Jon Seda transitioned from amateur boxing to a prolific actor known for his outstanding performances in films and television series. In his early career days, Seda appeared alongside Jennifer Lopez in the 1997 biographical film Selena. He has also played major roles in numerous cinematic projects such as Gladiator (1992), 12 Monkeys (1995), The Sunchaser (1996), Bad Boys II (2003), and Bullet to the Head (2012).
On the small screen, Jon Seda has made more exploits that stand out. Since his 1993 debut in the TV movie Daybreak, Seda has appeared in numerous television projects, including The Pacific, Treme, Chicago P.D., and La Brea. In addition to propelling him to global fame, Seda’s television career has been rewarding. He received the Most Promising Actor award at the 2000 Nosotros Golden Eagle Awards and won two Imagen Foundation Awards for his role in Chicago P.D. Before he caught the acting bug, Seda made great strides as a boxer, winning several bouts in his wake.
1. Jon Seda is of Puerto Rican Descent
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While he was born in Manhattan and raised in Clifton, New Jersey, Jon Seda is originally from Puerto Rico. His parents are of Puerto Rican descent and he has one sister named Sofia Seda. Growing up in New Jersey, Seda attended Clifton High School. He met friends who would later influence his first career choice.
2. Jon Seda Would Have Been a Professional Boxer If He Wasn’t Bitten by the Acting Bug
After graduating from high school, Seda turned to boxing as a career. The choice was influenced by two of his friends who invited him to join their gym. Subsequently, he became obsessed with boxing and nursed the idea of competing in the 1992 Olympics. However, landing a lead role in his acting venture changed his mind. As an upcoming boxer, Seda was a runner-up in the 1990 New Jersey Golden Gloves Competition where he won five bouts. Altogether, he won 21 bouts and only lost one. His boxing experience has also been reflected in some of his acting roles.
3. He Made His Acting Debut in a Co-starring Role in Gladiator (1992)
Something’s really got our attention! Find out tonight! #LaBrea on @nbc 9/8c. Streaming on @peacock @UniversalTV #scifi #fyp pic.twitter.com/3PkLQTsSEH
— Jon Seda (@JonSeda) January 30, 2024
Interestingly, Seda’s passion for boxing helped his transition into acting. His first film role was in Gladiator, in which he portrayed a Cuban boxer. He also played Vinnie in Zebrahead the same year. Following his debut film role, Seda appeared in more projects with notable performances in I Like It Like That (1994) which earned him a Best Male Lead nomination at the Spirit Awards and The Sunchaser (1996) for which he was nominated for the Palme d’Or (Best Actor Award) at the Cannes Film Festival.
4. Jon Seda Played Chris Perez in Selena
Jon Seda was cast in Selena, the biopic about the life and tragic death of Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez. He portrayed Chris Perez, the singer’s husband. Seda also built a close relationship with the real-life Chris Perez, a connection he still maintains. After his appearance in Selena, Seda played significant roles in films such as Price of Glory (2000), Love the Hard Way (2001), King Rikki (2002), Bad Boys II (2003), and Bullet to the Head (2012).
5. He Has Played Detective Antonio Dawson In Four Television Series
From 2012 to 2019, Jon Seda portrayed the same character (Detective Antonio Dawson) on four television series. He began playing the character in 2012, appearing in a recurring role on Chicago Fire. While he was still on Chicago Fire, Seda crossed over to the main cast of its spin-off, Chicago P.D. in 2014. He also reprised the role on the next spin-off, Chicago Justice in 2017.
Additionally, Jon Seda appeared in one episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in 2016 as Dawson. Seda also portrayed Detective Paul Faulsone on three projects. He first played the role on NBC’s Homicide: Life on the Street before having a crossover to Law & Order in 1997. Seda also portrayed Falsone in the TV movie, Homicide: The Movie in 2020.
6. Jon Seda is a Father of Four
Jon Seda has been married for over two decades to his longtime partner, Lisa Gomez. The couple exchanged marriage vows in 2000 and are parents to four children, including Jonathan Seda and Haley Seda who have followed their father’s acting footprints. Others are Jessica Seda Pinto and Madison Seda. Jonathan, who looks a lot like his father portrayed a younger version of Seda’s character (Dr. Sam Velez) on La Brea. Meet the cast of NBC’s La Brea.
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