Zoe Grace Rodriguez Talks Overcoming Rejection and Making Her Acting Dreams Come True
15-year-old Zoe Grace Rodriguez has been a theater actress since she was just 4 years old, with her love and talent for the craft soon winning her the lead roles in big musicals.
In addition to being front and center in musicals including Shrek, Annie and Into the Woods, she's also an accomplished singer and model with big Hollywood aspirations. And if that wasn't enough, she's also an ambassador for Kailey's Queens, working with young women to help them build confidence and become leaders in their community. We got the chance to chat with her about her career and her incredible work in the following interview.
Sweety High: Between being a model, singer and actress, is there any role you're most passionate about?
Zoe Grace Rodriguez: Although I love modeling and singing, my passion has always been acting. I've always wanted to see my face on the big screen my whole life so it's such a dream come true that I finally get to accomplish it.
(Photo credit: Ashley Roberts)
SH: What's been your most memorable role to date? Why?
ZGR: My favorite role I've ever got to play was Fiona in a stage production of Shrek. I feel like I had the chance to expand my abilities from my vocal range to my acting skills. I also had a chance to bond with my castmates, which will be some of the best memories I have had during the run of a production. Though, playing Annie in Annie and Little Red Riding Hood in the production of Into The Woods both come in as a close second.
SH: What is the toughest thing about your line of work? What's the most rewarding?
ZGR: The hardest thing would probably be rejection. I could want a role really bad and not get it. It can start to get frustrating, but after every audition, I always learn from my experiences and it gives me more drive to be better. The most rewarding is definitely the friends and bonds I have formed with people that have the same goals and aspirations as myself.
(Photo credit: Ashley Roberts)
SH: Where are all of the places we can catch your work at the moment?
ZGR: I have had the opportunity to do some modeling lately. I just walked at LAFW and did an international virtual fashion show. I was just signed on to work with The Fashion Life Tour and train with Kiara Belen, which will be the foundation of my modeling career! I am so thankful for this amazing opportunity! I will be walking for a few designers at NYFW 2022, which I am ecstatic about! I just wrapped a really fun commercial for Zuru Mini Brands, as well as music videos for Chase Hudson and Capri Everitt!
I am also a co-host for The Mix podcast with four other talented girls! It is brand new, so please be sure to support us and follow along every Thursday at 5 p.m. PT! I have a really big project coming up with a major network, but we are still finalizing details, so please check back with me about that one! I will be able to announce it soon enough!
I hope the work I do never stops and projects are always available. I dream that others will be inspired and motivated to start making their dreams come true instead of just dreaming about them. I know I sat on the sideline for a long time watching others live out my dream. Now I know it's just about getting up off the sidelines and joining the game! Of course, you can find me on Instagram where I update my followers with daily posts such as reels and pictures, and of course stories!
SH: Is there one dream musical that you'd love to perform in someday?
ZGR: A dream musical to work in would probably be Legally Blonde. Growing up, I looked up to Elle because she showed that no matter what box people put you in, if you have the determination, you can do anything.
SH: Can you tell us about your work with Kailey's Queens? What does the organization do, and why is that work important to you?
ZGR: Kailey's Queens is an amazing place where girls all over the world come together to bond and learn amazing new skills. I love Kailey's Queens because everyone is welcome, no matter who you are or where you're from. I've been so lucky to be able to meet and work with Kailey, the founder, on special things like PR photoshoots and the Kailey's Queens leadership committee. I've created such a special bond with Kailey and I look up to her so much.
(Photo credit: Ashley Roberts)
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
ZGR: I love doing what I love every day! I consider myself very blessed and I know to never take any opportunity for granted. I have so much to learn about my craft and the industry as a whole. I am hyper-aware that I need to always stay humble and kind to everyone! Some wise woman once told me, "Those you meet on the way up will inevitably be there on the way down!" I try to live by these snippets of advice I get along the way! It has been quite the adventure—I hope you will stick around for the ride!
If you loved Zoe's story, also click HERE to read our interview with actor and model Izzie Florez and how she's building a community for creators in L.A.