He first rose to prominence when he was once a former member of one of the famous showbiz teen group, "Gwapings" alongside Jomari Yllana, Eric Fructuoso, and later with Jao Mapa.

However, the year 1998 started a downward spiral in Fernandez's career and personal life following an assault case that was filed against him by an American socialite and the break-up with his then-girlfriend Claudine Barretto.

After a two-year hiatus from a drug rehabilitation which follows his acquittal in the assault case, Fernandez returned in the movie scene via Biyaheng Langit and Dos Ekis opposite sexy actresses Joyce Jimenez and Rica Peralejo, respectively.

He has been one of GMA Network's leading actors with his critically acclaimed performances on TV series such as Impostora (2007), Kamandag (2007–08), Ako si Kim Samsoon (2008), Luna Mystika (2008–09), All About Eve (2009) and Munting Heredera.

He was paired off with Sunshine Dizon (Impostora), Heart Evangelista (Luna Mystika), Iza Calzado (All About Eve), Marian Rivera (Darna) and Regine Velasquez (Ako si Kim Samsoon and recently in Diva, 2010).