Before It Ends With Us Drama Justin Baldoni Built a Brand Around Telling Men to Do Better

Justin Baldoni, known for his role as Rafael Solano on Jane the Virgin, is not just an actor or filmmaker. He has built a distinctive brand around redefining masculinity and urging men to embrace vulnerability, self-reflection, and emotional growth. Long before the drama surrounding his directorial project It Ends With Us, Baldoni had already positioned himself as a thought leader in encouraging men to “do better.”

Baldoni’s journey into this space began with his own struggles. Growing up, he grappled with societal expectations of what it meant to “be a man.” He often felt trapped by the rigid ideals of strength, stoicism, and dominance. These personal experiences inspired him to question and eventually redefine masculinity on his terms.

His groundbreaking TED Talk, Why I’m Done Trying to Be Man Enough, catapulted him into the spotlight as an advocate for change. In the talk, Baldoni challenged traditional notions of masculinity and called on men to embrace vulnerability. The message resonated, garnering millions of views and sparking conversations about gender roles and mental health worldwide.

Building on this momentum, Baldoni launched the Man Enough podcast and authored the best-selling book Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity. The book is a candid exploration of his life, where he delves into issues like body image, emotional suppression, and the pressure to conform to societal norms.

The podcast extends these conversations, featuring candid interviews with a diverse range of guests, from celebrities to psychologists. Together, they unpack the complexities of masculinity and explore how men can unlearn harmful behaviors and attitudes. Baldoni’s approach is never accusatory; instead, he creates a safe space for men to confront their flaws and grow.

Baldoni’s advocacy isn’t just limited to his writing and speaking engagements. His filmmaking reflects his values, often portraying multidimensional male characters who challenge stereotypes. In Five Feet Apart, which he directed, Baldoni presented a poignant story of vulnerability and human connection, themes that align with his broader mission.

Off-screen, Baldoni is a devoted husband and father who frequently shares his parenting journey on social media. He uses these platforms to model emotional openness, from talking about his insecurities to showing tender moments with his children.

While Baldoni’s directorial adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us has generated significant buzz, it has also faced scrutiny. Critics and fans alike have debated casting choices and the portrayal of sensitive themes from the book. However, for Baldoni, this project is more than a romantic drama—it’s another opportunity to explore the complexities of human relationships, including how men can navigate love and conflict in healthier ways.

Justin Baldoni’s work is a reminder that masculinity is not a monolith. By urging men to embrace vulnerability, reject toxic norms, and grow emotionally, Baldoni has created a brand that’s as much about transformation as it is about hope. Regardless of the noise surrounding his projects, his commitment to inspiring men to “do better” remains unshaken—a legacy that transcends Hollywood.