Jay Hernandez is an American actor. Jay Hernandez was born the son of Isis, a secretary and accountant, and Javier, a mechanic. He has a younger sister, Amelia, and two older brothers, Michael and Gabriel.

Jay Hernandez attended Don Bosco Technical Institute in Rosemead, California, but transferred to Schurr High School in Montebello his senior year.

While riding an elevator in a high rise in Los Angeles, Jay Hernandez was approached by talent manager Howard Tyner who suggested Jay had what it took to have a successful career in Hollywood. He enrolled him into acting school and sent his pictures to casting agents.