Jon Avery Abrahams entered the film industry with a role in the 1995 feature Kids, directed by Larry Clark. Since that debut, the New York City native has built a career spanning three decades, balancing acting roles in major studio releases with a transition into film direction for independent productions.
Early Background and Education
Born in 1977, Abrahams spent his formative years in New York City. His formal education took place at Saint Ann's School in Brooklyn. His family background includes connections to the entertainment industry, specifically his great-uncles, the actor Mack Gray and stuntman Joe Gray. His father is the artist Martin Abrahams.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Acting Career
Abrahams gained recognition through a series of roles in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He portrayed Sonny Poncelet in Dead Man Walking, Bobby Prinze in the parody film Scary Movie, and Denny Byrnes in Meet the Parents. Further credits from this period include performances in Boiler Room, My Boss's Daughter, and the 2005 release House of Wax. On television, he appeared in series such as Boston Public, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Mentalist, and Criminal Minds. He also maintained a recurring role as DJ Jonny during the fourth season of The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Transition to Directing
Starting in the 2010s, Abrahams shifted focus toward independent projects. After taking the lead role in the 2013 indie film Room 105 and appearing in We Are Your Friends in 2014, he moved behind the camera. His directorial debut, All at Once, was released in 2018 on video-on-demand and DVD platforms. He subsequently directed the 2017 crime drama Clover. In 2022, he completed his third directorial feature, titled Exploited, which is categorized as a gay slasher thriller.
Fast facts
- Born: 1977, New York City
- Education: Saint Ann's School
- Film Debut: Kids (1995)
- Directorial Debut: All at Once (2016)
- Television Role: DJ Jonny, The Ellen DeGeneres Show
- Citizenship: United States
Questions readers ask
What was Jon Abrahams' first directorial project?
His directorial debut was the film All at Once, which was released in 2018.
Which notable television show featured Abrahams as a DJ?
He appeared as DJ Jonny during the fourth season of The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Achievements
- Educated at Saint Ann's School
- Worked as television actor, film actor and film director
