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Rico Rodriguez Bio

Oct 20, 2011

If you love ABC’s hit sitcom Modern Family, then you’ll be familiar with the wise-beyond-his years Manny Delgado, played by 13-year-old actor Rico Rodriguez. Find out more about Rico in his Kidzworld bio!

Rico followed his older sister Raini into the acting biz

The cast of Modern Family

Rico at the ALMA Awards

Texas Tot

Born in College Station, Texas to parents who run a business, Rico Rodriguez didn’t always know he wanted to be an actor, but when his older sister Raini decided to start acting in 2006 he discovered he wanted to try it out too. He and his sister moved from Texas to L.A. with their mother to pursue their career dreams while their dad stayed in Texas to work.

Commercial Success

After a year in L.A. Rico decided to enrol in acting classes, and since he and his sister are homeschooled, they had plenty of time to devote to their craft. It wasn’t long before Rico was landing commercials for companies like Walmart and Dodge. After that, Rico started getting small roles on shows like My Name is Earl, ER and Cory in the House.

Modern Family

It wasn’t long before Rico found a permanent home on TV, playing Manny Delgado on Modern Family. Rico describes Manny as a sophisticated kid: “He’s so mature. He’s like Antonio Banderas in a kid’s body.” But Rico had a feeling in his gut that this was the role for him.

“When I was going on auditions, it was nerve-racking. I’d always say to my mom that it would be awesome if I could get a series. When Modern Family came along, I said, “You know what, Mom? I believe I’m going to get this role.”

Rico’s role on Modern Family has been a huge success, with him winning Outstanding Young Ensemble at the Young Artist Awards twice and being nominated for Choice TV: Breakout Male and Choice TV: Scene Stealer at the Teen Choice Awards.

Did You Know...

Rico told New York Magazine that the actor he’s dying to meet is none other than Spider Man!

"It would be fun to be a Bruce Willis type of guy. But the actor I really, really wanted to meet, since I was like 6, was Spider-Man. When we were at the sag Awards, they said, “Who do you want to meet?” I had just seen Brothers, so I said, “I want to meet Tobey Maguire.”

Also, Rico has a cameo in the upcoming Muppet movie, so look out!