You know that feeling when you see an actor on screen and think, "I know that guy," but can't quite place the dozen other things you've seen him in? That is the Jon Huertas experience in a nutshell. Most people today probably recognize him as Miguel Rivas from This Is Us, the guy who had the impossible task of filling Jack Pearson’s shoes. Or maybe you're a die-hard procedural fan who spent eight seasons watching him trade quips as Detective Javier Esposito on Castle.
But honestly, looking at the full list of jon huertas movies and tv shows, it’s clear he’s one of the hardest-working chameleons in Hollywood. He’s been a witch hunter, a paratrooper, a homicide detective, and a corporate climber. He’s also a real-life veteran who survived the invasion of Panama and Operation Desert Storm, which gives his tough-guy roles a layer of grit you just can't fake.
The Miguel Problem and the Redemption of a TV Legend
When This Is Us first revealed that Rebecca Pearson ended up with Miguel, the internet basically lost its collective mind. People hated him. Like, really hated him. It was a visceral reaction to the "replacement" of a beloved character.
But Huertas played the long game. He took that character from a "betrayer" to the emotional heartbeat of the final seasons. By the time we got to the episode "Miguel" in Season 6, he had most of us in tears. He leaned into the quiet dignity of a man who spent decades being second choice. He actually worked with the writers to ensure Miguel wasn't just a stereotype; he wanted to show a successful, wealthy Latino businessman who wasn't tied to the usual "narco" or "gardener" tropes.
💡 You might also like: Is Steven Weber Leaving Chicago Med? What Really Happened With Dean Archer
That shift in public perception didn't happen by accident. It was a masterclass in subtle acting. He played Miguel through multiple decades—the 70s, 80s, 90s, and the present day—requiring hours in the makeup chair to age and de-age. If you haven't rewatched the series knowing how it ends, do it. You'll see the work he was putting in from day one.
From Homicide to HBO: The Big Breaks
Long before he was making us cry on Tuesday nights, Huertas was the backbone of Castle. As Javier Esposito, he was one half of the "Ryan and Esposito" bromance that arguably kept the show grounded while the leads did their "will-they-won't-they" dance. He brought a physical presence to that role that made sense once you realized his military background.
Before the suits and badges, though, came Generation Kill.
📖 Related: Is Heroes and Villains Legit? What You Need to Know Before Buying
If you ask Huertas what his most meaningful project is, he usually points to this 2008 HBO miniseries. He played Sergeant Antonio "Poke" Espera. It was raw, it was controversial, and it was incredibly authentic. Because he had served in the Air Force as a paratrooper, he didn't need to be taught how to hold a rifle or move in a formation. He lived it. That show is still cited by veterans as one of the most accurate depictions of modern warfare, and Huertas is a massive reason why.
A Career Built on Variety
It's sorta wild to look back at his early stuff. Did you remember he was in Sabrina the Teenage Witch? He played Brad Alcerro, a "witch hunter" who had a literal witch-hunting gene. Talk about a 180 from a gritty Iraq war drama.
- The 90s Grind: He started with guest spots on Beverly Hills, 90210 and JAG.
- The Biopic Era: He played Joe Negroni in the 1998 film Why Do Fools Fall in Love.
- The Sci-Fi Stints: He showed up in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and even the horror flick The Objective.
He also voiced characters in Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 and had a recurring role in Moesha. The guy just does not stop.
👉 See also: Jack Blocker American Idol Journey: What Most People Get Wrong
Beyond the Screen: Directing and Producing
Lately, if you haven't seen his face as much, it’s because he’s been behind the camera. Jon Huertas has become a go-to director for major network TV. He started by helming episodes of This Is Us, but he’s since moved on to direct for The Rookie, Tracker, and The Irrational.
He’s clearly building a legacy as a filmmaker. He formed a production company called WestSide Stories with Kenny Stevenson. They aren't just making "content"; they are developing projects like an adaptation of Candace Fox’s novel Fire with Fire for Lionsgate. He’s also working on a project about Black Panther Party co-founder Huey P. Newton.
What’s Next for Jon Huertas?
As of 2026, he’s deeper into the "multi-hyphenate" phase of his career. He’s starring in and executive producing the thriller Fire with Fire and has been directing episodes of the Amazon Bosch spin-off Ballard.
He’s also made a return to film with The Girl (2025). It seems like he's intentionally picking roles that challenge the "nice guy" image he cultivated on This Is Us.
Basically, Jon Huertas is the ultimate example of "the actor you know but don't know." He’s navigated the transition from 90s sitcoms to 2000s procedurals to the "Golden Age of Streaming" without missing a beat. Whether he’s playing a cop, a soldier, or a grieving husband, there’s an honesty to his work that comes from a life lived before the cameras ever started rolling.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Watch the "Miguel" episode (S6E15) of This Is Us: Even if you didn't finish the show, this standalone episode is a masterclass in acting.
- Check out Generation Kill on Max: If you only know him as a "TV dad," his performance as Sgt. Espera will shock you in the best way.
- Keep an eye on the credits: Next time you're watching a hit drama like Tracker or The Rookie, check who directed it. Chances are, it's Huertas.
- Follow WestSide Stories: If you want to see the type of diverse, nuanced stories he's trying to bring to Hollywood, his production company is the place to look.