Jon Seda
Biography
Jon Seda, born October 14 1970 in Manhattan, New York, is an American actor of Puerto Rican descent. He began as an amateur boxer and, after auditioning in 1992, secured a role in the film Gladiator, which sparked his interest in acting. Seda is best known for portraying Detective Antonio Dawson on NBC’s Chicago P.D., a character who is the sibling of Gabriela Dawson on Chicago Fire, and for his role as Detective Paul Falsone on NBC’s Homicide: Life on the Street. He also played musician Chris Pérez opposite Jennifer Lopez in Selena. His television work includes appearances as the legendary Marine John Bas, among numerous other credits.
Career overview
Jon Seda was born on October 14, 1970 in Manhattan, New York City. He is an American actor of Puerto Rican descent. Before turning to acting, Seda pursued amateur boxing and, in 1992, auditioned for a part in the film Gladiator, which led to his first screen role. His early work included a portrayal of musician Chris Pérez opposite Jennifer Lopez in the biographical film Selena, a performance that brought him recognition among both Hispanic and non‑Hispanic audiences.
Seda’s television career features several notable recurring characters. He played Detective Paul Falsone on NBC’s police drama Homicide: Life on the Street, and later became widely known for his role as Detective Antonio Dawson on the NBC series Chicago P.D., a character identified as the sibling of Gabriela Dawson from the related series Chicago Fire. In addition to these parts, he has appeared in numerous other television productions, contributing to a body of work that includes more than fifty credited roles. Throughout his career, Seda has been credited under the name Jon Seda as well as his birth name, Jonathan Seda.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
57 titles- Into the Deep (2025) as Jordan Devane
- La Brea (2021) as Sam Velez
- 1st to Fight: Pacific War Marines (2020) as Self - Narrator
- Canal Street (2019) as Detective Mike Watts
- Chicago Justice (2017) as Antonio Dawson
- Chicago P.D. (2014) as Antonio Dawson
- Chicago Fire (2012) as Antonio Dawson
- Bullet to the Head (2012) as Louis Blanchard
- The Latino List: Volume 2 (2012) as Self
- Larry Crowne (2011) as Officer Diamond
- Hawaii Five-0 (2010) as Sergeant Cage
- The Pacific (2010) as John Basilone
- Treme (2010) as Nelson Hidalgo
- One Hot Summer (2009) as Ariel Silva
- Burn Notice (2007) as Cole
- One Long Night (2007) as Richard
- The Closer (2005) as Detective Frank Verico
- Ghost Whisperer (2005) as John Gregory
- Numb3rs (2005) as Lonnie Moses
- Close to Home (2005) as Ray Blackwell
- House (2004) as Donny Compson
- Kevin Hill (2004) as Damian 'Dame' Ruiz
- The Jury (2004)
- Las Vegas (2003) as Junior Gomez
- Bad Boys II (2003) as Roberto
- Love the Hard Way (2003) as Charlie
- CSI: Miami (2002) as Hector Salazar
- Undisputed (2002) as Jesus 'Chuy' Campos
- The Street King (2002) as Rikki Ortega
- UC: Undercover (2001)
- UC: Undercover (2001) as Jake Shaw
- Double Bang (2001) as Sally 'Fish' Pescatore
- Homicide: The Movie (2000) as Paul Falsone
- Thin Air (2000) as Luis DeLeon
- Price of Glory (2000) as Sonny Ortega
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) as Antonio Dawson
- Third Watch (1999) as Matty Caffey
- Oz (1997) as Dino Ortolani
- Selena (1997) as Chris Perez
- The Price of Kissing (1997) as Billy
- Primal Fear (1996) as Alex
- Mistrial (1996) as Eddie Rios
- The Sunchaser (1996) as Brandon 'Blue' Monroe
- Dear God (1996) as Handsome
- Twelve Monkeys (1995) as Jose
- Boys on the Side (1995) as Pete
- New York Undercover (1994) as Bobby Lunas
- I Like It Like That (1994) as Chino Linares
- Homicide: Life on the Street (1993) as Paul Falsone
- Carlito's Way (1993) as Dominican
- New York Undercover Cop (1993) as Mario
- Daybreak (1993) as Payne
- Gladiator (1992) as Romano
- Zebrahead (1992) as Vinnie
- Law & Order (1990) as Paul Falsone
- Godshot
- Legally Mad as Joe Matty
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Jon Seda best known for?
Jon Seda is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including La Brea (2021), Chicago P.D. (2014), Othello (1965), Bullet to the Head (2012).
When and where was Jon Seda born?
Jon Seda was born on October 14, 1970 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA.
How many credits does Jon Seda have?
Jon Seda has accumulated over 57 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1990 to 2025.
What is Jon Seda's background in cinema and television?
Jon Seda, born October 14 1970 in Manhattan, New York, is an American actor of Puerto Rican descent. He began as an amateur boxer and, after auditioning in 1992, secured a role in the film Gladiator, which sparked his interest in acting. Seda is best known for portraying Detective Antonio Dawson on NBC’s Chicago P.D., ...