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Named the “next big thing” and one of the “top 35 Latinos under 35,” by The Hollywood Reporter, Gina Rodriguez’s profile has been rising steadily since her breakout performance as the titular character in FILLY BROWN during the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. A 2012 Imagen award winner for “Best Actress in a Feature Film: FILLY BROWN,” Gina is steadily noticed by the public and entertainment industry due to her incredible acting chops and infectiously joyful personality.

Growing up in Chicago, Gina Rodriguez started performing at age seven with the salsa dance company Fantasia Juvenil. She went on to work with other companies including Los Soneros Del Swing, performing at several Salsa Congress' in Chicago, California, New York and Puerto Rico. At sixteen, Gina was one of thirteen teens to be accepted into Columbia University NY- Theatrical Collaboration taught by Richard Niles. She wrote, directed and performed original work with twelve other kids from around the world.  She fell in love with New York and NYU called her name—she was accepted into the Tisch School of the Arts, and the calling was clear, theatre was it. 

Gina had four years of intense theatre training at both the Atlantic Theatre Company and Experimental Theatre Wing, working with David Mamet and William H. Macy, the brilliant guidance of Rosemary Quinn and other wonderful professors.  Directly after graduation, Gina booked her first lead role in the feature film TINY DANCER.  After, Gina originated the role of Frida Kahlo in the world premiere of “Casa Blue: The Last Moments in the Life of Frida Kahlo,” at the American Stage Theatre. She continued to work in NY with multiple theatres and her work in film and TV steadily grew, including shows “Jonny Zero,” “Army Wives,” and “Law and Order,” in addition to several short and indie films. One in particular, OSVALDOS, was accepted into festivals including ABFF, NY HBO Latino Film Fest, Chicago International Film Fest, Urbanworld. They named Gina winner of the “Best Actor” award at the First Run Film Festival in NY and the film aired on HBO in 2010 and was named one of the “Five Best Shorts.”

After the years of success in NY, Gina booked a lead role in a feature film GO FOR IT (Lionsgate) in which she received a 2011 Imagen Awards nomination. After this, Gina booked her first co-star TV role on CBS’ “Eleventh Hour.” She went on to book series regular roles on web series “Eden's Court” and “No Names;” her first studio film OUR FAMILY WEDDING with America Ferrera; and a lead in film SUPERCHICAS. Since then she has also guest starred on the TV shows: “The Mentalist,” “Happy Endings” and “Ten Things I Hate About You.”

Next up came one of Gina’s most exciting roles, to date, FILLY BROWN. Originally, this role had been written as a spoken word artist, an area that Gina had experience, but upon meeting the directors and producers, they informed her that they were changing the part to a rapper. After an outstanding audition, in which Gina provided an impromptu rap performance, she secured the role. Gina collaborated with music producers, E Dub and Khoolaid from Silent Giant, to come up with over five original songs for the film. Filly Brown will be distributed by Pantelion/Lionsgate and set to hit theatres nationally April 19, 2013.

Up next, Gina comes together with the FILLY BROWN producers again and stars as the lead in the Cima Productions film MARCHING BANDA. Gina will play a single mother of a boy who’s estranged father comes back into their lives and begins teaching the him traditional regional Mexican music and incorporating it into the school’s marching band repertoire.  The film is set to begin filming this summer. Also coming up, Rodriguez also stars in the indie dark comedy SLEEPING WITH FISHES, written and directed by Nicole Gomez Fisher. The film focuses on Alexis Rodriguez Fish, who returns home to her family after the death of her cheating husband, the film also stars Anna Ortiz who plays her sister. She will also be seen in a supporting role in SNAP, a reunion with her FILLY BROWN director Youssef Delara. Her indie film CALIFORNIA WINTER with Ruttina Wesley remains in the pipeline as well.

Gina is a supporter of Inspira, an organization that works to spotlight Latino leaders who shape their communities. She also works with the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts and the Boyle Heights Learning Collaborative. She lives in Los Angeles, CA.

Weekendmixtape picks

Karli - Gangsta by Kat Dahlia

Julie Pilat - B. Smyth - Leggo ft. 2 Chainz

American Idol is in full effect, as the top 9 remain! A couple weeks back, I met the lovely Karli Henriquez, who invited me to tag along with her to an American Idol premiere screening event at UCLA. I shadowed her to see what she does as a host and helped her out. 

I started the day picking up Karli, but when I arrived she wanted me to drive her car. Little did we both know, this was a BIG mistake. I usually drive a truck and when I took the wheel in her car, pressed on the gas, the car went zooming onto the sidewalk!  "Was that your car" I asked. She looked scared, but she smiled.

I was going back and fourth between lanes, racing to the event. Car after car made it feel like we'd be late, but I made it to the parking garage with 10 minutes to spare. We got our tickets and I pressed the gas almost hitting a man! I swear he jumped out in front of the car. Karli was taken over by hysteria and laughter. I'm sure it was out of fear for her life with me behind the wheel, but I safely parked and into the event we went.

Karli did an incredible job hosting and pumped up the crowd to meet Ryan Seacrest as well as the judges! I was with her in the crowd throwing out gifts! People lose it when free things are being given away.

 I also got to hang out backstage and meet some pretty influential and inspiring people. It made me realize that at this point, I want someone to notice me and take me under their wing, but that's not how it always works. I need to work hard, network, have drive and persistance to go on. I probably need to learn to drive better as well.

Cheers to driving; both on the road and going after your dreams!

-Mario Alonzo The Intern