You probably know J.D. Pardo as the leather-clad, intense Ezekiel "EZ" Reyes. For five seasons, he was the heartbeat of Mayans M.C., carrying the weight of a Shakespearean tragedy on two wheels. But honestly? If you think that’s all he’s done, you’re missing about 70% of the picture.
He didn't just wake up and become a club president.
Pardo has been grinding in Hollywood for over two decades. We're talking about a career that spans from teen soaps like The O.C. to massive blockbusters like F9. He’s played vampires, detectives, and even a young Jack Toretto. His filmography is a weird, wild mix of "Wait, that was him?" moments.
The Breaking Point: A Girl Like Me
Before the tattoos and the motorcycles, J.D. Pardo took a massive risk in 2006. He starred in the Lifetime movie A Girl Like Me: The Gwen Araujo Story. He played Gwen, a transgender teenager who was brutally murdered in a real-life hate crime.
It was a transformative performance.
At a time when Hollywood wasn't exactly known for nuanced portrayals of trans lives, Pardo’s work was hailed as "heartbreaking" and "brilliant" by outlets like The Hollywood Reporter. He didn't just play a role; he disappeared into it. This wasn't some vanity project—it was a statement. It earned him an Imagen Foundation Award nomination and proved he had the dramatic chops to lead a series.
Beyond the Vest: J D Pardo Movies and TV Shows You Forgot
Most people jump straight from Mayans to his recent stuff, but the middle of his career is where things get interesting.
Did you catch him in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2? He played Nahuel, the half-vampire who basically proves that Renesmee isn't a freak of nature. It’s a small but pivotal role in a massive franchise.
Then there’s Revolution.
In this J.J. Abrams-produced sci-fi world where the power goes out globally, Pardo played "Nate Walker" (really Jason Neville). He was the duplicitous soldier who fell for the protagonist. He brought a certain vulnerability to a character that could have easily been a one-dimensional villain.
The Fast and the Furious Connection
In 2021, Pardo joined the Fast Saga in F9. He didn't play a random henchman. He played Jack Toretto, the father of Dom and Jakob.
Playing the patriarch of the most famous "family" in cinema is a big deal. His performance in the flashback racing sequences gave the entire movie its emotional stakes. It’s the kind of role that cements you as a staple in the "tough guy with a heart" archetype.
The Recent Surge
Since Mayans ended its run in 2023, Pardo hasn't slowed down.
- Hypnotic (2023): He played Nicks alongside Ben Affleck in a mind-bending Robert Rodriguez thriller.
- Road House (2024): He showed up as Dell in the remake starring Jake Gyllenhaal.
- High Potential (2024-2025): He’s currently recurring as Tom, a character with a flirty, high-stakes dynamic with the lead, Morgan.
Honestly, seeing him in High Potential is a breath of fresh air. He’s playing someone a bit more grounded, even if he did end up with a gunshot wound in the middle of a hospital hostage crisis. It shows he’s ready to move past the "outlaw" label.
Why He’s the Ultimate "Actor’s Actor"
Pardo is famous for his preparation. When he got the role of EZ Reyes, he didn't just learn how to ride a bike. He bulked up. He studied the history of motorcycle clubs. He even directed an episode in the final season ("I See the Black Light").
He’s mentioned in interviews—specifically with Backstage—that he uses fear as a motivator. He doesn't have a "Plan B." He once said that it wasn't until he threw himself off the cliff of acting without a safety net that he actually started finding success.
That intensity shows on screen.
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Whether he’s in a 100-million-dollar movie or a gritty cable drama, he brings a level of focus that makes you believe the character exists outside the script. He’s also signed a major deal with FXP to develop and produce his own projects. So, we're likely going to see his name in the "Executive Producer" credits more often than not in the coming years.
What’s Next for J.D. Pardo?
If you're looking for where to watch him next, keep an eye on Untamed. He’s slated to appear in that series in 2025/2026.
For those who want to catch up on his best work, start with Mayans M.C. on Hulu/Disney+, but don't sleep on A Girl Like Me. It’s the rawest performance he’s ever given.
Actionable Insight: If you're a fan of his work, track his upcoming production credits under his deal with FX. He’s shifting from being just the face of a show to the mind behind it, which usually means the roles he chooses for himself will be even more complex than EZ Reyes. Check out High Potential on ABC or Hulu to see his most recent evolution in real-time.