Jonathan Floyd ’91 - Heights Schools Foundation

“To this day, I have friends who tell me that I talk a lot about high school. I now know the reason is because it continues to shape the man I am today. It was here that I made lifelong friends, learned to stand up to bullies and fight for the underdog. The coaches and teachers left an imprint on my life that endures to this day. I can honestly say those were some of the best years of my life. I am truly humbled to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. It is an honor I will cherish for a lifetime.”

“A man who has no imagination has no wings.” ~ Muhammad Ali

Jonathan is an actor, producer, martial arts expert and community advocate. He is a member of the prestigious Actors Studio and has appeared in more than 50 television shows and movies and over 100 national commercials. Jonathan moved to Los Angeles with a dream of making it in the entertainment business and has worked in the biz for more than two decades. Along the way, he found his other great passion, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, for which he is known as the friendly neighborhood black belt. Dedicated to using his time and efforts to train youth and adults, Jonathan helps law enforcement officials become better prepared with self-defense techniques to keep them safer and those they arrest safer as well. Los Angeles police has twice recognized him for his donation of time and efforts to train not only police officials, but also schools, businesses and places of religious worship in how to react in active shooter situations. Jonathan believes his journey is a book that is ever evolving and he’s looking forward to the next chapter.

Education

Actors Studio

Current Occupation

Actor
Producer
Professor of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Achievements

Lifetime member of the Actors Studio for more than 20 years. Trained by Oscar Award winners like Sydney Portier, Al Pacino, Martin Landau, Christopher Walken and Harvey Keitel
Acted in: over 50 television shows such as Friends, NCIS and Saving Grace (TNT) with Academy Award winning actor Holly Hunter; and in films with stars such as Anthony Anderson, Nick Cannon, Forrest Whitaker and Nicole Kidman; and starred in more than 100 national commercials with actors like Jenifer Gardner and J.K. Simmons
Produced and starred in Raptors alongside Christopher B. Duncan and executive produced by Martin Lawrence
Currently producing and acting in Broken, a film about mental health and the breakdown of the system with Beverly Todd
Has studied martial arts, including Wing Chun Kung Fu, Karate and most notably Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, for which he received a Black Belt by international champion Professor Bruno Antunes
Ensures police officer safety while reducing incidents of excessive force as a Certified Trainer of Law and Certified Run Hide Fight instructor (national programs aimed at reducing casualties in mass shootings)