JASON GENAO

Jason Genao (born July 3, 1996) is an American actor of Dominican descent who first gained attention for his role as Napoleon in The Get Down (Netflix). He later became best known for playing Ruby Martinez, a math-loving teen leader in the acclaimed Netflix series On My Block .

Early Life & Origins

Jason was born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, into a close-knit Dominican-American family alongside his two brothers, David and Danny . He graduated from William L. Dickinson High School, where he first cultivated his passion for acting through school plays .

Acting Career & Breakthrough

First Roles (2015–2016)

• Made his debut in the 2015 comedy Ladrones, playing an FBI agent .

• Appeared in a 2016 episode of Law & Order: SVU as William Reeves .

• Landed the role of Napoleon in The Get Down, appearing in 7 episodes and demonstrating early range in dramatic storytelling .

Rise to Prominence (2017–2021)

• Stepped into the superhero realm as Rictor, a member of the mutant gang in Logan (2017), marking his feature film debut .

• Starred as Ruby Martinez in On My Block (2018–2021), a smart, loyal, and caring teen whose leadership resonates with fans worldwide. The series was Netflix’s #1 in 2018 among original teen comedies .

Recent & Upcoming Projects

• In 2022, Genao joined the cast of Netflix’s Boo, Bitch, playing Devon in five episodes .

• In early 2023, he starred as Boyd in the war-thriller film Ambush alongside Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Aaron Eckhart .

• He’s also involved in the upcoming indie thriller Divinity and appeared in Marshall Cook’s Film Fest (2020) .

Off-Screen Passions & Personal Touches

• Passionate about cooking—his Dominican heritage and French culinary influences inspire his creative retreats, often shared in interviews with Bon Appétit .

• Actively speaks out on social justice issues, including Black Lives Matter, and emphasizes self-care practices like reading and spending time outdoors .

• Keeps his personal life private, focusing public attention on his work and advocacy rather than his relationships .

Why Jason Genao Matters

Jason brings authenticity and emotional depth to every role. From his early work in The Get Down to leadership roles in On My Block, he continues to expand his range with dramatic features and streaming hits. With upcoming film and series projects, plus a growing presence off-screen, Jason Genao exemplifies the modern multi-talented actor—passionate, grounded, socially engaged, and always evolving.