Born and raised in New Jersey, Shyrley Rodriguez is a graduate of Rutgers University where she received a dual degree—a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting and a Bachelor of Science in English. Immediately after graduation, Rodriguez auditioned and won the role of Regina Diaz in the Netflix original series “The Get Down.” It was her first foray into theatrical acting. In the sci-fi action feature, “Pacific Rim: Uprising,” Rodriguez is Cadet Renata, a tough, hard-charging member of the Jaeger team sent to do battle with a new breed of towering monsters.
This is a departure from your other films and TV work. What attracted you to this big sci-fi feature?
Shyrley Rodriguez: Well, that fact that it was a big sci-fi feature (laughs). I couldn’t believe the great opportunity it presented, to be part of this on-going story.
Did you audition for the role of Cadet Renata? If so, what was that like?
SR: Yes, I did. The audition was three scenes. The second time they called me back, I was with director Steven S. DeKnight, who provided me with notes. After that, I just waited at home for the phone call. When the call finally came, I was excited to be given the opportunity to go to Australia and China where they shot the film. But I no longer think about getting audition phone calls. I just audition and forget about it. I just keep going on with my life.
No makeup, no frilly dresses. Just lots of military gear. What was that like?
SR: That was fun. I think it depends on the kind of person you are. For me, it was exciting to challenge myself physically.
Did you have to go through some sort of cadet boot camp?
SR: Yes. We had to work out six days a week and learn martial arts, even do some boxing. It was fun and we were all doing it together. We were given strict diets. It was pretty hardcore. You want to show that you’re putting in your part, that you’re changing, becoming more agile. It’s like we were really training to be a cadet. You’d have put in your one hundred percent. We were being trained by an actual military pilot. He came in and told us what it would be like to be called out. So you respect the process and the people.
What did you find most challenging about being in this sci-fi action feature?
SR: I’m afraid of heights, so there’s a shot of me dangling off this rope-harness. I’m supposed to be fixing this Jaeger. I was hanging more than 20 feet off the ground. I was like OMG. So I told myself, I‘m just going to concentrate, get it done and not look down. Then the director asked me to look down (laughs) and I just focused and got it done.
What was your favorite scene?
SR: It was the introduction to the cadets. It’s where Renata comes in and spars with cadet Suresh (Karan Brar). We practiced that sparing session over and over. It was fun to smack him around a bit (laughs).
How are you like Cadet Renata and how are you different?
SR: I’m like her in that sense that she’s kind of a jokester and likes to mess around. I like to challenge myself, do the training, work out, and learn martial arts. I’m very active physically. So for me, that’s a lot of fun. But I’m not like her in the sense that I wouldn’t choose to go into the military.
You really “held it down” with all those male cadets. Can you go into that a bit?
SR: Yeah. Well, anything they can do we can do better (laughs). I never give it a thought when I have to be around a lot of guys. All my best friends have been guys. I generally have a good time around guys. I’m laid back, relaxed and independent. We had a good time and everyone just clicked together. It was a good group. Some guys were struggling when we were working out. So I told them to man up.
What’s your favorite film?
SR: If I had to pick one, it would have to be “Girl Interrupted,” a very moving film. I usually talk about “The Green Mile” too, because that movie really touched me.
What advice would you give a young aspiring actor trying to break in?
SR: Growing up, I didn’t have connections in the business. But the hardest thing is to find representation, agents who can get you into the door of casting offices. So I would say continue to fight for your dream, treat it like you would you baby. You wouldn’t give up on your child. Everything is a process and it teaches you something every day. You need to have a good head on your shoulders. Get together with your friends, anyone who is making a short film or web series. You’ll realize that there are other people just like you.
What were you like in high school?
SR: I was always into talent shows. I was the funny girl but still down to earth. I never liked when people were disrespected or bullied. I was, and still am, all about everyone following their dreams. I was always an advice giver. I haven’t really changed that much. I just keep growing and learning to be a better person and a better artist every day.
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Alex A. Kecskes is a published author of "Healer a Novel" and "The Search for Dr. Noble"—both now available on Amazon. He has written hundreds of film reviews and celebrity interviews for a wide variety of online and print outlets. He has covered red carpet premieres and Comic-Con events for major films and independent releases.
