Life & Work with Dannay Rodriguez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dannay Rodriguez.

Hi Dannay, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started at 16 years old doing commercial print ads and modeling. I continued in the entertainment business and making connections along the way. Being yourself is the best thing one can do! I got my first job on Bold & The Beautiful playing a waitress. I ended up doing a workshop first with that casting director and followed up with an email shortly after, with hopes of getting at least an audition for the show. I DID! I was a waitress in the episode and it was surreal to get that opportunity. A booking for an MTV show as well as many other things amazing things followed after. I’ve been so close to booking that show but things happen and at the end of the day, it’s not YOU; the casting just went a different route and now I am understanding that more and more. I continue on this journey and have more fun doing it the older I am getting.

My fiancé is in the industry as well and that’s where we just understand the struggles we both had and sometimes have to go through. I’m thankful for that outlet because he’s my biggest supporter and fan. This industry will have its bumps on the road but I’ve learned so much about myself. With the pandemic hitting the entertainment business, it was really hard to keep that motivation and momentum with everything getting shut down, so I went back to school! It was the best decision because I do love other things and am capable of wearing multiple hats. I feel like in the industry, whether you’re an actor, stuntman, double, etc., that’s all you are. Not true! You are capable of it all; even if that means never returning back to Hollywood, it doesn’t mean you’ve given up; it means your passions changed and bravo to you! So bravo to me! I am a sociology major and soon to be going for my bachelor’s in hopes to help others with mental health. I couldn’t be more proud of myself to not quit but to take a step back and find other things that fulfill me as well.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ll be honest; they’re many struggles along the way. We as actors as very hard on ourselves and take criticism not lightly. I’ve had many no’s and that got to me because I would wonder if I should continue this or give it up, and the moment I had a negative feeling, something amazing would happen. A callback, a producer session, a directors session, or better yet a testing for the studio! I pushed through it all and am glad I had obstacles and challenges along the way because it made me even more grateful for opportunities that come my way.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Well, with being an actor, I’m also a Sociology Major in the works. I feel like it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made with myself and I promised myself I will work hard to make this come true and help other arounds me! Mental health is becoming a well-known thing that everyone is talking about, especially after this pandemic and I can’t wait to help those around me to make that change or difference in their life.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: dannayelizaa
• Other: https://vimeo.com/203639196/8808f75dca

Image Credits:
David Montejano Scott Clark photo