyal partnering with Kevin Ryan to solve crimes alongside writer , Esposito's arc emphasized camaraderie, , and investigative prowess, contributing to the show's enduring . The role's longevity provided Huertas with steady visibility and allowed him to explore recurring themes of partnership and justice, establishing him as a reliable lead in network television. In (2016–2022), Huertas portrayed Miguel Rivas, the devoted second husband to Rebecca Pearson, across 99 episodes of the family drama, delivering a performance noted for its emotional depth in navigating blended family dynamics and personal sacrifice. His depiction of Miguel as a supportive, multifaceted Latino broke from typical stereotypes, earning critical acclaim. The role further highlighted his range in dramatic storytelling, contrasting his earlier action-oriented characters. Huertas took on guest and recurring roles, including as the dual characters Alejandro Mejia and Cesar Ojeda in the 2019 episode "The Bet" of ABC's The Rookie, reuniting with former Castle co-stars and exploring themes of identity and redemption. More recently, as of 2025, he has appeared in two episodes of The Rookie (2022–2023), one episode of The Rookie: Feds (2023), and two episodes of Tracker (2024–2025). These appearances, alongside others in procedurals, reinforced his presence in ensemble casts. Huertas's breakthrough television roles have notably advanced visibility for Latino actors in mainstream programming, often positioning him in authoritative or characters that reflect his background while challenging through layered portrayals. This trajectory underscores his impact on diversifying representations, with in particular praised for humanizing Latino family narratives amid broader industry shifts toward inclusion.

Film appearances

Huertas began his film career in the mid-1990s with small supporting roles in action and thriller genres. In 1996, he appeared as a terrorist named Sammy in the high-altitude hijacking Executive Decision, directed by and starring , , and , marking one of his earliest credited feature film performances. Two years later, he portrayed the doo-wop singer in the biographical drama Why Do Fools Fall in Love, which chronicled the life of and featured , , and . Throughout the , Huertas continued to build his resume with roles that often emphasized tough, authoritative figures, aligning with his real-life experience. Notable among these was his performance as paramedic Vic in the horror thriller Believers (2007), directed by of The Blair Witch Project fame, where he starred alongside Johnny Messner in a story about a . That same year, he played Javier in the low-budget The Insatiable. In 2008, Huertas took on the lead supporting role of Master Sgt. Vincent Degetau, a soldier, in the supernatural war thriller , directed by , which explored a U.S. mission in encountering otherworldly forces; the film premiered at the and received praise for its atmospheric tension. He also appeared as Rick, a concerned husband, in the independent disaster drama (2006), a real-time account of a Los Angeles attack that earned critical acclaim for its claustrophobic realism. In the 2010s and beyond, Huertas's film roles shifted toward more diverse supporting parts while maintaining a focus on crime and authority-driven narratives, though leads remained scarce compared to his extensive television work. He voiced the character Pedro in the family comedy Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 (2011), a direct-to-video sequel. In Stash House (2012), a home invasion thriller, he played Ray Jaffe, a real estate agent entangled in a drug-related ordeal with Chelsea Handler and Dolph Lundgren. Later credits include Jerome Keller in the drama Reparation (2014), a role that showcased his dramatic range in a story of guilt and redemption; Andrew, a scientist, in the sci-fi thriller Altered Perception (2017); and Diaz, a prison guard, in the action drama Imprisoned (2019), directed by Thomas Q. Napper. More recently, in 2020, he portrayed Officer Rico Martinez in the slasher horror Initiation, a film set on a college campus that drew comparisons to Scream for its meta elements. His most recent feature appearances include as Warden Joseph in Prisoner's Daughter (2022), a crime drama directed by Catherine Hardwicke, starring Kate Beckinsale and Brian Cox, where he played a key supporting role in a tale of family reconciliation amid incarceration; Dankiell Crost in 1968 Blackflower Drive (2024); and Sergeant Diaz in The Girl (2025). Overall, Huertas's filmography, comprising roughly 20 credits, underscores his versatility in ensemble casts but highlights a career trajectory prioritizing television, with cinematic roles often typecasting him in military, police, or correctional officer archetypes that leverage his authoritative screen presence.

Directing and producing work

Jon Huertas made his directorial debut on the series with the season 5 episode "The Ride," which aired on February 23, 2021. In this episode, he helmed scenes involving complex emotional dynamics and action sequences, drawing on his experience as a series regular playing Miguel Rivas. He followed this with the season 6 episode "Four Fathers" in 2022, further showcasing his ability to manage ensemble storytelling. Huertas's transition to directing was motivated by years of observing directors on sets like , where he portrayed Javier Esposito from 2009 to 2016, and , where he sought greater creative control after limited opportunities for Latino directors in his over 450 acting episodes. Expanding to other series, Huertas directed episodes of ABC's The Company You Keep in 2023, reuniting with This Is Us co-star Milo Ventimiglia; multiple episodes of ABC's The Rookie, including season 5's "Crossfire" in November 2022 and "Double Trouble" in March 2023, reuniting him with former Castle co-star Nathan Fillion; and an episode of the spin-off The Rookie: Feds, "The Offer," in January 2023. He also helmed episodes of CBS's Tracker, including "Aurora" in April 2024, collaborating again with This Is Us alum Justin Hartley, and "Murder She Rode" of The Irrational in 2025. These projects highlighted his skill in procedural drama, emphasizing tight pacing and character-driven tension. In producing, Huertas has focused on independent projects, serving as on short films such as Lone (2011), which he also wrote and directed, and After-School Special (2011). These efforts often center Latino narratives, aligning with his advocacy for diverse representation in Hollywood. As of 2025, he is executive producing the drama pilot Fire With Fire alongside The Rookie creator Alexi Hawley, in which he will also star, marking a significant step in his behind-the-camera evolution.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Jon Huertas married Nicole Bordges, a producer and co-owner of Wanderlust Content Studios, on May 4, 2014, in an intimate ceremony in Tulum, Mexico. The couple, who had been in a long-term relationship prior to their marriage, has chosen not to have children, prioritizing their professional endeavors and philanthropic efforts. Huertas and Bordges reside in Los Angeles, where they maintain an active home life centered on fitness routines, travel, and caring for their dogs, whom Huertas frequently features in social media posts.

Activism and philanthropy

Huertas has been a vocal advocate for veterans' rights, drawing from his eight years of service in the U.S. as motivation for his philanthropic commitments. Since at least the early , he has partnered with the to improve the lives of injured veterans through fundraising and awareness campaigns. Additionally, Huertas supports organizations like Puppies Behind Bars, which trains service dogs for veterans with disabilities. In promoting Latino representation in Hollywood, Huertas has used his platform to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. He later received an in 2012 for his supporting role in . More recently, in 2022, he co-launched the fund with fellow cast members and creator , providing financial support and mentorship to aspiring Latinx students pursuing careers in film and television. Huertas's philanthropic efforts extend to education and humanitarian causes, particularly benefiting underprivileged youth and global communities. He is a supporter of the Fulfillment Fund, which offers college access programs for low-income Los Angeles students, and has been involved with and for broader child welfare initiatives. Since 2013, he has backed charity: water's efforts to provide clean water access in developing regions, including areas affected by natural disasters. As of 2025, Huertas continues his activism through high-profile endorsements and engagements, often tying his experiences to discussions on resilience and service. He serves as a celebrity for Hilarity for Charity, raising funds for Alzheimer's care and caregiver support, with events expanding internationally to and beyond. In public appearances, such as motivational talks at high schools and universities, he emphasizes authentic storytelling and awareness for veterans, including posttraumatic growth. He also promotes kindness-driven as a Kind Traveler , encouraging travel-linked donations to local causes.

Filmography

Film roles

Jon Huertas has accumulated approximately 20 film credits over his career, frequently portraying characters in authoritative or roles, such as sergeants, officers, and wardens, which often draw on his real-life experience as a U.S. Air Force veteran.
YearTitleRole
1996Agent
1998Why Do Fools Fall in LoveJoe Negroni
2002BorderlineCiro Ruiz
2006Alex
2006Rick
2007The InsatiableJavier
2007BelieversVictor
2008Sergeant Vincent Degetau
2011Alberto (voice)
2012Ray Jaffe
2015ReparationJerome Kellar
2015Benefit: Gridiron HeroesCoach Tony
2017Lady BouncerRay
2017Altered PerceptionAndrew
2018ImprisonedDiaz
2020Officer Rico Martinez
2022Warden Joseph
2025The GirlSergeant Diaz
Huertas's role as Sergeant Vincent Degetau in the 2008 horror film stands out for its intensity, contributing to the film's suspenseful atmosphere amid a mission in , where critics noted the strong ensemble dynamics despite the picture's modest budget.

Television roles

Jon Huertas has appeared in a wide range of television productions, from early guest and recurring roles in sitcoms to leading parts in acclaimed dramas and miniseries. His television work spans over two decades, showcasing his versatility in portraying officers, , and family figures. Notable contributions include his recurring role as in the UPN series , where he appeared in several episodes during seasons 4 and 5. He followed this with a recurring turn as Brad Alcerro, a witch hunter, in across five episodes in seasons 4 and 5. Huertas's performance as Sgt. Antonio "Poke" Espera in the miniseries (2008) marked a significant step, appearing in all seven episodes as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reconnaissance Battalion during the . This role highlighted his ability to convey grit and camaraderie in a war setting. His longest-running television role came as Detective Javier Esposito in ABC's (2009–2016), where he starred in 173 episodes as the sharp-witted NYPD homicide detective and partner to Kevin Ryan. The character became a fan favorite for his humor, loyalty, and action-hero moments in the crime procedural. From 2016 to 2022, Huertas portrayed Miguel Rivas in NBC's This Is Us, initially recurring in season 1 before becoming a series regular for seasons 2 through 6, totaling 67 episodes. As Rebecca Pearson's second husband and Jack's best friend, Miguel's arc explored themes of love, caregiving, and loss, earning praise for its emotional depth. In recent years, Huertas has taken on guest appearances, including Alejandro Mejia (an undercover agent) in the 2019 episode "The Bet" of ABC's The Rookie, reuniting him with former Castle co-stars. He also guest-starred in two episodes of The Rookie in 2022–2023, contributing to the ensemble in procedural storylines. The following table summarizes select television acting roles, focusing on series with significant episode counts:
YearsShowCharacterEpisodes
1998–1999MoeshaAntonio4
1999–2000Sabrina, the Teenage WitchBrad Alcerro5
2002The ShieldRobbie Villanueva1
2004Crossing JordanManuel Rios1
2008Generation Kill (miniseries)Sgt. Antonio "Poke" Espera7
2009–2016CastleJavier Esposito173
2016–2022This Is UsMiguel Rivas67
2019–2023The RookieAlejandro Mejia3

Directing credits

Jon Huertas began directing television episodes during his tenure on , marking his transition into helming dramatic narratives centered on family and personal growth. His debut came with the series' fifth season, followed by additional installments in its final year. Subsequently, Huertas expanded his directing portfolio to other procedural and ensemble dramas, including reunions with former co-stars on shows like The Rookie and Tracker. His work emphasizes character-driven storytelling, often incorporating themes of resilience and interpersonal dynamics. By 2025, he had directed episodes across multiple networks, showcasing his versatility in broadcast television.

Television episodes

YearSeriesEpisode TitleSeason/EpisodeNotes
2021This Is Us"The Ride"5x09Huertas's directorial debut on the series, featuring flashbacks to the Pearson family's early years and a flash-forward sequence.
2022This Is Us"Four Fathers"6x03Explores fatherhood across generations in the Pearson family saga.
2022The Rookie"Crossfire"5x07Centers on a shooting incident and its aftermath for the LAPD officers.
2023The Rookie"Double Trouble"5x18Presented in a mockumentary style, delving into undercover operations and personal stakes.
2023The Company You Keep"The Spy Who Loved Me"1x05Involves espionage and family secrets in a con-artist thriller.
2023The Company You Keep"The Truth Hurts"1x10Season finale focusing on revelations and romantic entanglements; reunited Huertas with Milo Ventimiglia.
2024Tracker"Aurora"1x09Reunited Huertas with Justin Hartley; follows a search for a missing teenager amid supernatural elements.
2025Tracker"Nightingale"2x10Tracks a missing singer connected to a violent crime, highlighting survivalist themes.
2025The Irrational"Murder She Rode"2x13Investigates an equestrian's death using behavioral analysis.
2025Ballard"Fork in the Road"1x07A Bosch spin-off episode advancing a cold case investigation.
Huertas has also directed short films, often blending action, , and while serving in multiple roles such as and .
  • Lone (2011): A about two men evading ; written, directed, and starred in by Huertas.
  • The Box (2014): Co-directed with ; explores themes of confrontation and mystery in a confined setting.
  • Two Jacked (2021): An action-oriented short featuring high-stakes pursuit and empowerment narratives.

References

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