Zoe Grace Rodriguez: Making Her Dreams Come True

HEY ZOE! THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT WITH US! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHO IS ZOE GRACE RODRIGUEZ IN YOUR OWN WORDS?  
Zoe Grace Rodriguez is a small town girl, with big dreams! I have been performing in live theater since I was 4 and have always dreamed of doing something bigger than myself. I am goofy and fun, yet fiercely loyal and analytical when I need to be. I have always wanted to act in Hollywood and walk runways in New York. My dreams are coming true and I couldn’t be more excited about some of my up and coming projects. Stay tuned… the best is yet to come! 

YOU STARTED ACTING WHEN YOU WERE ONLY 4; HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?
My mom has always been involved in the performing arts so naturally, as soon as I could comprehend being on a stage, there I was. Right away I knew it was for me. 

IS THEATER ACTING MORE CHALLENGING THAN FILM OR TV ACTING?
For me, theater acting and TV/film acting are two completely separate things. Onstage, you have to have bigger reactions because the people watching are further away. There are no retakes! So as you know, if something goes wrong, it can’t be undone. On screen there is the possibility of more than one camera filming at a time, allowing for different angles to be captured. Cameras can zoom in and out and there is the capability to edit and cut and paste, during post production. 

Photo Credit: Seniors By Olin

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR ROLE IN ANNIE AS A ANNIE
Growing up, my local theater company, Star Theater in Oceanside,  did the production of Annie every Christmas. Every year I would watch the different actresses play Annie from the wings dreaming that one day, I could put on that red wig. My turn finally came when I was 12 years old and it honestly was a dream come true. 

TELL US ABOUT A TIME WHERE YOU HAD DIFFICULTY WITH A CHARACTER. WHAT WAS THE ROLE AND WHY WAS IT CHALLENGING?
I don’t think I have ever had a character that was difficult. I can cry on cue, so that is a good thing when it comes to acting! Also, when I played Little Red Riding Hood I had to scream at the top of my lungs… I nailed it! It was such a part to play night after night! 

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE SO MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE IN ONE LIFE?” YOU ARE AN INFLUENCER, MODEL, SINGER, AND ACTRESS… IS IT THRILLING OR EXHAUSTING AT TIMES?
I love getting to experience so many parts of the industry and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Being an actress/model is a dream of mine. I also love how in this time era there’s an option to grow a following on social media platforms as an influencer. Being so many people in one life is mostly thrilling, but sometimes a bit tiring if I am being honest. But the better way to describe it would be overwhelming. Overwhelming in both good and bad ways at times but I am so lucky to be on this ride!

WHAT DO YOU DO TO GROW YOUR PERSONAL BRAND?
I try my hardest to stay active on social media every day whether it’s posting stories, going live with friends, or making TikToks. My mom is my manager, and behind the scenes she is constantly pitching something for me. I made a decision recently to have a staple accessory item that I always have with me. Maybe I should ask my followers what it should be!

WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES?  
My biggest influence is for sure my older sister Molly. She has an amazing style and personality. Molly and I are 15 months apart so we basically do everything together. She is genuinely my best friend, I’d be lost without her.

WHAT’S SOMETHING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT MIGHT SURPRISE US?
I’m actually smack dab in the middle of five kids! I have two older sisters, a younger brother, and a younger sister. Growing up in the middle was definitely a challenge but I love having a big family who loves and supports me through everything.

WHAT IS ONE MESSAGE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO GIVE TO YOUR FANS?
I couldn’t do anything without the love and support from everyone who is following me! I really appreciate everyone’s kindness towards me throughout my journey so far.

WHERE CAN OUR READERS FIND YOU ONLINE?
I am working on some really fun projects that I can’t talk about quite yet, but trust me, you will want to stay tuned! I will be walking in New York Fashion Week in February, which is a dream come true! 

Social media-wise, you can find me on:
Instagram: @zoegracerodriguez 

Tiktok: @zoegracerodriguez 
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC791V4XT1JaoER9VrP3yLXQ