Frankie Rodriguez on Acting and His New Business Venture

INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW ✦

After wrapping up his breakout role as Carlos in Disney+'s Emmy-Nominated High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, actor Frankie Rodriguez will soon take on a new project with a lead role in Hulu's upcoming half-hour comedy series Chad Powers alongside industry veterans Glen Powell and Steve Zahn, offering the young Hollywood star a different genre arena to explore.

However, Rodriguez's talents and interests extend beyond acting, as he’s now officially delving into the realm of beauty with the launch of his nail polish brand, Freeland. Inspired by his love for beauty and creativity, Freeland offers a collection of five vibrant and playful nail polish colors, embodying self-expression and individuality — reflecting Rodriguez's particular sense of style and penchant for bold designs.

In celebration of its launch (and just in time for Pride month) here’s what the actor-turned-beauty-brand creative had to say about his current list of passions including acting, Freeland, Real Housewives, and more.

Frankie Rodriguez | Photo by Laura Irion

Looking back at your time on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series — how did your experience of portraying Carlos impact your career and personal life?

Frankie Rodriguez: It was the launching pad for everything I’m doing now! I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I got to work with some really incredible people including my real-life partner, Joe Serafini!

As the franchise’s first openly gay role, can you tell us about the challenges and rewards associated with getting to step into a role like Carlos?

Frankie Rodriguez: One of the biggest challenges that came with stepping into this role was the feeling of having to wait my turn. I know it’s crazy to think, but the conversation around openly gay characters on a Disney platform five years ago was very different from what we might see today. However, the reward was the overwhelming amount of support! I think people had waited for so long, they were more than ready. The amount of messages I still get from younger people saying, “Carlos gave me the courage to come out to my family” or “Because of you I decided to audition for my school musical” is more than I could have ever asked for. 

Your upcoming role on Hulu's comedy series Chad Powers represents another exciting new chapter in your career. How did you initially react to the script or the general pitch of the series?

Frankie Rodriguez: When I first got the script, I read the first six pages three times in a row because I was crying laughing and had to keep going back to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. It was truly one of the funniest scripts I’ve ever read. 

How does your character in this sports/comedy world of Chad Powers compare to other roles you’ve played in the past?

Frankie Rodriguez: With this new role in Chad Powers, I feel like I’m officially graduating high school. It’s still very early on in the process, but I’m very excited to dig in and get to work. It’s going to be a great show! 

You’ve also branched out into other ventures including the recent launch of Freeland. What inspired you to venture into the beauty industry and launch your own nail polish brand?

Frankie Rodriguez: I had always dreamed of owning my own line of something one day. I’m obsessed with branding, packaging, and following fun brands on Instagram. The inspiration, however, came from hosting Nail Painting Parties on Instagram/TikTok live. It’s exactly what it sounds like. You join the live and we paint our nails together and discuss everything from pop culture, to what I’ve been up to lately. Kind of how you would at a real local salon. It became such a thing! I enjoy doing them so much and I was looking for a fun way to amp it up in 2024, thus, Freeland was born. 

As the CEO and creative director of Freeland, what sets your brand apart from other beauty products in the market?

Frankie Rodriguez: It’s a party! A real interactive experience. Think of Freeland as your friend who throws the best theme parties and the nail polish as your invitation. Freeland is more than just another beauty brand, it’s a community. 

With a background in theater, television, and now beauty, what aspects of your diverse career bring you the most fulfillment as an artist?

Frankie Rodriguez: I feel like I’m most fulfilled as an artist when I’m in the creation stage. So, when I’m acting it’s trying new things or going with a new perspective for the character. In the Freeland world, it’s playing with colors, design patterns, and making choices that are going to fit with the brand. It’s very fun, I could do it all day. 

What advice would you give to aspiring LGBTQIA+ actors, entrepreneurs, or creatives looking to make their mark in the industry? 

Frankie Rodriguez: I would say that your most authentic self is the most interesting. Don’t try to fit into what you think the industry is looking for. You just have to be yourself and know that the right people will find you. It might take a second, but it’s so worth it! 

In closing — and this one feels more like a personality test — out of all the cities in its vast history, what is your ultimate Real Housewives franchise?

Frankie Rodriguez: Okay, wow! Truly stumped. This question is so complex for so many different reasons. I feel like you’re asking me to pick my favorite child. But I would have to say for me it’s Orange County. It’s the first Real Housewives franchise I ever watched and it’s crazy to think that some of these women have been in my life for over 17 years. I feel like they’re my aunts!