Justin Baldoni: All You Need to Know About What Nationality is Justin Baldoni

Justin Baldoni is more than just a handsome face on TV—he’s an actor, director, producer, entrepreneur, podcast host, and one of Hollywood’s leading voices on masculinity, vulnerability, and social change. Best known for his role as Rafael Solano on Jane the Virgin, Baldoni has expanded his influence far beyond the screen. With so many fans curious about his background and identity, a common question emerges: What nationality is Justin Baldoni?
Quick Bio
Full Name | Justin Louis Baldoni |
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Date of Birth | January 24, 1984 |
Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Mixed: Italian, Jewish, Brazilian, and Polish descent |
Religion | Bahá’í Faith |
Profession | Actor, Director, Author, Entrepreneur |
Height | 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) |
Marital Status | Married to Emily Baldoni |
Children | Two (Maiya and Maxwell) |
Famous For | Jane the Virgin, Five Feet Apart, Man Enough |
Years Active | 2004–present |
Who Is Justin Baldoni?
Justin Baldoni is an American actor, director, filmmaker, and author best known for portraying Rafael Solano in The CW’s hit series Jane the Virgin. Beyond acting, he is the director of the tearjerker film Five Feet Apart and Clouds and is the founder of Wayfarer Studios, a company committed to creating socially impactful media.
Baldoni has also authored books like Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity, where he challenges toxic masculinity and promotes emotional vulnerability among men. With a mission to use media for positive change, he blends entertainment with purpose—championing topics like mental health, gender equity, and spirituality.

Early Life and Background
Justin Baldoni was born on January 24, 1984, in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Medford, Oregon. From a young age, he was drawn to sports, particularly soccer and track. However, he also showed early signs of his creative side through photography, filmmaking, and performance.
Justin comes from a diverse and deeply spiritual family. His multicultural heritage plays a significant role in shaping his identity and worldview. He has Italian ancestry on his father’s side and Jewish and Brazilian heritage on his mother’s side. This unique blend of backgrounds gives Baldoni a rich cultural tapestry that he embraces and often shares in his work and interviews.
Age and Physical Appearance
As of 2025, Justin Baldoni is 41 years old. Known for his charismatic smile, tall frame, and effortless presence on and off-screen, Baldoni is often praised for his looks—but it’s his inner values that have truly made him a standout.
Physical Attributes:
- Height: 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm)
- Hair Color: Dark Brown
- Eye Color: Hazel
- Build: Athletic and lean
Despite his Hollywood good looks, Baldoni frequently uses his platform to challenge traditional ideals of masculinity and physical appearance, encouraging men to be emotionally open and authentic.
Education
Justin attended California State University, Long Beach, though he didn’t graduate. During his college years, he began pursuing opportunities in the entertainment industry. He originally started out working behind the scenes before landing small acting roles in commercials and television.
His passion for storytelling and spiritual growth led him to pivot toward filmmaking and social entrepreneurship. Baldoni is largely self-taught in directing and producing, learning through experience and mentorship.
His Father: Sam Baldoni
Justin Baldoni’s father, Sam Baldoni, is of Italian descent and works as a film and TV producer. Sam’s influence was critical in introducing Justin to the world of storytelling, production, and the ethical use of media.
The Baldoni family is known for their spiritual foundation in the Bahá’í Faith, a belief system focused on unity, equality, and global peace. Sam raised Justin with strong values of service, compassion, and community responsibility—qualities that are evident in Justin’s personal and professional life.
His Mother: Sharon Baldoni
Justin’s mother, Sharon Baldoni, is of Jewish (Polish and Brazilian) heritage, giving him a mixed cultural background. Sharon’s influence on Justin’s life has been equally profound. She encouraged his artistic and emotional expression from a young age and continues to be a guiding figure.
In various interviews, Baldoni has shared how his mother’s resilience, warmth, and emphasis on inclusivityshaped his views on gender and human dignity. His strong bond with his mother has deeply impacted his perspectives on family, fatherhood, and feminism
Children
Justin Baldoni and his wife, Emily Baldoni (née Foxler), share two children—a daughter and a son. Family is at the core of Justin’s values, and he often features his family life in his books, podcasts, and social media.
1. Maiya Grace Baldoni
- Born: June 27, 2015
- Maiya is frequently featured in Justin’s reflections on fatherhood. He speaks openly about raising her with empathy and equality.
2. Maxwell Roland-Samuel Baldoni
- Born: October 2017
- Named in part after Justin’s father, Maxwell is being raised in a nurturing, emotionally open environment, guided by Justin’s philosophy of redefining manhood.
Baldoni is passionate about fatherhood and has spoken at length about raising his children to be kind, inclusive, and emotionally expressive—values that break from outdated societal norms.
What Nationality is Justin Baldoni?
Now, let’s answer the main question:
What nationality is Justin Baldoni?
Justin Baldoni is American.
He was born in Los Angeles, California, and holds American citizenship. However, his ethnic background is mixed, comprising:
- Italian (paternal side)
- Jewish, Brazilian, and Polish descent (maternal side)
He proudly embraces his multicultural heritage, often referencing his Italian surname and Jewish-Brazilian roots in interviews and writings. His deep spiritual beliefs come from the Bahá’í Faith, which teaches global unity and the oneness of humanity.
While he identifies as American, Justin is deeply global in his perspective—championing values of inclusivity, peace, and diversity across cultural lines.
Current Life
As of 2025, Justin Baldoni is busier than ever, leading a life filled with purpose, storytelling, and service.
Professional Ventures:
- Wayfarer Studios: Justin is the co-founder of this production company that creates “purpose-driven content.” Projects include Clouds, Five Feet Apart, and the upcoming series and films on social issues.
- Books: He authored Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity and Boys Will Be Human, both bestsellers that tackle gender norms and emotional well-being.
- Podcast: Hosts The Man Enough Podcast, a popular series exploring healthy masculinity and the human experience.
- Public Speaking: Justin is a sought-after speaker at universities, TEDx events, and corporate seminars on topics like vulnerability, fatherhood, and purpose.
Personal Life:
He and Emily continue to raise their children in California with a focus on love, equality, and spiritual growth. They actively support causes such as gender equality, racial justice, and youth empowerment.
Conclusion
So, what nationality is Justin Baldoni? He is proudly American, born and raised in the U.S., but his story doesn’t end there. His ethnic heritage is richly diverse, reflecting Italian, Jewish, Brazilian, and Polish roots. These cultural influences—combined with his spiritual upbringing in the Bahá’í Faith—have shaped Justin into a multifaceted human being: actor, father, filmmaker, author, and advocate.
In this article, “Justin Baldoni: All You Need to Know About What Nationality is Justin Baldoni,” we’ve uncovered his identity, explored his background, and celebrated his mission to create a more compassionate world.
He’s not just a celebrity—he’s a catalyst for change, reminding us that it’s okay to be vulnerable, to question stereotypes, and to stand up for what matters most
FAQs
Q1: What nationality is Justin Baldoni?
A: Justin Baldoni is American.
Q2: What is Justin Baldoni’s ethnic background?
A: He is of Italian descent on his father’s side and Jewish, Brazilian, and Polish descent on his mother’s side.
Q3: What religion does Justin Baldoni follow?
A: He is a member of the Bahá’í Faith.
Q4: How many children does Justin Baldoni have?
A: He has two children—Maiya and Maxwell Baldoni.