Rico Rodriguez Bio
Rico Rodriguez (born July 31, 1998) is an American actor. He is best known for his role as Manny Delgado on the ABC sitcom Modern Family, which aired from 2009 to 2020. Throughout his career, he has received several Screen Actors Guild Awards for his performance in the series. In addition to his work on Modern Family, Rodriguez has appeared in various other television shows and films, including Epic Movie, Endgame, El Americano: The Movie, and Nickelodeon’s The Substitute and Unfiltered.
Early Life and Background
Rico Rodriguez was born in Bryan, Texas, to Diane and Roy Rodriguez, who owned Rodriguez Tire Service. He has two brothers, Ray and Roy Jr., and a sister, Raini Rodriguez, who is also an actress. Rico is of Mexican descent and grew up in a supportive family that encouraged his interest in acting from a young age. His early exposure to the entertainment industry, combined with his family’s support, laid the groundwork for his future career in acting.
Path to Hollywood
Rodriguez began his acting career at the age of nine when he played a character in the Disney Channel series Cory in the House. He later made guest appearances on popular shows such as ER, iCarly, Nip/Tuck, and My Name Is Earl. These early roles provided him with valuable experience and connections in the industry, ultimately leading to his breakout role in Modern Family. The show’s co-creator, Steve Levitan, noted that casting the character of Manny Delgado was particularly challenging, but Rodriguez’s audition stood out, and he was selected for the role.
Rico Rodriguez Career
Early Career (2006–2009)
Rico Rodriguez’s early career included various guest roles on television, which helped him hone his craft and gain recognition. His first notable work came with the role of Manny Delgado in Modern Family, which premiered in September 2009. The series quickly became a critical and commercial success, and Rodriguez’s performance was widely praised. During this period, he and the cast received multiple nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, winning four times.
Breakthrough (2009–2020)
Rodriguez’s breakthrough role as Manny Delgado in Modern Family defined his career. The character, who was known for his intelligence and charm, resonated with audiences and contributed to the show’s popularity. Over the course of the series, Rodriguez developed a close bond with his co-stars, particularly Sofía Vergara, who played his on-screen mother. He often expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside such talented actors. In addition to his work on Modern Family, Rodriguez appeared in a season six episode of NCIS as a character named Travis, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Notable Works and Milestones
Rico Rodriguez’s signature work is undoubtedly his role in Modern Family, which spanned eleven seasons and concluded in April 2020. His performance earned him critical acclaim and solidified his status as a talented young actor in Hollywood. Following the show’s end, Rodriguez continued to make appearances as himself on Nickelodeon shows such as The Substitute and Unfiltered, further expanding his reach in the entertainment industry.
Rico Rodriguez Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Rico Rodriguez has received several nominations for prestigious awards, particularly for his work on Modern Family. His performances alongside a talented ensemble cast have earned him recognition from the Screen Actors Guild.
Rico Rodriguez Awards Won
Rico Rodriguez has won multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, highlighting his contributions to Modern Family and the show’s overall success.
Rico Rodriguez Family
Rico Rodriguez comes from a close-knit family. He has two brothers and a sister, Raini Rodriguez, who is also in the entertainment industry. His father, Roy Rodriguez, passed away in March 2017, which was a significant moment in Rico’s life.
Personal Life
Rico Rodriguez is known to be a fan of the Houston Rockets and has described himself as an avid reader. He often shares insights into his life and experiences on social media, connecting with his fans and followers.
