Ramon Rodriguez on 'Will Trent,' Puerto Rican Culture, and His NYC Roots

Embracing Puerto Rican Heritage

• 🎭 Ramon Rodriguez discusses his pride in his Puerto Rican heritage and his role in the hit show 'Will Trent.'
• 🏠 He shares a deep connection to his roots, often visiting Casa, a Lower East Side restaurant, which reminds him of home and family cooking.
• 🗽 The restaurant serves as a reminder of the history of Puerto Ricans in the diaspora who settled in New York City.

From Basketball to Acting

• 🏀 Rodriguez's first passion was basketball, playing in high school and college on scholarship.
• 👟 An unexpected invitation to a Nike event led to commercials and an entry into the acting world.
• 🌟 This unexpected turn has led to a successful career, which he feels he is living out as a dream.

The Significance of 'Will Trent'

• 🕵️‍♂️ He expresses immense pride in playing Will Trent, a dyslexic detective with a tough past and sharp instincts.
• 💬 Rodriguez notes that audiences connect with the character's underdog story, his resilience, and his spirit, particularly his dyslexia and orphan background.
• 🇵🇷 The character's Puerto Rican heritage adds a significant layer of connection for Rodriguez, and he hopes to explore Will's roots on the island further.

Honoring the Path Forward

• 🌟 Rodriguez acknowledges standing on the shoulders of giants who paved the way for Latino actors in Hollywood.
• 🚀 He has many goals and feels there is still significant work to be done in representing his culture and people in the entertainment industry.