Celebrity Info
J.D. Pardo, once known primarily for his striking looks as a teen model, gradually shifted the spotlight from fashion to film and television with a career that showcased depth and versatility. Sure, J.D. Pardo’s early entry into entertainment likely benefited from his chiseled features—after all, he was fronting major campaigns for brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Gucci during his teenage years—but it didn’t take long for people to realize there was more beneath the surface. Born Jorge Daniel Pardo on September 7, 1980, in Panorama City, California, he started out in front of the camera in a very different context than where he’d eventually make his mark.
His acting debut came with a guest appearance on Aaron Spelling’s “Titans” back in 2000–2001, but it wasn’t until a few years later that J.D. Pardo really began gaining momentum. Around 2004, he landed recurring roles on notable series such as “American Dreams” and the short-lived CBS baseball drama “Clubhouse,” both of which helped him build a stronger presence in Hollywood. Then came another stepping stone: a memorable role as a surfer on the popular Fox series “The O.C.”—a show that, at the time, was shaping youth culture on TV.
But it was J.D. Pardo’s bold decision to take on the lead role in Lifetime’s telefilm “A Girl Like Me” (2006) that truly turned heads. Portraying a transgender teenager, Pardo delivered a performance that was not only emotionally resonant but physically transformative. Critics and audiences alike took notice, and suddenly, J.D. Pardo wasn’t just another pretty face—he was an actor with serious range. That pivotal moment opened doors: he joined Kevin Williamson’s “Hidden Palms” on The CW in 2007, appeared in the short-lived but ambitious Fox miniseries “Drive,” and even snagged a small but meaningful part in the indie drama “The Burning Plain” (2008), directed by Guillermo Arriaga.
Still, nothing could have predicted just how big 2012 would be for J.D. Pardo. That year, he seemed to be everywhere—balancing a role as the vampire Nahuel in the blockbuster “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2” while also playing the cunning and complex Nate Walker on J.J. Abrams’ hit NBC series “Revolution.” It was on “Revolution,” though, that J.D. Pardo truly emerged as a breakout star. His portrayal brought intensity, nuance, and charisma, cementing his status as one of the most compelling actors of the moment.
From modeling runways to dramatic close-ups, J.D. Pardo has steadily reinvented himself, proving time and again that talent can evolve—and thrive—beyond first impressions. And honestly, if you’ve been paying attention, it’s clear that J.D. Pardo was never just passing through. He was building something lasting all along.
So, when it comes to JD Pardo’s film career, there are a few standout moments worth mentioning. One of the highlights definitely has to be F9: The Fast Saga, released in 2021—that movie really took things up a notch and ended up being JD Pardo’s highest rated film so far. It brought a lot of energy, action, and solid performances, with JD Pardo fitting right into the ensemble cast. On the flip side, going back a bit, we’ve got Supercross: The Movie from 2005. Now, while it had its fans, especially among motorsport enthusiasts, it didn’t quite hit the same marks critically. In fact, it turned out to be JD Pardo’s lowest rated film to date. Still, it’s interesting to see how his journey has evolved—from early roles like that one to becoming part of a major blockbuster franchise. All in all, JD Pardo has shown some serious range over the years, and his performance in F9 certainly stands out as a career high point so far.
Turkey
