Michelle Rodriguez

A Latino icon and one of the most important action stars in Hollywood.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2021 8:53 AM EDTSEP 15, 2021, 8:53 AM EDT

Michelle Rodriguez is a Latino icon and one of the most important action stars in Hollywood. When it comes to female action stars in the industry, Michelle is one of the most emblematic faces in the genre, being steadily featured in notorious action films for over two decades.

She is famous for portraying tough and empowering female roles. Michelle is best known to audiences as Letty Ortiz in the blockbuster film ‘The Fast and the Furious’ (2001), a role she has reprised in fight additional films throughout the popular franchise. Rodriguez has also appeared in a number of successful action films, including ‘Resident Evil’ and ‘Avatar’.

"The Fate Of The Furious" New York Premiere

Born in San Antonio, Texas, Rodriguez’s breakthrough came with the acclaimed independent film ‘Girlfight.’ Directed by Karyn Kusama, the movie tells the story of Diana Guzman, a troubled girl who decides to channel her violent energy into something productive: boxing. Michelle’s performance earned critical praise and set the tone for her career, one that has been associated with her strong personality and ability to carry out great stunts.

Her performance in “Girlfight” earned her awards from the Gotham Awards and the Independent Spirit Awards. The following year, she was cast in the first ‘Fast and Furious’ film and the rest is history. Michelle has reprised her role of Letty Ortiz over five films, alongside action stars like Vin Diesel and Paul Walker. She’s starred in films like ‘Machete,’ ‘Alita: Battle Angel,’ and ‘Resident Evil.’

"Resident Evil", Directed by Paul W.S.Anderson

She appeared in a season of the highly acclaimed TV series ‘Lost.’ But perhaps her most noteworthy role was in ‘Avatar,’ the #1 grossing movie of all time, where she played Trudy Chacon, a pilot who ultimately becomes a hero and helps rescue the planet of Pandora. In the near future, Michelle is starring in the highly anticipated movie “Dungeons and Dragons,” alongside Chris Pine, Hugh Grant, Justice Smith, and more.

When it comes to her personal life, Michelle Rodriguez is bisexual and has often spoken up about issues that affect the LGBTQ community. In a conversation with Gay Star News, she said that while she doesn’t mind what people think, it’s important for her to live visibly. “Maybe by me opening my big fat mouth like I usually do and stepping up and owning who I am, maybe it might inspire somebody else to do the same,” she said.