Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Jai Rodriguez

If we had to describe Jai Rodriguez in a single word, it’d be “pioneer.” From being one of the original members of the Fab Five in the Emmy Award-winning series Queer Eye for the Straight Guy to being the youngest actor cast in a leading role for his portrayal as Angel in the critically acclaimed musical Rent, Jai has been shaping American culture for nearly two decades. Following his breakout role on Broadway, Jai has gone on to star in projects such as Dollface, How I Met Your Mother, Eastsiders, and the soon-to-be-released Diary of a Future President. With more credits than we can list, Jai’s impact on the world has been instrumental, and Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with him.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Jai: My aunt brought me to my first audition at the age of twelve, and once I got on stage in front of a live audience, I was hooked.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Jai: Lily Tomlin, hands down. I used to listen to her one-woman shows when I was a kid. I now tour with my own cabaret show, inspired by what she and her partner Jane created. I had the great fortune of starring opposite her in a sitcom we were cast together in for ABC called Malibu Country.

PC: You have had a lot of success in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Jai: I guess winning my first Emmy Award. I always say “first” because I intend on earning more, as crazy as that sounds. Gotta think big.

PC: You got your big break at eighteen. What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew back then?
Jai: How to have a healthy relationship with money. I was given so much so fast I didn’t know how to navigate it

PC: You have so many projects that you’re working on. How challenging is it to balance all of them?
Jai: It has been so crazy, I actually stepped down from hosting The Morning Beat on Channel Q (the first nationally syndicated LGBTQ+ radio station coast to coast). This has been my first full week not on air. Sometimes you have to create space to give your full attention to the work and passions that matter most to you.

Diary of a Future President

PC: Tell us about Diary of a Future President, your character, and what drew you to that project.
Jai: Jai: Diary of a Future President is about a twelve-year-old Cuban American girl named Elena who dreams of becoming president one day. The show is produced by Jane the Virgin star Gina Rodriguez, who also guest stars on the show as future Elena. Gina also directed the first episode. I can’t tell you about my character yet, sadly, as it would give away plot points, but I can tell you the role was offered to me. I didn’t have to audition, which was incredible.

In fact, I was also offered my roles on Dollface on Hulu and Eastsiders on Netflix, which, as you can imagine, is rare! But on my first day of shooting, Gina, she told me in the hair and makeup trailer that she was a huge fan of Rent and had seen me play Angel on Broadway several times. Yes, I almost actually died. What I can say is, I think this show is going to be a hit. I really believe in the story they’re telling and how inclusive they are with diversity both in front of the camera and behind.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Jai: Wendy Williams’ talk show. How you duuurin?

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Jai: Bridesmaids

PC: Favorite book?
Jai: Ooooo! I just finished Mel B’s Brutally Honest. It’s a must-read! (Or listen to it on Audible.)

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Jai: Hmmm. To watch: Wicked. To be in: In the Heights, which I starred in years ago.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jai: Keith Urban. I love his voice.

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Jai: Meryl Streep. We share a birthday. I know she’s a woman, but I know she could figure it out. She can do anything.

To keep up with Jai, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Catch Diary of a Future President on Disney+ on January 17, 2020.