5 Shocking Revelations And New Projects That Prove J.R. Ramirez’s Career Is Just Taking Off After Manifest
J.R. Ramirez, the Cuban-American actor best known for his role as Detective Jared Vasquez on the hit series Manifest, is currently riding a massive wave of personal and professional success. As of December 20, 2025, the star has transitioned from the emotional conclusion of the fan-favorite supernatural drama to headlining a brand-new project with a major studio, all while making significant, life-altering announcements in his personal life. This article dives deep into the latest updates, his complete biography, and the exciting new direction his career is taking.
The transition from a long-running, beloved series like Manifest to a new leading role is a testament to Ramirez's talent and growing profile in Hollywood, particularly his commitment to authentic Latino representation. Fans eager to know what the actor is doing next, who he is dating, and where his career is headed will find all the fresh, up-to-date details here, including the title of his highly anticipated Amazon series.
J.R. Ramirez: Complete Biography and Professional Profile
J.R. Ramirez, whose professional name is simply J.R. Ramirez, has built a compelling career defined by intense, dramatic roles across major television networks. Born in Cuba, his journey from a young immigrant to a sought-after leading man is a story of dedication and perseverance.
- Full Name: J. R. Ramirez
- Date of Birth: October 8, 1980
- Age (as of 2025): 45 years old
- Place of Birth: Matanzas, Cuba
- Nationality: Cuban-American
- Hometown: Tampa, Florida, where he spent his childhood after immigrating from Cuba.
- Known For: Detective Jared Vasquez in Manifest (NBC/Netflix), Julio in Power (Starz), and Oscar Arocho in Jessica Jones (Netflix/Marvel).
- Current Status: Engaged to Bonnie Leathers.
Ramirez began his career with early roles on shows like 24 and Hacienda Heights, but his breakthrough came from his recurring role as the ruthless gang member Julio in the Starz drama Power from 2014 to 2017.
The Shocking Engagement and Current Relationship Status
While J.R. Ramirez’s on-screen love life as Jared Vasquez on Manifest was notoriously complicated, his real-life romance has taken a very happy and definitive turn. In what was a surprise to many fans, the actor announced his engagement to his partner, Bonnie Leathers, in a joint post on Instagram.
The engagement news, which was shared on November 10, marked a major personal milestone for the star. This confirmation put to rest previous rumors and speculation about his dating life, including his highly publicized, though never officially confirmed, relationship with his Manifest co-star Melissa Roxburgh, who played Michaela Stone. The engagement to Bonnie Leathers is the most concrete and recent personal update, signaling a new, committed chapter in his life.
Ramirez has generally kept his romantic life private, making the public announcement of his engagement all the more significant. The focus now shifts from the dramatic love triangle of the 828 passengers to the exciting future of the actor and his fiancée.
J.R. Ramirez’s Next Chapter: Headlining the New Amazon Series 'It's Not Like That'
The conclusion of Manifest in 2023 marked the end of the beloved series, but for J.R. Ramirez, it was merely the launchpad for his next major role. He has successfully transitioned to headlining a new project with Amazon MGM Studios, a faith-based drama series titled It's Not Like That.
This series is a significant step for Ramirez, as it moves him into a leading role in a production with a major studio. The show is described as a faith-based drama and also stars notable actors like Scott Foley and Erinn Hayes.
Pushing for Latino Authenticity on Amazon
A key aspect of Ramirez's involvement in It's Not Like That is his dedication to ensuring authentic representation. In interviews, he has spoken about pushing for dialogue in Spanish and advocating for Latino authenticity within the new series. This effort highlights a conscious decision to use his platform to create meaningful roles that reflect his heritage, a theme that resonates deeply with his Cuban-American identity.
The project is an important vehicle for him to explore themes of identity and culture, moving beyond the procedural and supernatural genres that defined his previous major work. While a specific release date for It's Not Like That is highly anticipated, its development and casting news confirm that Ramirez is one of Amazon's new leading men.
From Julio in Power to Detective Vasquez in Manifest: A Career Defined by Intensity
J.R. Ramirez’s career is built on playing complex, often intense characters. His two most iconic roles before his current Amazon project showcased his versatility in both the gritty crime drama and the high-concept supernatural thriller genres.
The Rise of Julio in Power
Before the 828 flight landed, Ramirez was known for his compelling portrayal of Julio in the Starz series Power. Julio was a key enforcer and lieutenant for the drug organization, a character defined by his loyalty, ambition, and eventual tragic end. This role established Ramirez as an actor capable of handling emotionally charged, high-stakes drama.
The Legacy of Detective Jared Vasquez
His role as Detective Jared Vasquez in Manifest is arguably his most recognized to date. As Michaela Stone's ex-fiancé and later a key figure in the 828 investigation, Jared’s arc was central to the show’s emotional core. Fans were deeply invested in his relationships, his moral struggles as a police officer, and his eventual journey to understanding the "Callings." The character's complexity—being both a dedicated cop and a man caught in an impossible love triangle—allowed Ramirez to showcase a wide range of emotional depth over the show's four seasons on NBC and Netflix. The final season of Manifest provided a definitive conclusion to Jared's story, allowing Ramirez to move on to new ventures with a clean slate.
The Future is Bright for the Cuban-American Star
With a successful engagement to Bonnie Leathers and a new Amazon MGM Studios series, It's Not Like That, on the horizon, J.R. Ramirez’s career is entering its most exciting phase yet. His commitment to authentic storytelling, coupled with his proven ability to anchor major television dramas, positions him as one of the most compelling actors to watch. Fans of Manifest and Power can look forward to seeing him tackle new challenges, embrace his identity, and continue his ascent in Hollywood in the coming years.
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