At age 17, Rosales began his career after winning the pageant "Mr. Pogi" in 1996, a segment in the noontime variety show Eat Bulaga!.
His other starring roles in Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas (2003), Panday (2005), Green Rose (2011) and Halik (2018) established him as a leading actor in soap operas.
[2] Rosales gained international stardom in several countries (Malaysia, China, Ghana,[3] Cambodia,[2] Peru, Colombia, and many others) for his primetime soaps such as Pangako Sa 'Yo (2000–2002), Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas (2003–2004) and Dahil May Isang Ikaw (2009–2010), all co-starring Kristine Hermosa.
Since its original release, Pangako Sa 'Yo has aired in over 20 foreign territories, with the Cambodian Television Network ordering a local remake in 2013.
[4] In Peru, Rosales is known for his role in the series Bridges of Love ("Puentes de Amor"), the first Filipino drama to air in the country and the Latin American market.
[18][19] In December 2018, The Girl in the Orange Dress was released as one of the entries of the 44th Metro Manila Film Festival where he starred opposite Jessy Mendiola.
[20] After a four-year hiatus, Rosales made his acting comeback in May 2023 through his theatrical debut as Tony Javier in Ryan Cayabyab's Ang Larawan: The Concert.
[28][29] Writing for Esquire magazine, Paul John Caña stated that Rosales is "a superstar of the highest order, not just in the Philippines but in many other places around the world".
[30] In a 2018 review, Ferdinand Topacio of The Philippine Star stated that Rosales is a combination of Piolo Pascual, John Lloyd Cruz and Alden Richards.
[31] Oggs Cruz of Rappler stated that Rosales is mainly known for "playing characters whose struggles in either love or life are laced with all manners of desperation.
"[32] A critic from The Hollywood Reporter also praised his portrayal in the horror drama Alagwa, stating that he conveyed his role expertly and emphasized his natural chemistry and spontaneity with co-actor Bugoy Cariño.
[40] In February 2014, Rosales was involved in a campaign "Free Mali", the lonely elephant who has been living in a small, concrete enclosure at the Manila Zoo for 35 years.
[43] In November 2020, Rosales donated 400 food packs in Marikina for the victims of Typhoon Ulysses through the organization "I Am Hope" headed by Bea Alonzo.
[44] In October 2021, Rosales spearheaded a 20-unit housing project in Baggao, Cagayan, with ex-wife Kim Jones and manager Marinez Elizalde for the victims of Typhoon Ulysses.
Santino Rosales (born 2000), Jericho's son with ex-partner Kai Palomares, is a model and football player currently with Maharlika Taguig.