Born and raised on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Fernando Mateo Jr. is a former college football player at the University of Albany, where his athletic prowess laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
A lifelong athlete, he transitioned to a new passion after college, becoming a Krav Maga instructor while working for the family business, further solidifying his multifaceted personality.
Despite his athletic background, performing had always been a deep-seated desire, and at the age of 26, he finally surrendered to his creative calling, embarking on an acting journey that would take him to new heights.
Fernando began by taking classes in New York City, honing his craft through showcases and plays for two years, before moving on to the esteemed William Esper Studio for a year and a half, where he refined his skills under the guidance of esteemed instructors.
Following his time at Esper, Fernando shifted his focus towards film and television, and in 2013, he secured his first network credit in the critically acclaimed LAW AND ORDER: SVU, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Since then, he has appeared in numerous films and television shows, showcasing his impressive range and versatility. Most recently, he has been seen in the last episode of BLACKLIST: Redemption, THE UPSIDE, starring alongside Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart, season 2 of JESSICA JONES, and this upcoming season of ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK.
When not acting, Fernando can be found indulging in his other passions, including photography and videography, which he enjoys as a creative outlet. He currently resides in NYC with his beloved rescue dog, Hal Jordan.
