IN CONVERSATION WITH GENESIS RODRIGUEZ

interview by JANA LETONJA

Genesis Rodriguez most recently starred in the second season of Paramount+’s action packed series ‘Lioness’ alongside Zoe Saldaña, Nicole Kidman and Morgan Freeman. She also starred in the third season of Netflix’s hit show ‘The Umbrella Academy’, and will be next seen joining Netflix’s ‘The Night Agent’ for its third season.

coat SAINT LAURENT

Genesis, we’ve most recently been able to watch you as Captain Josephina Carillo in ‘Lioness’. What drew you to this character and how did you prepare to step into her action-packed world? 

What drew me to Josie was that I didn’t know if I was going to be able to do it. The role scared me and when you get scared, I think it’s a good sign you should probably do it. You step into that fear and there is usually something great on the other side of it. 

You’ve joined an incredible cast with Zoe Saldaña, Nicole Kidman, and Morgan Freeman. What was it like collaborating with such iconic talents, and how did their performances inspire your own? 

Everyone brought such a high level of artistry to set that all you can do is just try to match them as best as you can. Every day on set was a day I felt gratitude and awe of everyone around me. There were no rest days. There was giving it your absolute best.

coat SAINT LAURENT

Taylor Sheridan is known for creating high-stakes drama. How did his unique vision shape your experience on set, and how does ‘Lioness’ stand out in the espionage genre?

It stands out because of the reality in which we commit to actually doing the work. We have incredible technical and military advisors that supervise every moment. We really respect our country men and women in service that we always want to have them in the forefront in every scene we do.

Your portrayal of Sloane Hargreeves in Netflix’s ‘The Umbrella Academy’ was a fan favorite. How did your experience on that show differ from working on ‘Lioness’?

The experience was so different. Sloane was a sweet, shy girl in the shadows of her family. Josie was a leader, a captain in the army fierce, but her only weakness was her family. 

coat THE ROW

From Sloane in ‘The Umbrella Academy’ to Isa in ‘Neon’and now Captain Carillo, you’ve played a range of diverse and dynamic women. How do you choose roles that challenge and inspire you? 

I am so grateful that people can see me in all these different roles, it’s what keeps me happy and fulfilled. I get to grow and learn new things about myself with every character. 

coat THE ROW

Looking back at your extensive filmography, which projects have been the most transformative for you as an actor? 

Without question ‘Lioness’. Josie transformed my whole life, from physically to mentally. There is a stamina you have to have when playing the role of a military captain like her and I didn’t even know it was possible for me. 

blazer and bodysuit STELLA MCCARTNEY
shoes LESILLA

You’ve seamlessly transitioned from starring in popular telenovelas to major Hollywood productions. What was the biggest challenge in making that leap, and how did it shape your career? 

Acting in novelas is like acting in any other genre. You are trained to jump from comedy to action to soaps to dramas. It was seamless and it was incredible training for me. 

dress ABODI

You’ve worked alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Working with whom has made the biggest impact on you, and why? 

Kevin Smith. I love him so much. Always will. When this business forgets who you are, there is one person that doesn't, and that's Kevin in my life. I am so grateful to him. 

When you’re not acting, how do you unwind and stay grounded in such a high-pressure industry?

I have a dog, I try and see nature always, and I try to better myself and work on my spiritual growth. 

You’ve also joined the cast of ‘The Night Agent’ for the upcoming Season 3. What can you tease about this role, and your other upcoming projects?

What I can say is that she is the complete opposite of Josie, and I can’t wait for you to meet her.

dress GUARAV GUPTA

TEAM CREDITS:

talent GENESIS RODRIGUEZ
photography DYLAN PERLOT for EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS
styling ASHLEY PRUITT for THE ONLY AGENCY
makeup JENNIFER TIOSECO for THE WALL GROUP
hair MARC MENA for EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS using USING GREAT LENGTHS
photograohy assistance JESSE ZAPATERO
location FD PHOTO STUDIO LA
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial direction and interview JANA LETONJA