Rico Rodriguez: From Child Star to Teen Icon
Rico Rodriguez was born in 1998 in Texas to Diane and Roy Rodriguez. From an early age, Rico showed a talent and interest in acting and performance.
Landing his Breakout Role
When Rico was just 10 years old, he landed the role of Manny Delgado in the hit ABC sitcom “Modern Family.” This would become his breakout role and launch his career as a successful child actor.
Chemistry with the Cast
Rico quickly built great on-screen chemistry with the cast of “Modern Family,” allowing his talent and comedic timing to shine through. He bonded especially well with Sofía Vergara, who played his mother Gloria Delgado-Pritchett.
Rise to Stardom
Over the next decade, Rico’s Manny Delgado became a fan favorite character on “Modern Family.” His emotional intelligence and old-soul personality made him stand out.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
Rico drew widespread praise from critics and fans for his nuanced performance on the show. Many appreciated how he made Manny a grounded, complex character.
Emmy Nominations
Rico’s acting talent led to multiple Emmy nominations before he was even a teenager. His memorable performance left a clear impact on audiences.
Expanding His Acting Range
While starring on “Modern Family,” Rico also expanded his range into other acting projects. He landed various guest roles and smaller parts to show off more of his skills.
Teen Actor Transition
As “Modern Family” came to an end in 2020 after 11 successful seasons, Rico had achieved tremendous fame and success as a child star. But he was entering the tricky teen actor transition.
Life After Manny Delgado
For over a decade, Rico had played the same beloved character. As he entered his 20s, he faced new acting challenges without the safety net of his star-making role.
College Studies
Rico began studying film and television production at the University of Southern California. Pursuing higher education would help develop his creative talents.
Early Teen Acting Projects
In 2021, Rico earned a recurring guest role on the popular Disney+ series “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.” This allowed him to portray a teen role and sing and dance.
Here is a table summarizing some of Rico’s major acting projects over the years:
| Project | Role | Year | Awards/Nominations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Family | Manny Delgado | 2009–2020 | 4x Emmy nominee |
| The Muppets | Himself | 2016 | |
| Epic | Grub (voice) | 2013 | |
| High School Musical: The Musical: The Series | Rico | 2021–present |
Current Work and Activism
Rico remains busy acting while also using his platform to give back. Though still early in his career, he has shown range across TV, film, and animation.
Returning to Sitcoms
In 2022, Rico began starring in the new Netflix sitcom “Never Have I Ever” in a recurring role. Here he portrays a teen love interest once again.
Voice Acting Projects
Animated projects allow Rico to expand his versatility. He has voiced characters in films like Disney’s “Epic” and various one-off animated series roles over the years.
Philanthropy and Causes
As someone who grew up in the spotlight, Rico makes sure to give back off-screen too. He supports various children’s charities and participates in fundraising campaigns.
Conclusion
Rico Rodriguez achieved immense fame playing Manny Delgado on “Modern Family” for over a decade. He built up critical acclaim and an enthusiastic fanbase from a young age. While the teen actor transition can be tricky for child stars, Rico continues to showcase his talents in new roles. He also makes sure to give back off-screen. Still only in his early 20s, Rico’s range and charity work suggest he will remain a grounded, multifaceted actor even as he grows up in the spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions given below:
How old was Rico when he landed his breakthrough role?
Rico was 10 years old when he landed the role of Manny Delgado on “Modern Family.”
Has Rico been nominated for major awards?
Yes, Rico received multiple Emmy nominations for his acclaimed performance on “Modern Family.”
Is Rico only pursuing acting currently?
No, Rico is also studying film and television production at USC. He is developing his creative talents.
What shows has Ricoguest starred on?
Some shows Rico has guest starred on include “The Muppets,” “Epic,” and “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.”
Does Rico do charity work off-screen?
Yes. Rico supports various children’s charities and participates in fundraising campaigns for good causes.
