May 8, 2022 • 55 mins
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Lisa chats with veteran actor Phil Rodriguez about his origins in NYC, his journey to Hollywood, and the life lessons learned along the way. A true family man with a heart of gold and faith that humanity will prevail, Phil talks about his most important role as a father to his young son and pays homage to his own dad and the positive influence he had in his life.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez was voted as one of LATINA Magazine's 25 Most Beautiful Latino Men. He is an accomplished and versatile performer, host and coach from Brooklyn, NY.
He has joined the casts of many Hit TV series. Including: “The Morning Show” on AppleTV- executive produced by Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, NBC's popular Grimm as sinister royal henchman, Marcus Rispoli, CBS’s Tommy, hit CBS All Access show, “Why Women Kill”, starring Lucy Liu, Freeform’s hit “The Secret Life Of an American Teenager” as Ruben Enriquez and CBS' Seal Team as CIA Operative Greg Smith. Other credits include Modern Family, S.W.A.T. Magnum P.I., Shameless, 9-1-1, Good Trouble, The Mentalist, Madame Secretary, Queen of the South, ”24”, NCIS: New Orleans.
He's also the voice of Sith Inquisitor Fifth Brother in Disney's popular animated series, Star Wars: Rebels, for which he's ALSO proud to be an action figure!
Philip made his Broadway debut as Ritchie Valens in “BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY” for which he was honored by the New York Drama League. He returned to Broadway in Tennessee Williams “NOT ABOUT NIGHTINGALES” directed by Tony Award winner Trevor Nunn.
He has numerous voice over campaigns--including: UFC, Lincoln Motor Co, Gatorade & Ralph Lauren as well as many popular video games. He is the Spanish speaking & singing voices of ELMO and TELLY MONSTER on Sesame Street Beginnings.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Lisa Hopkins (00:00):
This is the stop time podcast. I'm your host,
Lisa Hopkins, and I'm here toengage you in thought provoking
motivational conversationsaround practicing the art of
living in the moment. I'm acertified life coach, and I'm
excited to dig deep and offerinsights into embracing who we
are and where we are at.
(00:24):
So my next guest was voted asone of Latina magazine's 25 most
beautiful Latino men. He is anaccomplished and versatile
performer, host and coach fromBrooklyn, New York. He has
joined the cast of many hit TVseries, including among others.
The morning show on Apple TV,who produced by Reese
Witherspoon and JenniferAniston, NBC is popular grim and
(00:47):
sinister royal henchmen, Marcusresponded CBS is Tommy,the hit
CBS All Access show why womenkill starring Lucy Liu free
forms hid the secret life ofAmerican teenager as Reuben on
Rica's and CBS his SEAL team asCIA operative Greg Smith. other
credits include modern familiesSWAT Magnum PI shameless 911.
(01:11):
Good trouble, The MentalistMadam Secretary, tweeted this
out 24 NCIS New Orleans.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (02:49):
I'm going on now. 4040 plus years of
being in the entertainmentindustry as as a professional.
So clearly, if I don't like itby now I have issues.
Or love it, I should say rightnow, there are many things that
that feed my soul that I have areal passion for that I
absolutely love doing. And beinga show businesses is by far one
(03:10):
of them. So
Lisa Hopkins (03:12):
yeah, what do you think it is that you love about
it? What stuff means to oneperson is, you know, means means
something different to another?
What is it for you? And maybethat's changed? I don't know.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (03:22):
No, I mean, the one constant. And you
know, again, I my origins, mybeginnings were in theater. And
I know I probably sound cliche,but it's that rush that you get
from being able to connect withan audience and have them and
yourself as an actor, performer.
Just escape for like, a coupleof hours each night and take the
(03:42):
audience away to a differentplace. And then as an actor,
performer, feeling thatsatisfaction when they plot at
the end of the show, which isessentially saying not just
great job, thank you for takingme away, but helping me think
about things in a different waybeyond just entertaining me.
(04:03):
Because let's face it, we're outthere for escapism for entertain
people, that people have longdays. And you know, they have
stressful days sometimes. Andit's like they want to go see a
movie to get away from it all Ineed to unwind, everything is
unwind. It's a human necessity.
And without it, I think I thinkwe're in trouble as a society.
(04:28):
You know, it's part of ourtherapy, and it serves its
purpose. And that's that's it,among other things,
Lisa Hopkins (04:34):
actors, provide that platform that permission
for the people that are takingin what they are giving to feel.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (04:42):
Yeah.
And oftentimes people forget,you know, whether we're talking
about theater or dance or operaor television or film. You know,
it's a collaborative effort.
There are many people involvedwith bringing that, that
entertainment that satisfactionto the individual to the
audience. SoIt's like I may be the actor, I
may be the the catalyst, the,the tool that's actually out
(05:04):
there on the stage or in frontof the camera performing. But
let's not forget the director,let's not forget the lighting
designer, and let's not forgetthe writer, the lyricist, the
composer. It's a team effort.
It's a team effort. And that'salso another aspect of, of our
industry that I love on thewhole, that sense of family of
(05:25):
unity of like, a, you know,we're all bringing something to
the table here. And it's alwayshopefully you hope something
special, can you can you paint apicture for us of what the
rhythm of your days is, like, atthis moment, in being an actor
and having that be my career, itcan be pretty erratic, or it
changes from one day or one weekto the next. But by and large,
(05:48):
especially with the fact thatyou know, Cindy, and I have I
have a four year old little boy,it's getting him up in the
morning. And you know, Mondaythrough Friday, waking him up,
making sure these all cleanedup, brushing his teeth, going
potty and all that stuff,getting his breakfast and lunch
and off to school. And then I goabout my day, the way I go about
my day, a side effect of thepandemic has been the uptick in
(06:12):
at home. You know, self tapeauditions, because casting
offices just aren't seeingpeople anymore. That's become
the status quo. And there'spluses and minuses to that. So
there'll be days when I do that,but there's nothing. There's
nothing even remotely routineabout it. If that makes any
sense. I don't know. It's it'sroutine. But it's not. Because
(06:33):
every day I wake up, I'm justI'm just happy to be alive.
First and foremost. AndI know it sounds corny, but you
know, I'm blessed. Because Ihave like a wonderful family.
We're all healthy, knock onwood. And and that's another
thing that that many of us do,or don't take for granted these
days, obviously, with thecircumstances being they would
the way they are with thispandemic.
Lisa Hopkins (06:54):
You don't strike me as it'd be needing to be very
rigid and organized. And whenit's not, you feel like oh my
god, I have to fill it. I'm nothearing that at all. I'm hearing
sort of a trust, trust theprocess. You know, things come
in and come out. This is the wayit is. And so I'm gonna flow. I
mean, it sounds like flow to me.
Philip Anthony Rodrig (07:11):
Bullseye, Bullseye. It's you know, every
day is every day is different.
And like I said, I'm doing thismeaning, like the way I approach
and let them look, don't get mewrong. I mean, it hasn't been
like all you know, Rosie, forthose 40 plus years of being in
the entertainment industry, I'vebeen, by and large, blessed
enough to say, Okay, I've madethis my career haven't really
(07:33):
needed to get those side jobs orthink about a different career
path, or, you know, I've hadthose moments, I've had those
really dark times, and those inthe valleys that come alongside
the peaks. You know, make nomistake, but by the same token,
by and large, I've been luckyand blessed enough to say, All
(07:54):
right, you know, this is good.
And, you know, I socked awayenough cash that even though
things are pretty tough rightnow, we can weather the storm.
Yeah, every every day is is youknow, aspects of it are routine
and other aspects of it arelike, yeah, not routine. And
(08:15):
sometimes, as you know,sometimes we get thrown curves,
where it's just like, oh, well,I wasn't expecting that, or that
was very last minute or Okay, Ineed to do that. And, you know,
adjust accordingly. I used toget bent out of shape with that
kind of stuff, and getfrustrated. And it's like, Are
you kidding me? They want thisdo now and what? And it's like,
alright, rewind a little. Let'stake it let's take it a step
(08:40):
back. And I've learned to dothat I've learned to not get so
heated or upset or bent out ofshape when something happens,
that isn't the normal way ofthings happening, you know, last
minute audition. Or, you know,hey, this is we're auditioning
you for a series regular on amajor television show. Here's 10
(09:02):
pages of size that you need tolearn and it needs to be dude by
tomorrow, Mike. What? Yeah,how's he How inconsiderate don't
tell these casting directors,and people think about that. And
then it's just like, ExcuseExcuse, Excuse Excuse? And it's
like, you know, I mean, damn it.
I'm a professional, in spite ofthe fact that those things would
hurt me. But again, I've learnedto say, hey, you know, if I
(09:24):
react that way, there's going tobe somebody else who was
auditioning for the same thingwho's going to look at it and
say, here's what it is. Just gotto do my best. I just got to do
my best. It's not ideal, but I'mgoing to do my best because
getting all bent out of shapeand then flipping out serves
nobody It serves no purposeexcept to just make you all
(09:48):
flustered and frustrated. Andthat's the last thing you want
to do when you want to preparefor something and be your best.
You know, So,
Lisa Hopkins (10:00):
oh, yeah, well, 100% percent. I mean, and
that's, that's like the heart ofthe work that I do, which is
about where we choose to respondrather than react, how we choose
to respond rather than react andthat it's by choice, not by
default. Right? And that weunderstand that all those voices
that rush in, you know, giveourselves a little grace,
because we're hardwired, that'sfear that's going, you're not
(10:25):
going to be ready, you're notgoing to be as good as you can.
But what it does, what it doesis it holds you back. Yeah,
takes energy away from the factthat, you know, you're gonna do
it anyway. I mean, one thing, ifyou if you just gonna make the
choice to not do it, no, Ichoose not to do it, because I
cannot present myself in theway. But if you're going to do
it anyways, then why on earth,divide your energy? Sure, you
(10:46):
know, what, actually, you need?
You need all that support?
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (10:49):
Yeah.
And I think one of the thingsthat I, you know, again, this
is, this is, this has a lot todo with with, you know, age
experience and maturity factor,if you want to even talk about
that. But, you know, when yousay something like, you can make
the choice to not do it, youknow, there's one way of
approaching it, which is like,well, I, I don't have the time
to prepare it the way I want to.
(11:13):
So I'm going to politelydecline. What I used to do was a
no, no approach to it, it'slike, I'm going to stick it to
them. So I'm not going to dothis, the hell with them. Which
is like, that's just, that'sjust childish. But I would do
that, that would, that would bemy thought process. I wouldn't
say it out loud. But that wouldbe my thought process, like FM,
(11:33):
I'm not going to go about itthis way. And, again, what
purpose that set serves, it's alearn, just not be in that
mindset. And honestly, I got itfrom from all sides to say, you
know, you need to, you need tokind of change your, your
thinking about this. And even mymanager to some extent, you
(11:55):
know, who I who I've known forjust as many, almost as many
years as I've been, you know, aprofessional actor. You know,
she pointed that out to me, too.
She's like, listen, that's theway these things are. So you
have to either accept it, roll,you know, ride that wave, and
roll roll with the punches, oryou can be flustered and upset
and irritated by this as much asyou want, but see how far it'll
(12:21):
get you. And once I flipped thatperspective, you know, it was,
it was a straight shot,everything was going up, up, up,
up, up, up, up. Yeah. So
Lisa Hopkins (12:33):
how did you do that? Do you remember what sort
of was there a pivotal moment,or
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (12:37):
I had people I had people call me out
on it, you know, just they like,like, my manager was just like,
you know, you're, you're beingan asshole, you're being an
idiot, you know, that or, youknow, okay, I get it, you're
pissed off, you're, you'refrustrated and things like that.
But, but here's the thought Idon't, you know, from this
perspective, or I would talk toother friends, and express how I
(13:02):
felt about the whole thing. Andthey would say the same thing.
They'd be like, so what, sowhat, oh, but what they said to
you last minute, what are yougonna do not working in a unit
just like, Not accept things or,or bitch about it. And you know,
just to satisfy a point thatyou're trying to make, and then
then where are you going to beat after that, we're going to be
jobless, and without anopportunity to show that you can
(13:22):
do so. It's just, it was justgood friends, you know, family
members calling me out on it.
And that's, and that's whatfriends and family are for that
the good ones, the ones that arethat that will, you know, be
brave and strong enough to say,I'm telling you this because I
love you knock it off, orwhatever. You know, it's like an
intervention II type thing.
Lisa Hopkins (13:44):
I love that. But that's an amazing distinction
because I was gonna ask you andyou kind of almost clarified it
for me just then that I'm sointo distinctions, but the
distinction between like, thereason why you did I understand
that, you know, somebody couldbe told Listen, you're being an
asshole, you're not going towork. And then you could go
shit, I'm not going to work Ibetter change my attitude.
That's one thing. But I heardyou loud and clear your value
(14:10):
and connection to the people youlove and showing up as a as the
human that you want to be withthe people that you love, which
yes does allow you to work butbut it was only that if they
came to you if somebody youknow, some random person came to
you and said, if you're anasshole, you're not going to
work. I don't think you'd be isit wouldn't be sustainable. a
mindset shift.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (14:30):
Yeah, yeah. Yeah. Yeah, for sure. And,
you know, I mean, like I said,as as old as I am right now,
it's, you know, we all do as atleast as if we accept the fact
that we're always learning andchanging and trying to adapt and
adjust and improve till the daywe leave this earth. Yeah,
(14:52):
that's another perspective thatI have. I don't, I don't claim
or I put myself out to be a noat all because of my age and my
experience and my maturity. LikeI said, you know, you know,
Cindy, and I have a beautifulfour year old, healthy little
boy. And there's so many thingsthat that little boy teaches me
(15:14):
teaches us about like myselfabout life. And, you know, I try
to be a good dad, you know, Iknow this sounds corny, too. But
I know I'm not all there. I'mnot perfect. I make mistakes.
But, you know, I want to learnfrom those mistakes so that I
can be the best dad forimpossible. And, and I had a
(15:35):
great dad, I had a fantastic dadwho, you know, he had a great
life, you know, cancer took himaway, almost was like 2022. So
we're talking like, seven yearsago, but he lived a good life
till he was 80. And he probablygot a bit a lot a lot longer
where we're at now for stagefour brain cancer. And he fought
(15:57):
you fought really hard, but Ilove that guy. Because I, I
learned so much from him. And hewas tough on me. And he called
me on my shit when I was aspoiled No at all teenager with
a real attitude. And he wouldcall me on it night. And in
hindsight, I respect him forthat, because I so was glad that
(16:18):
he did that with me. Becauseit's it straightened me out, it
straightened me out. And, youknow, I just tried to emulate
him as much as I can, all thosepositive things, you know, I
cherry pick, there's some thingsthat I hope to that my dad did.
We knew he loved us. So we knewin our own heads, even when we
(16:40):
were young kids that he lovedus, you know, and he would say
that card, he wouldn't becomfortable, like necessarily
saying out loud. But you know,that's the one thing that I sort
of, like, different from my dad,you know, I say, hey, Zane, I
love you. Daddy loves you verymuch, you know, say things like
that. I love you to dad. And itjust makes my day that just
everything all the negative,yucky. I had a shitty day or
(17:02):
whatever. And he says that I'mdone. It's like, that's all I
need. So, yeah, it's achallenge. It's a real
challenge. And sometimes I'mjust like, oh, man, am I doing
this? Right? And I'm like, youknow, I just get worried. And
sometimes they get a little bithelicopter re you know,
helicopter parent. Am I doingtoo much? Am I being too safe
(17:22):
with him? And my Am I being toolacks, and it's like, oh, man,
it's the ultimate like, mind.
App, you know? Yeah,
Lisa Hopkins (17:32):
I do know.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (17:33):
Right?
Yeah. Yeah, definitely. Becausewe're both parents and no,
crazy. So it's
Lisa Hopkins (17:40):
so interesting.
I'm just curious from minute to,to see what that family makeup
was with your wonderful dad andyour siblings, How many
siblings?
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (17:49):
I'm the youngest of five kids. I
have three older brothers. Andthen my sister is the oldest out
of all of us. Okay, about a 20are different than not about
there's a 10 year differencebetween my oldest sister and the
end of the youngest, like Isaid,
Lisa Hopkins (18:01):
okay, and were you the only one that pursued the
arts of all of you? Or,
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (18:05):
Yes, that really, really pursued it.
My, one of my older brothers, mybrother, Andy, he's, uh, you
know, the crazy thing about it,that he's the most artistically
gifted out of all of us. He's aself taught musician. He's an
excellent artists, like he canpaint and sketch and do all
these types of things. He's verycreative. He's got major, major
right brain thing going on way,way, way more blessed and
(18:29):
artistically talented than I am.
But I was the only one in thefamily who, you know, went that
route to was the rebel for lackof a better word. But I got
support, you know, I got Ireally got support from from
both my parents. They were neverlike, oh, no, that's, that's
crazy. You shouldn't do that.
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
They were very supportive, I'llbe it a little bit apprehensive
(18:50):
and concern as with any therapy,you know, so did you just want
to make sure that I'm okay thatI have a way to, to make a
living and that I'm notstruggling financially and all
that stuff. So but, you know,there was a little bit of like,
my father living vicariously tome because he wanted to be an
actor, performer and all thatstuff. And he couldn't do it
(19:12):
because he had five mouths tofeed. And he made a conscious
decision to say now isn't moreimportant, can't do it anymore.
So any of my successes, heabsolutely adored it, absolutely
like and that just made me evenmore happy. The fact that he was
able to appreciate what I wasdoing my successes as well as my
failures in showbiz in general.
(19:37):
And, you know, thank God I mean,he was able to see a lot of
like, my major, major peakmoments my my successes before
he did pass away, he got to seeme on Broadway, he got to see me
on TV numerous times. And hewould always ask, you know, how
did that audition don't Oh, youdidn't get an ad. It's okay.
Those those areas don't knowwhat they're thinking they're
(19:58):
their laws, and he would havethat mentality It's like, what?
You'd have been perfect forthat. And then, you know, if I
booked it, he'd be like, Hey, Iknew what I knew you're gonna
get and stuff like that.
Lisa Hopkins (20:06):
That's brilliant.
How old were you when you leftNew York because you were there
for a bit on Broadway. And then
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (20:14):
when I went, I went away to college and
went to SUNY Purchase. And I wasin there for like, my first two
years. And then I dropped out inmy sophomore year, you know,
basically, after my springsemester, sophomore year, so I
did a full sophomore year beforeI decided to hit the road hit
the pavement, you know, hit theground running. And a lot of
that was just like, you know, mehaving the feeling that what I
(20:38):
was doing, there wasn't reallyright. For me, I wanted to I
wanted to really hit thepavement, I was already a
professional actor at that time,you know, working, not not doing
big gigs and stuff like that.
But I was a working actor. So Imade that decision that I was
just like, I just want to delveinto this, you know, full
throttle. And as soon as I left,it was a struggle, you know, I
had saved up a pretty goodamount of money with the money
(21:02):
that I was making, fromcommercials and bookings, as a
young kid, to, to sock away toget me out to the West Coast,
the first time I came out wasreally horrible. Not a lot of
stuff going on here. There wasan earthquake that happened in
LA, which, you know, reallythrew things out of whack
industry wise. And it just kindof hit a brick wall, when I came
(21:25):
out here wasn't ready for itcame back to New York. And as
soon as I did within, like, twoor three months, I got the
European tour West Side Story,which was my first kind of grown
up professional on my own gigthat I got. And that was, that
was an experience that was thatwas probably to this day, one of
the best most fulfillingexperiences, life experiences
(21:51):
that I have had in my life, notjust a life experience, not just
from from my own perspective asas as a person, but
professionally as well. I was Iwas just turned 20, it was 90
and it just turned 20. So I wasa baby, you know, I was a baby.
And then I did that for about ayear I was thinking about
staying for a year and mymanager said absolutely not get
(22:13):
back to New York, you know,you're gonna you're gonna do
more stuff here. And I was like,but really, I'm making good
money and you coming back to NewYork. And it was the best advice
she had ever given me. Becauselike two months after that, I
got Richie Valens and Buddy, theBuddy Holly story. And then
after that, it was just prettymuch like, up and up, you know,
just pretty good roller coasterride from from from then on.
Lisa Hopkins (22:39):
So curious to know, pre pandemic, there were
certain systems that we had inplace, right? What systems did
you have in place that you stilltake with you? What systems did
you discover that you're goingto now extract and continue on?
Which ones don't serve youanymore? What shifted for you?
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (22:56):
Oh, boy, the one thing that sticks
out to me the most was that thepandemic forced me to be not
forced me, I shouldn't say that.
A side effect of the pandemicwas that it made me more
resourceful. Obviously, thingswere rough, because there wasn't
(23:16):
anything going on show businesswise, and pretty much just in
general. That, you know, like,oh, god, how am I going to make
money? Do I have enough to covermy back, thankfully, you know, I
was working so much prepandemic, that I was able to
collect unemployment and thingslike that. So those things help.
(23:38):
And then you had the pandemicrelief. So that really, like
gave me that even better cushionfrom the max that I was getting
paid from, from unemployment.
But it really just just forcedme to say, All right, I don't
have much here. How am I goingto, you know, keep the cupboards
(24:02):
full of food and things likethat, and how am I going to pay
all these things just reallymade me more aware and self
aware? And more proactive. I wasgetting, I was in that mindset
of like, well, if I don't dothese things, right, nobody
gonna do them for me. So I thinkthere was a certain comfort
(24:26):
level, a certain auto pilot modethat I speak for myself that I
was enjoying or living throughthat the pandemic then made me
say, alright, you really got tostay on top of yourself and
watch your health and and dothese things because nobody's
going to do them for you.
Nobody's going to come to therescue and things of that
nature. But there was a therewas a real kind of like self
(24:49):
awareness that I was reallyexperiencing enjoying
discovering And the selfawareness was gratitude for
being healthy. And gratitude forwhat I already have in life and
that the things that I love andpeople that I love and care
(25:12):
about, we're all doing well. Andthat we would check in gratitude
for that connection that I hadwith people that we were caring
for each other that you know,and you could probably relate to
this because it's not unlike NewYork, how it was when 911
happened. Everyone was likethis. And everyone in New York
(25:34):
was like, are you okay? Are youokay? Whatever you need, I got
your back. Okay. It was a senseof community. Again, it was a
sense, a sense of, like, let'sall take care of each other.
Because if we don't take care ofeach other, who is so the
pandemic and a lot of waysbrought about those same
emotions, those same dynamics.
(25:54):
And it was great. It was it wasreally refreshing to know that,
that our humanity was becomingapparent again, that if nothing
else, I mean, as horrible as itwas, what the pandemic did for
me, again, speaking for myselfwas bring about that sense of
humanity. Yeah.
Lisa Hopkins (26:10):
What you described sounded to me like, it's not
that you weren't going that youwere going through life being
ungrateful. But you were goingthrough life go so quickly,
probably, because things gowell, that you didn't take the
moment to savor it. It's like ituntil something's taken away
from you.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (26:27):
Yeah, yeah. Yeah, exactly. Exactly.
That that happened that happenedin spades with with everything
that I was experienced. And thenI think that that's a good point
that you that you brought upbecause you lose sight of the
fact that what you've gotalready and it's like, you don't
want to lose that stuff. And,and, you know, things got really
(26:48):
scary. They're really scarysketchy. Definitely those those
feelings of hopelessness and oh,is this it? And this is, this is
very Twilight Zone, a very blackmirror stuff going on right now.
When things did get skips thereyou do you do focus on the
things that you have in you, andyou cherish them, and you don't
(27:08):
want to you don't want to losethem. You don't want to lose
them.
Lisa Hopkins (27:11):
Yeah. What's your definition of living in the
moment,
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (27:14):
I really try to focus on the
present, it's definitely astruggle for me, but I try to
live in the present and justfocus on what's going on right
now. What I can not necessarilycontrol, but what I can see
what's tangible in my life fornow that that for me is living
in the moment. You can plan forthe future, you can dwell on the
(27:36):
past, however, positive ornegative it was and also, I wish
I had done that better. Youknow, but having, you know,
learning a lesson from your pastand dwelling on it are two
vastly different things. That'swhy I like to just be as present
(27:57):
and aware and as, as self aware,in the present as much as
possible and enjoy that momentor savor it or, you know, trudge
through it if the, if thepresent is not so great.
Lisa Hopkins (28:12):
Let me ask you this. Think about somebody that
that truly admires you. And if Iasked this person, you know,
what they admire about you? Whatwhat would they be telling me
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (28:23):
my humor, sense of humor. I kind of
have like a, you know, goofball,sense of humor, this person that
just came to mind that if youwere to ask them, it's like, oh,
he just, he makes me laugh. AndI can be having the shittiest
day and he'll say something thatwill make me laugh. And that
makes me feel good, that I'mable to provide that to just
(28:49):
even one person, you know. And,you know, I like to be kind,
Zane, and I were at the market.
And, you know, anytime Zane andI are out, we're always like,
playful, and we goof around. Andwe do all kinds of fun stuff
that, you know, a lot of fathersand sons do with the same, you
know, times, and we're about toleave, and I've got the bags,
(29:13):
you know, with Zane and tau. Andthis woman just randomly comes
up to me and she just came outof out of nowhere and just said
I don't usually does, I justwant to say, you're just, you're
just so lovely with your son.
Because I guess she was watchingme the way we were interacting
with each other while we werejust waiting in line. So she was
(29:33):
about two people behind me orsomething like that. Unbeknownst
to me, she was watching how Iwas with him. We were playing
with each other and he would saythings and I would laugh and I
would say something and he wouldlaugh. I'm paraphrasing here but
she said something to the extentof like, if you're if your son
ever becomes the father you areyou know you've and I exactly I
(29:55):
mean I was just like like,that's The most beautiful thing
you've ever said, or that I'veever heard, but I mean, at least
it came out of nowhere. I wasjust like, this, this doesn't
happen. How random is that? ButI'll tell you, it just it just
made my day because I wasn'texpecting it. And it was just so
(30:15):
nice for someone to just comeout of left field just just out
of out of sheer desire. Justshare that with me. And it was
great. And I was like, Faithrestored to humanity. I mean,
that not only that, it just feltgood hearing that, but it was
really nice that it was genuineand it was heartfelt. It was
sincere, but it made me feelgood. And even even Zane was
(30:38):
just like, what was that? Like?
I don't know, saying but I justam.
Lisa Hopkins (30:46):
But daddy, she made you cry? No, no.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (30:49):
She made she made you she made a
single solitary tear like Allah,Denzel Washington come down your
face like. So. It's beautiful.
Things like that. Yeah, exactly.
You know, just, you know, youhear stuff like that, it just
makes your day. And it's notthat I was having a particularly
(31:09):
shitty day that morning. Nothinglike that was like, I was having
a horrible day and this ladycome up and said something like
that. It just, it just adds towhat is already there. You know,
this. One is
Lisa Hopkins (31:20):
totally, and you know, what's really cool about
that, and I love that you're, Idon't know that you're
overlooking it. But it says alot about you and how generous
you are, you know, just justreceiving this moment and it
bringing you joy, which is isgorgeous. But you know, you you
created that you created thatjoy by being joyful with your
son. Yeah, yeah. So you areseeing and so it's just
(31:42):
literally the co creation of, ofthat of connection of joy of the
essence of humanity. Right. Imean, that that was a moment.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (31:51):
Yeah, yeah. It's, and again, it's
just, it's just in my nature tobe that way. It's, there's,
there's no, there's nopretentiousness. And then that
interaction that I have withZane or anybody else for that
matter. You know, again, withwith age, and with time, I've
(32:12):
learned to just accept with, youknow, being myself and being
comfortable with that, you know,I, I am who I am. And it's like,
take me or leave me all mypluses and minuses, this is me,
you know. And you, you hope thatby and large, it's something
that the people around you that,that love you or are around you.
(32:35):
It's it's it's positive enoughthat that they enjoy having you
around. That makes any sense?
Oh, yeah.
Lisa Hopkins (32:44):
No, absolutely.
You know, I asked you on thepreform, I asked you, what
stands between you and who youwant to be? How does that
manifest
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (32:54):
for you? You know, again, when I was
when I was younger, looking backin hindsight at a lot of the
misses, that, you know, thatI've had in life, again, not not
not looking at it from a regretperspective, just just a life
lesson perspective. I've learnedto just say, Listen, any any
(33:15):
future successes or any newthings that you're going to
learn in life, things thatyou're going to tackle
challenges that you're going toaccept and overcome and all that
stuff, it's all up to me, it's,you know, if I want to learn
something new, or go to school,again, I'm, I'm going to be the
impetus. It's not it's, it's,you know, I'm the actual one
that's, that's out there makingthe conscious decision to say, I
(33:38):
want to do this, I want to learnthat I want to improve on that I
want to, I want to challengemyself to do this, I want to,
you know, be a better that, Iwant to be less of that, you
know, less of that thing that Idon't want to be anymore. It's
It's me, you know, I'm thecommon denominator. And, and
(33:59):
that's not always
Lisa Hopkins (33:59):
easy. What stands out to me that's really unique
about you. You know, when youlook at your bio, and the
different different types ofwork that you do, talk to me
about the diversity of your ofyour resume and all the things
you've done and do.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (34:14):
Oh, gosh, yeah. I mean, I want to do
as many things as I can. I wantto have knowledge, and be in as
many different genres as I canto give myself the opportunity
to not just work but make moneydoing so. If that makes any
sense. Yep. So, so when I wouldstart that learning process, it
(34:40):
was early on when I wasrealizing that I didn't want to
stand pat, you know, being like,what they call the triple
threat. I could sing dance andact and that's why I was doing
so much musical theater andregular theater in my origins in
New York. But, you know, I knewthat I wanted not just more but
I really had More of a differentpath as much as I love doing
(35:02):
theater and like theater andwhat was also feeding my soul
was being in front of a camera.
And then that turned into like,oh, well, you know, like, I'm
really getting seen for a lot ofthese things that involve like
action and stuff like that. Andso then that would segue into me
taking martial arts classes, orwestern style boxing and stuff
like that, because it's like,okay, I'm doing a lot of this
(35:22):
stuff, where it's actually Iwant to look good doing that. So
I would start training withlike, you know, these boxing
instructors or martial artspeople, it was always that
desire to say, Okay, this isgood. But if I learned that I
can do more of this. And if Iadd that to my resume, I can do
more of that. And that's, that'swhere the diversity comes from
(35:43):
that just just that desire tojust expand the horizons, the
proverbial horizons withlearning, and, and I still do
that to this day.
Lisa Hopkins (35:53):
Hey, what do you think? If there were no arts,
God forbid, in the world? Forwhatever reason? Yeah, what
would you do? What do you thinkyou would do?
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (36:01):
I don't know. Probably, you know,
probably, I would do somethinginvolving like food. Because
even though I'm not, I'm notthat good a cook, I actually
went to, you know, took take acouple of cooking classes and
stuff like that years ago. So Iwould probably be doing
(36:24):
something related to that,whether I, you know, I'm a chef,
or short or cook, or a maitre dat a really nice restaurant, or
something like that, or amanager of a food place, or, or,
or a bartender or a mixologist,or something like that. Because
it coincides with this desirefor me to like, you know, give
(36:47):
and, you know, what, as actorsand performers, one of the
perspectives of I have is whenI'm performing, I'm
entertaining. So that's I'mgiving something I'm giving my
my ability to entertain tosomeone, and hopefully they like
it, or, you know, they, they,they're pleased that with what I
do well, in much the same way,if I making something that makes
(37:09):
people belly feel good, thenthat makes me feel good. Oh, you
like when I cooked? You? Great.
That's awesome. You like thatdrink? I made you. It makes me
so happy here. I'll make youanother one. Yep, so totally.
That's probably like the firstthing that comes to mind. That's
probably what I wouldn't bedoing if no artist existed, but
thankfully, artists do exist.
And I am a real big proponent ofthat I need to make me
(37:32):
absolutely insane when, youknow, when, you know, government
and school districts and takeaway programs and arts programs.
And Lisa, you again, you know,as well as I do, how incredibly
beneficial and important andnecessary Arts is for kids. So
(37:52):
it's like when you take thatshit away, it's like, Come on,
man. You're really really eatingaway at at a core need for a
society be not just a goodsociety, but thriving,
successful society. And if wedon't have artists, like we're
done, we're done. We're done.
We're done.
Lisa Hopkins (38:14):
Well, hell yeah.
So how do you how do you want tobe remembered?
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (38:20):
Oh, boy. Well, for me, this is gosh,
I guess I want to be rememberedas as someone who cared, I care.
I care. You know, I care abouthow well people did I care about
(38:44):
how society on the whole isdoing? And how generous I tried
to be with, you know, my time,my love for people my propensity
to want to give I guess that'show I'd like to be remembered.
(39:05):
Yeah, Phil was generous. He washe was kind of nice, generous,
you know. And loving and lovingthat too much.
Lisa Hopkins (39:15):
And funny. They'll say that anyways, right? Yeah,
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (39:18):
right.
Right. Yeah. Except, you know,like it this is something that a
lot of performing parents haveto deal with it. It's like we
could be like the funniest mostentertaining person to any Joe
Schmo out there. Jane Doe outthere in public. Oh, my eyes I
am otter, Bobby or Lars andstuff like that. And to the one
person where it matters mostwhere you try to be funny with
(39:39):
your own child, and he looks atyou like deadpan, like you have
three heads, like get out of myface. You're stupid. That's not
what he's saying. But that's thelook that he's giving you. It's
like, Hey, I'm giving you mybest stuff. And it's like, Yeah,
Dad, it's not funny. Andthere's, you know, as long as I
did that, there's probably goingto be more of that. It's like
embarrassing that
Lisa Hopkins (39:59):
so Oh boy, you're not making it very easy for your
son who's growing up with a dadwho was not only voted like the
most beautiful man in the worldor whatever, but also has an
action figure.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (40:12):
Oh, well, you know, I worry about
that too. I really worry. And Ishouldn't say worry about it.
Concern is a better word. So Ikind of wonder how this is going
to pan out. And I, you know, I'mnot a celebrity. But I work
enough that, you know, peoplewill recognize me on the street
and stuff like that, as itrelates to Zayn. He's still too
(40:32):
young. But I wonder how it'sgoing to manifests itself in him
when he sees that. And you know,whether it'll be like, Oh, that
does that. It's cool. Or it'slike, Oh, my God. This is
embarrassing. You know, I don'tknow. That's fine. And I'll
cross that bridge when I getthere. But I've heard other you
know, people in show businesstalk about that. I,
Lisa Hopkins (40:54):
you know, I'm reminded of the story you told
me about the woman that stoppedyou in the in the store or
pointed out how you were beingwith Zayn. And how beautiful
that was? Right? And it'samazing how differently that
could have gone if it was a fan.
Yeah. Yeah. You know what Imean? So it's got to be really
hard to navigate. You can'tcontrol what other people do.
It's tricky. So thank god,you're experiencing some of
(41:18):
those things with him, you know,just being recognized for being
wonderful with him. Yeah, somost people think Phillip
Anthony Rodriguez is but thetruth is about me. Yeah. So
finish the phrase, right. Somost people think Philip Anthony
Rodriguez is, but the truth isthought that
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (41:42):
way us really good toughies I mean,
man, I would, I would think Iwould get in this is I'm only
relating it to what I do as acareer and stuff that I'm self
centered sometimes. And thereality is, is just like I
(42:03):
couldn't be more like selfconscious sometimes or modest.
In, in being able to, like,express how more of a boastful,
it's just not. That's just notin my nature to do that. But I
(42:24):
guess it's some sometimes. Myconfidence, and we talked about
this earlier might read is justlike, well, who the hell does he
think he is? When it's justlike, it's that's vastly
different from self love andself pride and being confident
about what you're able to do? SoI would say I would say, No, I'm
(42:47):
not self centered. I mean, thecomplete opposite is true. Just,
you know, I like who I am as aperson by and large, and I like
what I'm putting out there. Ihave a good positive energy. But
I don't know, again, I know itsounds like a broken record. I
(43:08):
don't know if if, if that makessense. To you, sir. No,
Lisa Hopkins (43:14):
it makes it makes perfect sense. You're Yeah, no,
absolutely.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (43:19):
I mean, that's probably that's,
that's the only thing that thatI if I had like a about, I don't
know, maybe about 120 seconds toreally think that's the first
thing that comes to mind thatthat's the that's the one that
went okay. That's the that's theonly thing that kind of pops
into my head with it. Yeah.
Lisa Hopkins (43:38):
Yeah. I mean, it's funny, because I don't know if
you have any data to supportthat maybe you do. Or if it's
you your perception of what youthink other people might think
your weaknesses are, etc. Youknow, like, it's funny how that
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (43:52):
it's probably don't solely my own
perspective.
Lisa Hopkins (43:56):
So that's not how you would like to be perceived.
Right? Yeah. Because you don'tfeel that way at all.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (44:01):
And in the past, and sometimes to some
extent, I still do it onoccasion. Today, I project the
hell out of it wasn't thinkingthat Phil was like, really, I
just misread you or somethinglike that. But again, that those
those instances are few and farbetween where I am really
projecting.
Lisa Hopkins (44:22):
Hmm. That's interesting.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (44:25):
And I think I get that that's
certainly like, that's apersonality trait that I got
from my mom. And it wasn't likeof epic proportions with her.
But especially like in her olderage, she would like get a little
bit paranoid about what peoplewere thinking or doing and like
nothing could be further fromthe truth. Like we would all say
(44:46):
it like, oh, man, I'm that momdoes that I'm starting to do
that shit. I better I betterkeep tariffs.
Lisa Hopkins (44:54):
Well, it's interesting because it's a
defense mechanism, isn't it? Imean, we'd rather say your
Thinking this so that you'refacing it. Right. Yeah.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (45:03):
And the thing is, is that
generationally, it diminishesbecause my, my grandmother, her
mother had that stuff and like,it was crazy. It's like, you can
be like, she's out to get me.
She's trying to destroy. Like,what? No, no, my sweet
grandmother, nothing. My momwould my mom would tell her and
(45:24):
it's like, and she rolled hereyes and she'd be like, she's,
she's crazy. She's going on andon about
Lisa Hopkins (45:30):
oh my god, that's hilarious. So I say what makes
you and I say a word and youjust let me know. It doesn't
have to be fast. You can do ifyou want. I mean, up to you. So
Okay, you ready?
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (45:41):
I'm ready. Okay, here we go.
Lisa Hopkins (45:43):
What makes you hungry?
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (45:46):
Ah.
You mean? Like not not busy? Oh,okay. So Well, yeah. Okay, this
that ambiguous Oh, it makes mehungry. What makes me hungry.
Lisa Hopkins (46:00):
Love to be in your head right now. So is there a
fight going on in there between
Philip Anthony Rodri (46:05):
seriously, I'm swimming right now. My my,
my 3% of my brain uses swimming.
I say that because we're, youknow, supposedly, like we only
use 3% of our brains. Gosh. Oh,the unknown. And unknown. The
unexpected makes me hungry. Huh?
Lisa Hopkins (46:29):
Yeah. That's cool.
So, do you find that thatfortifies you? Like, you know,
when you're hungry? Sometimespeople get hangry when they're
hungry, like some people getirritated some people get so. So
when you when you feel hungryfor something like that? How
does that how does that show upfor you?
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (46:51):
Oh, man, I just want to I want to
meet that hunger. I want tosatisfy that hunger. You know, a
complimentary word could belike, craving. I also crave
wanting to see this project orsee that movie. I crave wanting
to go to this class because Oh,I could learn so much about
that. I'm going to do this, youknow. So I think that's what I
(47:14):
meant by unexpected. There's athere's a pleasantness there's
an excitement that comes fromthe unexpected. You surprised?
If I know what's coming thenit's like, well, what's the
point when you get on a rollercoaster ride? It's really scary.
Okay, great. Let me find out formyself. You sure you want to get
on that roller coaster? Okay,I'm gonna come hell or high
(47:36):
water. I'm going on this rollercoaster and I get on in the you
know, the first two seconds, Ifeel like I'm going to have a
heart attack. And then like thenext remaining 30 I'm just like
this the best thing ever. Soit's that. It's that joy, and
thrill and rush that you getfrom the unexpected. I think
(47:57):
that's what makes me hungry. Andthat's everything.
Lisa Hopkins (48:02):
What makes you sad?
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (48:05):
Ah, oh, boy. I guess disappointing
people. Makes me sad when I'mlike when either through my
actions or inaction. Someonesaddened by what I did or didn't
(48:26):
do. Does that make sense?
Because it can be both. It'slike, well, you didn't do this.
So now I'm sad. Or you did thisthat really made me sad. And
when I see that in people's eyesYou know, I get really sad. When
I sense the disappointment inpeople that makes me sad. Yeah.
Lisa Hopkins (48:52):
For sure, do you get sad when you can't fix
something that you want to fixfor somebody?
Philip Anthony Rodr (48:59):
Absolutely.
Absolutely. Because I you know,by nature, I'm a giver, I'm a
fixer. I want to be able to, youknow, provide and be there for
people and not at you know,risking my own self or my taking
care of myself. But you know,I'm the type of person who
(49:20):
derives more pleasure fromChristmas time sitting around
the Christmas tree giving giftsand seeing them open that that
gift and then me opening upsomething that someone's gotten
me know that this that's not tosay that I don't enjoy getting
gifts or having nice things forme. But oh, that sheer joy that
I get from seeing my kid openingup a gift or wrapping something
(49:41):
like that, and I was able togive him that.
Lisa Hopkins (49:47):
For sure. I know.
Thank you for sharing that. Whatinspires you? Oh,
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (49:53):
people inspire me. It's where I get my
my I power my ammunition to dowhat I do when I'm auditioning
for something or when I'mauditioning for a role or trying
to create a character, whatfrustrates you, for the same
reason that I'm inspired byhumanity, I'm also perturbed and
(50:14):
disturbed and frustrated withsociety's ills. We don't have to
have the climate issues thatwe're having right now. We don't
have to have homelessness. Wedon't have to have children
hungry, which really makes meupset. And it's because of
things we can fix. And it justfrustrates me that we're not
taking into account our childrenand our children's straight up
(50:37):
children in our future. Andthat's what rush means.
Lisa Hopkins (50:39):
No, absolutely.
What makes you laugh,
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (50:42):
people who find humor, and who can find
humor brilliantly, and justevery day observances. You know,
life's funny or life can befunny. That's what I appreciate.
I can appreciate when whenpeople see the humor and
(51:02):
everything
Lisa Hopkins (51:05):
that well, it's healing, right. I mean, that's
what I'm hearing.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (51:07):
It's healing. What makes you angry,
meanness I don't like whenpeople are mean and vindictive.
Lisa Hopkins (51:15):
So finally, my friend what makes you grateful,
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (51:19):
Oh, gosh. Being alive. And I think
that that really becomes moreapparent or more in the
forefront as the older we get,because, you know, we we start
coming to the realization thatour time here on earth is very
(51:40):
limited. That is finite. So I amgrateful that I'm, and I'm
healthy, that I'm able to get upout of bed and have a beautiful
loving family and children.
There's a lot there's a lot oflove in this house. So grateful
for that. Finally,
Lisa Hopkins (51:59):
what are the what are the top three things that
have happened so far? Today?
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (52:03):
Hmm.
Gosh, I mean, like I said, wejust moved in, and we're living
in a pretty nice slaving place,again, grateful a lot of
gratitude for being able to livewhere I'm at, but just to be
able to walk in here and belike, in a nice neighborhood,
it's quiet, it's peaceful. Youknow, I love to getting up in
the morning and getting youknow, Zane ready for his day.
(52:27):
And for school and stuff. I getexcited about that. And then
once I drop Zane off at school,that 20 minutes to a half an
hour that I have and coming backhome, but just to be able to
say, Oh, this is great. I'mjust, it's just me and myself,
my car, I can do anything Iwant, I can listen to anything I
want. I don't have to listen tolike, Kitty songs or anything
like that. It is my realm. Thisis my time. I can do with it.
(52:52):
Whatever I want. And just to beable to have that every now and
then it's just like, yes, yes.
Alone.
Lisa Hopkins (53:02):
What do you most looking forward to just either
today or in general? Do you havesomething that you said I'm
really looking forward to?
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (53:07):
I'm really looking forward to the
next project I'm working on. Imean, I've been a just I get
anxious in a good way. Whenthere's the possibility of me
doing something new anddifferent, you know, and that I
mean, specifically when it whenit comes to acting, you know,
and everything that comes withthat, you know, again, the
excitement, the unexpectedness,what's to come, you know,
(53:28):
hopefully if it if it if it pansout, hopefully there'll be a
nice you know, that financialreward because with the
financial reward and then cometo things that I can do for my
family and for myself and allthat stuff and, you know, do the
things that we love to do, whichis like get things for people
you know,
Lisa Hopkins (53:47):
yeah. Oh my gosh.
Such a pleasure. Such a pleasurespeaking with you today. Thank
you so much for taking the time.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (53:55):
You take care, you'd be safe. Okay.
Yeah,
Lisa Hopkins (53:58):
by I've been speaking today with Philip
Anthony Rodriguez. Thanks forlistening. Stay safe and healthy
everyone and remember to live inthe moment. In music, stop time
is the beautiful moment wherethe band is suspended in
rhythmic unison, supporting thesoloist to express their
individuality. In the moment, Iencourage you to take that time
(54:23):
and create your own rhythm.
Until next time, I'm LisaHopkins. Thanks for listening
This is the stop time podcast. I'm your host,
Lisa Hopkins, and I'm here toengage you in thought provoking
motivational conversationsaround practicing the art of
living in the moment. I'm acertified life coach, and I'm
excited to dig deep and offerinsights into embracing who we
are and where we are at.
(00:24):
So my next guest was voted asone of Latina magazine's 25 most
beautiful Latino men. He is anaccomplished and versatile
performer, host and coach fromBrooklyn, New York. He has
joined the cast of many hit TVseries, including among others.
The morning show on Apple TV,who produced by Reese
Witherspoon and JenniferAniston, NBC is popular grim and
(00:47):
sinister royal henchmen, Marcusresponded CBS is Tommy,the hit
CBS All Access show why womenkill starring Lucy Liu free
forms hid the secret life ofAmerican teenager as Reuben on
Rica's and CBS his SEAL team asCIA operative Greg Smith. other
credits include modern familiesSWAT Magnum PI shameless 911.
(01:11):
Good trouble, The MentalistMadam Secretary, tweeted this
out 24 NCIS New Orleans.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (02:49):
I'm going on now. 4040 plus years of
being in the entertainmentindustry as as a professional.
So clearly, if I don't like itby now I have issues.
Or love it, I should say rightnow, there are many things that
that feed my soul that I have areal passion for that I
absolutely love doing. And beinga show businesses is by far one
(03:10):
of them. So
Lisa Hopkins (03:12):
yeah, what do you think it is that you love about
it? What stuff means to oneperson is, you know, means means
something different to another?
What is it for you? And maybethat's changed? I don't know.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (03:22):
No, I mean, the one constant. And you
know, again, I my origins, mybeginnings were in theater. And
I know I probably sound cliche,but it's that rush that you get
from being able to connect withan audience and have them and
yourself as an actor, performer.
Just escape for like, a coupleof hours each night and take the
(03:42):
audience away to a differentplace. And then as an actor,
performer, feeling thatsatisfaction when they plot at
the end of the show, which isessentially saying not just
great job, thank you for takingme away, but helping me think
about things in a different waybeyond just entertaining me.
(04:03):
Because let's face it, we're outthere for escapism for entertain
people, that people have longdays. And you know, they have
stressful days sometimes. Andit's like they want to go see a
movie to get away from it all Ineed to unwind, everything is
unwind. It's a human necessity.
And without it, I think I thinkwe're in trouble as a society.
(04:28):
You know, it's part of ourtherapy, and it serves its
purpose. And that's that's it,among other things,
Lisa Hopkins (04:34):
actors, provide that platform that permission
for the people that are takingin what they are giving to feel.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (04:42):
Yeah.
And oftentimes people forget,you know, whether we're talking
about theater or dance or operaor television or film. You know,
it's a collaborative effort.
There are many people involvedwith bringing that, that
entertainment that satisfactionto the individual to the
audience. SoIt's like I may be the actor, I
may be the the catalyst, the,the tool that's actually out
(05:04):
there on the stage or in frontof the camera performing. But
let's not forget the director,let's not forget the lighting
designer, and let's not forgetthe writer, the lyricist, the
composer. It's a team effort.
It's a team effort. And that'salso another aspect of, of our
industry that I love on thewhole, that sense of family of
(05:25):
unity of like, a, you know,we're all bringing something to
the table here. And it's alwayshopefully you hope something
special, can you can you paint apicture for us of what the
rhythm of your days is, like, atthis moment, in being an actor
and having that be my career, itcan be pretty erratic, or it
changes from one day or one weekto the next. But by and large,
(05:48):
especially with the fact thatyou know, Cindy, and I have I
have a four year old little boy,it's getting him up in the
morning. And you know, Mondaythrough Friday, waking him up,
making sure these all cleanedup, brushing his teeth, going
potty and all that stuff,getting his breakfast and lunch
and off to school. And then I goabout my day, the way I go about
my day, a side effect of thepandemic has been the uptick in
(06:12):
at home. You know, self tapeauditions, because casting
offices just aren't seeingpeople anymore. That's become
the status quo. And there'spluses and minuses to that. So
there'll be days when I do that,but there's nothing. There's
nothing even remotely routineabout it. If that makes any
sense. I don't know. It's it'sroutine. But it's not. Because
(06:33):
every day I wake up, I'm justI'm just happy to be alive.
First and foremost. AndI know it sounds corny, but you
know, I'm blessed. Because Ihave like a wonderful family.
We're all healthy, knock onwood. And and that's another
thing that that many of us do,or don't take for granted these
days, obviously, with thecircumstances being they would
the way they are with thispandemic.
Lisa Hopkins (06:54):
You don't strike me as it'd be needing to be very
rigid and organized. And whenit's not, you feel like oh my
god, I have to fill it. I'm nothearing that at all. I'm hearing
sort of a trust, trust theprocess. You know, things come
in and come out. This is the wayit is. And so I'm gonna flow. I
mean, it sounds like flow to me.
Philip Anthony Rodrig (07:11):
Bullseye, Bullseye. It's you know, every
day is every day is different.
And like I said, I'm doing thismeaning, like the way I approach
and let them look, don't get mewrong. I mean, it hasn't been
like all you know, Rosie, forthose 40 plus years of being in
the entertainment industry, I'vebeen, by and large, blessed
enough to say, Okay, I've madethis my career haven't really
(07:33):
needed to get those side jobs orthink about a different career
path, or, you know, I've hadthose moments, I've had those
really dark times, and those inthe valleys that come alongside
the peaks. You know, make nomistake, but by the same token,
by and large, I've been luckyand blessed enough to say, All
(07:54):
right, you know, this is good.
And, you know, I socked awayenough cash that even though
things are pretty tough rightnow, we can weather the storm.
Yeah, every every day is is youknow, aspects of it are routine
and other aspects of it arelike, yeah, not routine. And
(08:15):
sometimes, as you know,sometimes we get thrown curves,
where it's just like, oh, well,I wasn't expecting that, or that
was very last minute or Okay, Ineed to do that. And, you know,
adjust accordingly. I used toget bent out of shape with that
kind of stuff, and getfrustrated. And it's like, Are
you kidding me? They want thisdo now and what? And it's like,
alright, rewind a little. Let'stake it let's take it a step
(08:40):
back. And I've learned to dothat I've learned to not get so
heated or upset or bent out ofshape when something happens,
that isn't the normal way ofthings happening, you know, last
minute audition. Or, you know,hey, this is we're auditioning
you for a series regular on amajor television show. Here's 10
(09:02):
pages of size that you need tolearn and it needs to be dude by
tomorrow, Mike. What? Yeah,how's he How inconsiderate don't
tell these casting directors,and people think about that. And
then it's just like, ExcuseExcuse, Excuse Excuse? And it's
like, you know, I mean, damn it.
I'm a professional, in spite ofthe fact that those things would
hurt me. But again, I've learnedto say, hey, you know, if I
(09:24):
react that way, there's going tobe somebody else who was
auditioning for the same thingwho's going to look at it and
say, here's what it is. Just gotto do my best. I just got to do
my best. It's not ideal, but I'mgoing to do my best because
getting all bent out of shapeand then flipping out serves
nobody It serves no purposeexcept to just make you all
(09:48):
flustered and frustrated. Andthat's the last thing you want
to do when you want to preparefor something and be your best.
You know, So,
Lisa Hopkins (10:00):
oh, yeah, well, 100% percent. I mean, and
that's, that's like the heart ofthe work that I do, which is
about where we choose to respondrather than react, how we choose
to respond rather than react andthat it's by choice, not by
default. Right? And that weunderstand that all those voices
that rush in, you know, giveourselves a little grace,
because we're hardwired, that'sfear that's going, you're not
(10:25):
going to be ready, you're notgoing to be as good as you can.
But what it does, what it doesis it holds you back. Yeah,
takes energy away from the factthat, you know, you're gonna do
it anyway. I mean, one thing, ifyou if you just gonna make the
choice to not do it, no, Ichoose not to do it, because I
cannot present myself in theway. But if you're going to do
it anyways, then why on earth,divide your energy? Sure, you
(10:46):
know, what, actually, you need?
You need all that support?
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (10:49):
Yeah.
And I think one of the thingsthat I, you know, again, this
is, this is, this has a lot todo with with, you know, age
experience and maturity factor,if you want to even talk about
that. But, you know, when yousay something like, you can make
the choice to not do it, youknow, there's one way of
approaching it, which is like,well, I, I don't have the time
to prepare it the way I want to.
(11:13):
So I'm going to politelydecline. What I used to do was a
no, no approach to it, it'slike, I'm going to stick it to
them. So I'm not going to dothis, the hell with them. Which
is like, that's just, that'sjust childish. But I would do
that, that would, that would bemy thought process. I wouldn't
say it out loud. But that wouldbe my thought process, like FM,
(11:33):
I'm not going to go about itthis way. And, again, what
purpose that set serves, it's alearn, just not be in that
mindset. And honestly, I got itfrom from all sides to say, you
know, you need to, you need tokind of change your, your
thinking about this. And even mymanager to some extent, you
(11:55):
know, who I who I've known forjust as many, almost as many
years as I've been, you know, aprofessional actor. You know,
she pointed that out to me, too.
She's like, listen, that's theway these things are. So you
have to either accept it, roll,you know, ride that wave, and
roll roll with the punches, oryou can be flustered and upset
and irritated by this as much asyou want, but see how far it'll
(12:21):
get you. And once I flipped thatperspective, you know, it was,
it was a straight shot,everything was going up, up, up,
up, up, up, up. Yeah. So
Lisa Hopkins (12:33):
how did you do that? Do you remember what sort
of was there a pivotal moment,or
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (12:37):
I had people I had people call me out
on it, you know, just they like,like, my manager was just like,
you know, you're, you're beingan asshole, you're being an
idiot, you know, that or, youknow, okay, I get it, you're
pissed off, you're, you'refrustrated and things like that.
But, but here's the thought Idon't, you know, from this
perspective, or I would talk toother friends, and express how I
(13:02):
felt about the whole thing. Andthey would say the same thing.
They'd be like, so what, sowhat, oh, but what they said to
you last minute, what are yougonna do not working in a unit
just like, Not accept things or,or bitch about it. And you know,
just to satisfy a point thatyou're trying to make, and then
then where are you going to beat after that, we're going to be
jobless, and without anopportunity to show that you can
(13:22):
do so. It's just, it was justgood friends, you know, family
members calling me out on it.
And that's, and that's whatfriends and family are for that
the good ones, the ones that arethat that will, you know, be
brave and strong enough to say,I'm telling you this because I
love you knock it off, orwhatever. You know, it's like an
intervention II type thing.
Lisa Hopkins (13:44):
I love that. But that's an amazing distinction
because I was gonna ask you andyou kind of almost clarified it
for me just then that I'm sointo distinctions, but the
distinction between like, thereason why you did I understand
that, you know, somebody couldbe told Listen, you're being an
asshole, you're not going towork. And then you could go
shit, I'm not going to work Ibetter change my attitude.
That's one thing. But I heardyou loud and clear your value
(14:10):
and connection to the people youlove and showing up as a as the
human that you want to be withthe people that you love, which
yes does allow you to work butbut it was only that if they
came to you if somebody youknow, some random person came to
you and said, if you're anasshole, you're not going to
work. I don't think you'd be isit wouldn't be sustainable. a
mindset shift.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (14:30):
Yeah, yeah. Yeah. Yeah, for sure. And,
you know, I mean, like I said,as as old as I am right now,
it's, you know, we all do as atleast as if we accept the fact
that we're always learning andchanging and trying to adapt and
adjust and improve till the daywe leave this earth. Yeah,
(14:52):
that's another perspective thatI have. I don't, I don't claim
or I put myself out to be a noat all because of my age and my
experience and my maturity. LikeI said, you know, you know,
Cindy, and I have a beautifulfour year old, healthy little
boy. And there's so many thingsthat that little boy teaches me
(15:14):
teaches us about like myselfabout life. And, you know, I try
to be a good dad, you know, Iknow this sounds corny, too. But
I know I'm not all there. I'mnot perfect. I make mistakes.
But, you know, I want to learnfrom those mistakes so that I
can be the best dad forimpossible. And, and I had a
(15:35):
great dad, I had a fantastic dadwho, you know, he had a great
life, you know, cancer took himaway, almost was like 2022. So
we're talking like, seven yearsago, but he lived a good life
till he was 80. And he probablygot a bit a lot a lot longer
where we're at now for stagefour brain cancer. And he fought
(15:57):
you fought really hard, but Ilove that guy. Because I, I
learned so much from him. And hewas tough on me. And he called
me on my shit when I was aspoiled No at all teenager with
a real attitude. And he wouldcall me on it night. And in
hindsight, I respect him forthat, because I so was glad that
(16:18):
he did that with me. Becauseit's it straightened me out, it
straightened me out. And, youknow, I just tried to emulate
him as much as I can, all thosepositive things, you know, I
cherry pick, there's some thingsthat I hope to that my dad did.
We knew he loved us. So we knewin our own heads, even when we
(16:40):
were young kids that he lovedus, you know, and he would say
that card, he wouldn't becomfortable, like necessarily
saying out loud. But you know,that's the one thing that I sort
of, like, different from my dad,you know, I say, hey, Zane, I
love you. Daddy loves you verymuch, you know, say things like
that. I love you to dad. And itjust makes my day that just
everything all the negative,yucky. I had a shitty day or
(17:02):
whatever. And he says that I'mdone. It's like, that's all I
need. So, yeah, it's achallenge. It's a real
challenge. And sometimes I'mjust like, oh, man, am I doing
this? Right? And I'm like, youknow, I just get worried. And
sometimes they get a little bithelicopter re you know,
helicopter parent. Am I doingtoo much? Am I being too safe
(17:22):
with him? And my Am I being toolacks, and it's like, oh, man,
it's the ultimate like, mind.
App, you know? Yeah,
Lisa Hopkins (17:32):
I do know.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (17:33):
Right?
Yeah. Yeah, definitely. Becausewe're both parents and no,
crazy. So it's
Lisa Hopkins (17:40):
so interesting.
I'm just curious from minute to,to see what that family makeup
was with your wonderful dad andyour siblings, How many
siblings?
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (17:49):
I'm the youngest of five kids. I
have three older brothers. Andthen my sister is the oldest out
of all of us. Okay, about a 20are different than not about
there's a 10 year differencebetween my oldest sister and the
end of the youngest, like Isaid,
Lisa Hopkins (18:01):
okay, and were you the only one that pursued the
arts of all of you? Or,
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (18:05):
Yes, that really, really pursued it.
My, one of my older brothers, mybrother, Andy, he's, uh, you
know, the crazy thing about it,that he's the most artistically
gifted out of all of us. He's aself taught musician. He's an
excellent artists, like he canpaint and sketch and do all
these types of things. He's verycreative. He's got major, major
right brain thing going on way,way, way more blessed and
(18:29):
artistically talented than I am.
But I was the only one in thefamily who, you know, went that
route to was the rebel for lackof a better word. But I got
support, you know, I got Ireally got support from from
both my parents. They were neverlike, oh, no, that's, that's
crazy. You shouldn't do that.
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
They were very supportive, I'llbe it a little bit apprehensive
(18:50):
and concern as with any therapy,you know, so did you just want
to make sure that I'm okay thatI have a way to, to make a
living and that I'm notstruggling financially and all
that stuff. So but, you know,there was a little bit of like,
my father living vicariously tome because he wanted to be an
actor, performer and all thatstuff. And he couldn't do it
(19:12):
because he had five mouths tofeed. And he made a conscious
decision to say now isn't moreimportant, can't do it anymore.
So any of my successes, heabsolutely adored it, absolutely
like and that just made me evenmore happy. The fact that he was
able to appreciate what I wasdoing my successes as well as my
failures in showbiz in general.
(19:37):
And, you know, thank God I mean,he was able to see a lot of
like, my major, major peakmoments my my successes before
he did pass away, he got to seeme on Broadway, he got to see me
on TV numerous times. And hewould always ask, you know, how
did that audition don't Oh, youdidn't get an ad. It's okay.
Those those areas don't knowwhat they're thinking they're
(19:58):
their laws, and he would havethat mentality It's like, what?
You'd have been perfect forthat. And then, you know, if I
booked it, he'd be like, Hey, Iknew what I knew you're gonna
get and stuff like that.
Lisa Hopkins (20:06):
That's brilliant.
How old were you when you leftNew York because you were there
for a bit on Broadway. And then
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (20:14):
when I went, I went away to college and
went to SUNY Purchase. And I wasin there for like, my first two
years. And then I dropped out inmy sophomore year, you know,
basically, after my springsemester, sophomore year, so I
did a full sophomore year beforeI decided to hit the road hit
the pavement, you know, hit theground running. And a lot of
that was just like, you know, mehaving the feeling that what I
(20:38):
was doing, there wasn't reallyright. For me, I wanted to I
wanted to really hit thepavement, I was already a
professional actor at that time,you know, working, not not doing
big gigs and stuff like that.
But I was a working actor. So Imade that decision that I was
just like, I just want to delveinto this, you know, full
throttle. And as soon as I left,it was a struggle, you know, I
had saved up a pretty goodamount of money with the money
(21:02):
that I was making, fromcommercials and bookings, as a
young kid, to, to sock away toget me out to the West Coast,
the first time I came out wasreally horrible. Not a lot of
stuff going on here. There wasan earthquake that happened in
LA, which, you know, reallythrew things out of whack
industry wise. And it just kindof hit a brick wall, when I came
(21:25):
out here wasn't ready for itcame back to New York. And as
soon as I did within, like, twoor three months, I got the
European tour West Side Story,which was my first kind of grown
up professional on my own gigthat I got. And that was, that
was an experience that was thatwas probably to this day, one of
the best most fulfillingexperiences, life experiences
(21:51):
that I have had in my life, notjust a life experience, not just
from from my own perspective asas as a person, but
professionally as well. I was Iwas just turned 20, it was 90
and it just turned 20. So I wasa baby, you know, I was a baby.
And then I did that for about ayear I was thinking about
staying for a year and mymanager said absolutely not get
(22:13):
back to New York, you know,you're gonna you're gonna do
more stuff here. And I was like,but really, I'm making good
money and you coming back to NewYork. And it was the best advice
she had ever given me. Becauselike two months after that, I
got Richie Valens and Buddy, theBuddy Holly story. And then
after that, it was just prettymuch like, up and up, you know,
just pretty good roller coasterride from from from then on.
Lisa Hopkins (22:39):
So curious to know, pre pandemic, there were
certain systems that we had inplace, right? What systems did
you have in place that you stilltake with you? What systems did
you discover that you're goingto now extract and continue on?
Which ones don't serve youanymore? What shifted for you?
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (22:56):
Oh, boy, the one thing that sticks
out to me the most was that thepandemic forced me to be not
forced me, I shouldn't say that.
A side effect of the pandemicwas that it made me more
resourceful. Obviously, thingswere rough, because there wasn't
(23:16):
anything going on show businesswise, and pretty much just in
general. That, you know, like,oh, god, how am I going to make
money? Do I have enough to covermy back, thankfully, you know, I
was working so much prepandemic, that I was able to
collect unemployment and thingslike that. So those things help.
(23:38):
And then you had the pandemicrelief. So that really, like
gave me that even better cushionfrom the max that I was getting
paid from, from unemployment.
But it really just just forcedme to say, All right, I don't
have much here. How am I goingto, you know, keep the cupboards
(24:02):
full of food and things likethat, and how am I going to pay
all these things just reallymade me more aware and self
aware? And more proactive. I wasgetting, I was in that mindset
of like, well, if I don't dothese things, right, nobody
gonna do them for me. So I thinkthere was a certain comfort
(24:26):
level, a certain auto pilot modethat I speak for myself that I
was enjoying or living throughthat the pandemic then made me
say, alright, you really got tostay on top of yourself and
watch your health and and dothese things because nobody's
going to do them for you.
Nobody's going to come to therescue and things of that
nature. But there was a therewas a real kind of like self
(24:49):
awareness that I was reallyexperiencing enjoying
discovering And the selfawareness was gratitude for
being healthy. And gratitude forwhat I already have in life and
that the things that I love andpeople that I love and care
(25:12):
about, we're all doing well. Andthat we would check in gratitude
for that connection that I hadwith people that we were caring
for each other that you know,and you could probably relate to
this because it's not unlike NewYork, how it was when 911
happened. Everyone was likethis. And everyone in New York
(25:34):
was like, are you okay? Are youokay? Whatever you need, I got
your back. Okay. It was a senseof community. Again, it was a
sense, a sense of, like, let'sall take care of each other.
Because if we don't take care ofeach other, who is so the
pandemic and a lot of waysbrought about those same
emotions, those same dynamics.
(25:54):
And it was great. It was it wasreally refreshing to know that,
that our humanity was becomingapparent again, that if nothing
else, I mean, as horrible as itwas, what the pandemic did for
me, again, speaking for myselfwas bring about that sense of
humanity. Yeah.
Lisa Hopkins (26:10):
What you described sounded to me like, it's not
that you weren't going that youwere going through life being
ungrateful. But you were goingthrough life go so quickly,
probably, because things gowell, that you didn't take the
moment to savor it. It's like ituntil something's taken away
from you.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (26:27):
Yeah, yeah. Yeah, exactly. Exactly.
That that happened that happenedin spades with with everything
that I was experienced. And thenI think that that's a good point
that you that you brought upbecause you lose sight of the
fact that what you've gotalready and it's like, you don't
want to lose that stuff. And,and, you know, things got really
(26:48):
scary. They're really scarysketchy. Definitely those those
feelings of hopelessness and oh,is this it? And this is, this is
very Twilight Zone, a very blackmirror stuff going on right now.
When things did get skips thereyou do you do focus on the
things that you have in you, andyou cherish them, and you don't
(27:08):
want to you don't want to losethem. You don't want to lose
them.
Lisa Hopkins (27:11):
Yeah. What's your definition of living in the
moment,
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (27:14):
I really try to focus on the
present, it's definitely astruggle for me, but I try to
live in the present and justfocus on what's going on right
now. What I can not necessarilycontrol, but what I can see
what's tangible in my life fornow that that for me is living
in the moment. You can plan forthe future, you can dwell on the
(27:36):
past, however, positive ornegative it was and also, I wish
I had done that better. Youknow, but having, you know,
learning a lesson from your pastand dwelling on it are two
vastly different things. That'swhy I like to just be as present
(27:57):
and aware and as, as self aware,in the present as much as
possible and enjoy that momentor savor it or, you know, trudge
through it if the, if thepresent is not so great.
Lisa Hopkins (28:12):
Let me ask you this. Think about somebody that
that truly admires you. And if Iasked this person, you know,
what they admire about you? Whatwhat would they be telling me
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (28:23):
my humor, sense of humor. I kind of
have like a, you know, goofball,sense of humor, this person that
just came to mind that if youwere to ask them, it's like, oh,
he just, he makes me laugh. AndI can be having the shittiest
day and he'll say something thatwill make me laugh. And that
makes me feel good, that I'mable to provide that to just
(28:49):
even one person, you know. And,you know, I like to be kind,
Zane, and I were at the market.
And, you know, anytime Zane andI are out, we're always like,
playful, and we goof around. Andwe do all kinds of fun stuff
that, you know, a lot of fathersand sons do with the same, you
know, times, and we're about toleave, and I've got the bags,
(29:13):
you know, with Zane and tau. Andthis woman just randomly comes
up to me and she just came outof out of nowhere and just said
I don't usually does, I justwant to say, you're just, you're
just so lovely with your son.
Because I guess she was watchingme the way we were interacting
with each other while we werejust waiting in line. So she was
(29:33):
about two people behind me orsomething like that. Unbeknownst
to me, she was watching how Iwas with him. We were playing
with each other and he would saythings and I would laugh and I
would say something and he wouldlaugh. I'm paraphrasing here but
she said something to the extentof like, if you're if your son
ever becomes the father you areyou know you've and I exactly I
(29:55):
mean I was just like like,that's The most beautiful thing
you've ever said, or that I'veever heard, but I mean, at least
it came out of nowhere. I wasjust like, this, this doesn't
happen. How random is that? ButI'll tell you, it just it just
made my day because I wasn'texpecting it. And it was just so
(30:15):
nice for someone to just comeout of left field just just out
of out of sheer desire. Justshare that with me. And it was
great. And I was like, Faithrestored to humanity. I mean,
that not only that, it just feltgood hearing that, but it was
really nice that it was genuineand it was heartfelt. It was
sincere, but it made me feelgood. And even even Zane was
(30:38):
just like, what was that? Like?
I don't know, saying but I justam.
Lisa Hopkins (30:46):
But daddy, she made you cry? No, no.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (30:49):
She made she made you she made a
single solitary tear like Allah,Denzel Washington come down your
face like. So. It's beautiful.
Things like that. Yeah, exactly.
You know, just, you know, youhear stuff like that, it just
makes your day. And it's notthat I was having a particularly
(31:09):
shitty day that morning. Nothinglike that was like, I was having
a horrible day and this ladycome up and said something like
that. It just, it just adds towhat is already there. You know,
this. One is
Lisa Hopkins (31:20):
totally, and you know, what's really cool about
that, and I love that you're, Idon't know that you're
overlooking it. But it says alot about you and how generous
you are, you know, just justreceiving this moment and it
bringing you joy, which is isgorgeous. But you know, you you
created that you created thatjoy by being joyful with your
son. Yeah, yeah. So you areseeing and so it's just
(31:42):
literally the co creation of, ofthat of connection of joy of the
essence of humanity. Right. Imean, that that was a moment.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (31:51):
Yeah, yeah. It's, and again, it's
just, it's just in my nature tobe that way. It's, there's,
there's no, there's nopretentiousness. And then that
interaction that I have withZane or anybody else for that
matter. You know, again, withwith age, and with time, I've
(32:12):
learned to just accept with, youknow, being myself and being
comfortable with that, you know,I, I am who I am. And it's like,
take me or leave me all mypluses and minuses, this is me,
you know. And you, you hope thatby and large, it's something
that the people around you that,that love you or are around you.
(32:35):
It's it's it's positive enoughthat that they enjoy having you
around. That makes any sense?
Oh, yeah.
Lisa Hopkins (32:44):
No, absolutely.
You know, I asked you on thepreform, I asked you, what
stands between you and who youwant to be? How does that
manifest
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (32:54):
for you? You know, again, when I was
when I was younger, looking backin hindsight at a lot of the
misses, that, you know, thatI've had in life, again, not not
not looking at it from a regretperspective, just just a life
lesson perspective. I've learnedto just say, Listen, any any
(33:15):
future successes or any newthings that you're going to
learn in life, things thatyou're going to tackle
challenges that you're going toaccept and overcome and all that
stuff, it's all up to me, it's,you know, if I want to learn
something new, or go to school,again, I'm, I'm going to be the
impetus. It's not it's, it's,you know, I'm the actual one
that's, that's out there makingthe conscious decision to say, I
(33:38):
want to do this, I want to learnthat I want to improve on that I
want to, I want to challengemyself to do this, I want to,
you know, be a better that, Iwant to be less of that, you
know, less of that thing that Idon't want to be anymore. It's
It's me, you know, I'm thecommon denominator. And, and
(33:59):
that's not always
Lisa Hopkins (33:59):
easy. What stands out to me that's really unique
about you. You know, when youlook at your bio, and the
different different types ofwork that you do, talk to me
about the diversity of your ofyour resume and all the things
you've done and do.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (34:14):
Oh, gosh, yeah. I mean, I want to do
as many things as I can. I wantto have knowledge, and be in as
many different genres as I canto give myself the opportunity
to not just work but make moneydoing so. If that makes any
sense. Yep. So, so when I wouldstart that learning process, it
(34:40):
was early on when I wasrealizing that I didn't want to
stand pat, you know, being like,what they call the triple
threat. I could sing dance andact and that's why I was doing
so much musical theater andregular theater in my origins in
New York. But, you know, I knewthat I wanted not just more but
I really had More of a differentpath as much as I love doing
(35:02):
theater and like theater andwhat was also feeding my soul
was being in front of a camera.
And then that turned into like,oh, well, you know, like, I'm
really getting seen for a lot ofthese things that involve like
action and stuff like that. Andso then that would segue into me
taking martial arts classes, orwestern style boxing and stuff
like that, because it's like,okay, I'm doing a lot of this
(35:22):
stuff, where it's actually Iwant to look good doing that. So
I would start training withlike, you know, these boxing
instructors or martial artspeople, it was always that
desire to say, Okay, this isgood. But if I learned that I
can do more of this. And if Iadd that to my resume, I can do
more of that. And that's, that'swhere the diversity comes from
(35:43):
that just just that desire tojust expand the horizons, the
proverbial horizons withlearning, and, and I still do
that to this day.
Lisa Hopkins (35:53):
Hey, what do you think? If there were no arts,
God forbid, in the world? Forwhatever reason? Yeah, what
would you do? What do you thinkyou would do?
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (36:01):
I don't know. Probably, you know,
probably, I would do somethinginvolving like food. Because
even though I'm not, I'm notthat good a cook, I actually
went to, you know, took take acouple of cooking classes and
stuff like that years ago. So Iwould probably be doing
(36:24):
something related to that,whether I, you know, I'm a chef,
or short or cook, or a maitre dat a really nice restaurant, or
something like that, or amanager of a food place, or, or,
or a bartender or a mixologist,or something like that. Because
it coincides with this desirefor me to like, you know, give
(36:47):
and, you know, what, as actorsand performers, one of the
perspectives of I have is whenI'm performing, I'm
entertaining. So that's I'mgiving something I'm giving my
my ability to entertain tosomeone, and hopefully they like
it, or, you know, they, they,they're pleased that with what I
do well, in much the same way,if I making something that makes
(37:09):
people belly feel good, thenthat makes me feel good. Oh, you
like when I cooked? You? Great.
That's awesome. You like thatdrink? I made you. It makes me
so happy here. I'll make youanother one. Yep, so totally.
That's probably like the firstthing that comes to mind. That's
probably what I wouldn't bedoing if no artist existed, but
thankfully, artists do exist.
And I am a real big proponent ofthat I need to make me
(37:32):
absolutely insane when, youknow, when, you know, government
and school districts and takeaway programs and arts programs.
And Lisa, you again, you know,as well as I do, how incredibly
beneficial and important andnecessary Arts is for kids. So
(37:52):
it's like when you take thatshit away, it's like, Come on,
man. You're really really eatingaway at at a core need for a
society be not just a goodsociety, but thriving,
successful society. And if wedon't have artists, like we're
done, we're done. We're done.
We're done.
Lisa Hopkins (38:14):
Well, hell yeah.
So how do you how do you want tobe remembered?
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (38:20):
Oh, boy. Well, for me, this is gosh,
I guess I want to be rememberedas as someone who cared, I care.
I care. You know, I care abouthow well people did I care about
(38:44):
how society on the whole isdoing? And how generous I tried
to be with, you know, my time,my love for people my propensity
to want to give I guess that'show I'd like to be remembered.
(39:05):
Yeah, Phil was generous. He washe was kind of nice, generous,
you know. And loving and lovingthat too much.
Lisa Hopkins (39:15):
And funny. They'll say that anyways, right? Yeah,
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (39:18):
right.
Right. Yeah. Except, you know,like it this is something that a
lot of performing parents haveto deal with it. It's like we
could be like the funniest mostentertaining person to any Joe
Schmo out there. Jane Doe outthere in public. Oh, my eyes I
am otter, Bobby or Lars andstuff like that. And to the one
person where it matters mostwhere you try to be funny with
(39:39):
your own child, and he looks atyou like deadpan, like you have
three heads, like get out of myface. You're stupid. That's not
what he's saying. But that's thelook that he's giving you. It's
like, Hey, I'm giving you mybest stuff. And it's like, Yeah,
Dad, it's not funny. Andthere's, you know, as long as I
did that, there's probably goingto be more of that. It's like
embarrassing that
Lisa Hopkins (39:59):
so Oh boy, you're not making it very easy for your
son who's growing up with a dadwho was not only voted like the
most beautiful man in the worldor whatever, but also has an
action figure.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (40:12):
Oh, well, you know, I worry about
that too. I really worry. And Ishouldn't say worry about it.
Concern is a better word. So Ikind of wonder how this is going
to pan out. And I, you know, I'mnot a celebrity. But I work
enough that, you know, peoplewill recognize me on the street
and stuff like that, as itrelates to Zayn. He's still too
(40:32):
young. But I wonder how it'sgoing to manifests itself in him
when he sees that. And you know,whether it'll be like, Oh, that
does that. It's cool. Or it'slike, Oh, my God. This is
embarrassing. You know, I don'tknow. That's fine. And I'll
cross that bridge when I getthere. But I've heard other you
know, people in show businesstalk about that. I,
Lisa Hopkins (40:54):
you know, I'm reminded of the story you told
me about the woman that stoppedyou in the in the store or
pointed out how you were beingwith Zayn. And how beautiful
that was? Right? And it'samazing how differently that
could have gone if it was a fan.
Yeah. Yeah. You know what Imean? So it's got to be really
hard to navigate. You can'tcontrol what other people do.
It's tricky. So thank god,you're experiencing some of
(41:18):
those things with him, you know,just being recognized for being
wonderful with him. Yeah, somost people think Phillip
Anthony Rodriguez is but thetruth is about me. Yeah. So
finish the phrase, right. Somost people think Philip Anthony
Rodriguez is, but the truth isthought that
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (41:42):
way us really good toughies I mean,
man, I would, I would think Iwould get in this is I'm only
relating it to what I do as acareer and stuff that I'm self
centered sometimes. And thereality is, is just like I
(42:03):
couldn't be more like selfconscious sometimes or modest.
In, in being able to, like,express how more of a boastful,
it's just not. That's just notin my nature to do that. But I
(42:24):
guess it's some sometimes. Myconfidence, and we talked about
this earlier might read is justlike, well, who the hell does he
think he is? When it's justlike, it's that's vastly
different from self love andself pride and being confident
about what you're able to do? SoI would say I would say, No, I'm
(42:47):
not self centered. I mean, thecomplete opposite is true. Just,
you know, I like who I am as aperson by and large, and I like
what I'm putting out there. Ihave a good positive energy. But
I don't know, again, I know itsounds like a broken record. I
(43:08):
don't know if if, if that makessense. To you, sir. No,
Lisa Hopkins (43:14):
it makes it makes perfect sense. You're Yeah, no,
absolutely.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (43:19):
I mean, that's probably that's,
that's the only thing that thatI if I had like a about, I don't
know, maybe about 120 seconds toreally think that's the first
thing that comes to mind thatthat's the that's the one that
went okay. That's the that's theonly thing that kind of pops
into my head with it. Yeah.
Lisa Hopkins (43:38):
Yeah. I mean, it's funny, because I don't know if
you have any data to supportthat maybe you do. Or if it's
you your perception of what youthink other people might think
your weaknesses are, etc. Youknow, like, it's funny how that
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (43:52):
it's probably don't solely my own
perspective.
Lisa Hopkins (43:56):
So that's not how you would like to be perceived.
Right? Yeah. Because you don'tfeel that way at all.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (44:01):
And in the past, and sometimes to some
extent, I still do it onoccasion. Today, I project the
hell out of it wasn't thinkingthat Phil was like, really, I
just misread you or somethinglike that. But again, that those
those instances are few and farbetween where I am really
projecting.
Lisa Hopkins (44:22):
Hmm. That's interesting.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (44:25):
And I think I get that that's
certainly like, that's apersonality trait that I got
from my mom. And it wasn't likeof epic proportions with her.
But especially like in her olderage, she would like get a little
bit paranoid about what peoplewere thinking or doing and like
nothing could be further fromthe truth. Like we would all say
(44:46):
it like, oh, man, I'm that momdoes that I'm starting to do
that shit. I better I betterkeep tariffs.
Lisa Hopkins (44:54):
Well, it's interesting because it's a
defense mechanism, isn't it? Imean, we'd rather say your
Thinking this so that you'refacing it. Right. Yeah.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (45:03):
And the thing is, is that
generationally, it diminishesbecause my, my grandmother, her
mother had that stuff and like,it was crazy. It's like, you can
be like, she's out to get me.
She's trying to destroy. Like,what? No, no, my sweet
grandmother, nothing. My momwould my mom would tell her and
(45:24):
it's like, and she rolled hereyes and she'd be like, she's,
she's crazy. She's going on andon about
Lisa Hopkins (45:30):
oh my god, that's hilarious. So I say what makes
you and I say a word and youjust let me know. It doesn't
have to be fast. You can do ifyou want. I mean, up to you. So
Okay, you ready?
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (45:41):
I'm ready. Okay, here we go.
Lisa Hopkins (45:43):
What makes you hungry?
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (45:46):
Ah.
You mean? Like not not busy? Oh,okay. So Well, yeah. Okay, this
that ambiguous Oh, it makes mehungry. What makes me hungry.
Lisa Hopkins (46:00):
Love to be in your head right now. So is there a
fight going on in there between
Philip Anthony Rodri (46:05):
seriously, I'm swimming right now. My my,
my 3% of my brain uses swimming.
I say that because we're, youknow, supposedly, like we only
use 3% of our brains. Gosh. Oh,the unknown. And unknown. The
unexpected makes me hungry. Huh?
Lisa Hopkins (46:29):
Yeah. That's cool.
So, do you find that thatfortifies you? Like, you know,
when you're hungry? Sometimespeople get hangry when they're
hungry, like some people getirritated some people get so. So
when you when you feel hungryfor something like that? How
does that how does that show upfor you?
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (46:51):
Oh, man, I just want to I want to
meet that hunger. I want tosatisfy that hunger. You know, a
complimentary word could belike, craving. I also crave
wanting to see this project orsee that movie. I crave wanting
to go to this class because Oh,I could learn so much about
that. I'm going to do this, youknow. So I think that's what I
(47:14):
meant by unexpected. There's athere's a pleasantness there's
an excitement that comes fromthe unexpected. You surprised?
If I know what's coming thenit's like, well, what's the
point when you get on a rollercoaster ride? It's really scary.
Okay, great. Let me find out formyself. You sure you want to get
on that roller coaster? Okay,I'm gonna come hell or high
(47:36):
water. I'm going on this rollercoaster and I get on in the you
know, the first two seconds, Ifeel like I'm going to have a
heart attack. And then like thenext remaining 30 I'm just like
this the best thing ever. Soit's that. It's that joy, and
thrill and rush that you getfrom the unexpected. I think
(47:57):
that's what makes me hungry. Andthat's everything.
Lisa Hopkins (48:02):
What makes you sad?
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (48:05):
Ah, oh, boy. I guess disappointing
people. Makes me sad when I'mlike when either through my
actions or inaction. Someonesaddened by what I did or didn't
(48:26):
do. Does that make sense?
Because it can be both. It'slike, well, you didn't do this.
So now I'm sad. Or you did thisthat really made me sad. And
when I see that in people's eyesYou know, I get really sad. When
I sense the disappointment inpeople that makes me sad. Yeah.
Lisa Hopkins (48:52):
For sure, do you get sad when you can't fix
something that you want to fixfor somebody?
Philip Anthony Rodr (48:59):
Absolutely.
Absolutely. Because I you know,by nature, I'm a giver, I'm a
fixer. I want to be able to, youknow, provide and be there for
people and not at you know,risking my own self or my taking
care of myself. But you know,I'm the type of person who
(49:20):
derives more pleasure fromChristmas time sitting around
the Christmas tree giving giftsand seeing them open that that
gift and then me opening upsomething that someone's gotten
me know that this that's not tosay that I don't enjoy getting
gifts or having nice things forme. But oh, that sheer joy that
I get from seeing my kid openingup a gift or wrapping something
(49:41):
like that, and I was able togive him that.
Lisa Hopkins (49:47):
For sure. I know.
Thank you for sharing that. Whatinspires you? Oh,
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (49:53):
people inspire me. It's where I get my
my I power my ammunition to dowhat I do when I'm auditioning
for something or when I'mauditioning for a role or trying
to create a character, whatfrustrates you, for the same
reason that I'm inspired byhumanity, I'm also perturbed and
(50:14):
disturbed and frustrated withsociety's ills. We don't have to
have the climate issues thatwe're having right now. We don't
have to have homelessness. Wedon't have to have children
hungry, which really makes meupset. And it's because of
things we can fix. And it justfrustrates me that we're not
taking into account our childrenand our children's straight up
(50:37):
children in our future. Andthat's what rush means.
Lisa Hopkins (50:39):
No, absolutely.
What makes you laugh,
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (50:42):
people who find humor, and who can find
humor brilliantly, and justevery day observances. You know,
life's funny or life can befunny. That's what I appreciate.
I can appreciate when whenpeople see the humor and
(51:02):
everything
Lisa Hopkins (51:05):
that well, it's healing, right. I mean, that's
what I'm hearing.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (51:07):
It's healing. What makes you angry,
meanness I don't like whenpeople are mean and vindictive.
Lisa Hopkins (51:15):
So finally, my friend what makes you grateful,
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (51:19):
Oh, gosh. Being alive. And I think
that that really becomes moreapparent or more in the
forefront as the older we get,because, you know, we we start
coming to the realization thatour time here on earth is very
(51:40):
limited. That is finite. So I amgrateful that I'm, and I'm
healthy, that I'm able to get upout of bed and have a beautiful
loving family and children.
There's a lot there's a lot oflove in this house. So grateful
for that. Finally,
Lisa Hopkins (51:59):
what are the what are the top three things that
have happened so far? Today?
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (52:03):
Hmm.
Gosh, I mean, like I said, wejust moved in, and we're living
in a pretty nice slaving place,again, grateful a lot of
gratitude for being able to livewhere I'm at, but just to be
able to walk in here and belike, in a nice neighborhood,
it's quiet, it's peaceful. Youknow, I love to getting up in
the morning and getting youknow, Zane ready for his day.
(52:27):
And for school and stuff. I getexcited about that. And then
once I drop Zane off at school,that 20 minutes to a half an
hour that I have and coming backhome, but just to be able to
say, Oh, this is great. I'mjust, it's just me and myself,
my car, I can do anything Iwant, I can listen to anything I
want. I don't have to listen tolike, Kitty songs or anything
like that. It is my realm. Thisis my time. I can do with it.
(52:52):
Whatever I want. And just to beable to have that every now and
then it's just like, yes, yes.
Alone.
Lisa Hopkins (53:02):
What do you most looking forward to just either
today or in general? Do you havesomething that you said I'm
really looking forward to?
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (53:07):
I'm really looking forward to the
next project I'm working on. Imean, I've been a just I get
anxious in a good way. Whenthere's the possibility of me
doing something new anddifferent, you know, and that I
mean, specifically when it whenit comes to acting, you know,
and everything that comes withthat, you know, again, the
excitement, the unexpectedness,what's to come, you know,
(53:28):
hopefully if it if it if it pansout, hopefully there'll be a
nice you know, that financialreward because with the
financial reward and then cometo things that I can do for my
family and for myself and allthat stuff and, you know, do the
things that we love to do, whichis like get things for people
you know,
Lisa Hopkins (53:47):
yeah. Oh my gosh.
Such a pleasure. Such a pleasurespeaking with you today. Thank
you so much for taking the time.
Philip Anthony Rodriguez (53:55):
You take care, you'd be safe. Okay.
Yeah,
Lisa Hopkins (53:58):
by I've been speaking today with Philip
Anthony Rodriguez. Thanks forlistening. Stay safe and healthy
everyone and remember to live inthe moment. In music, stop time
is the beautiful moment wherethe band is suspended in
rhythmic unison, supporting thesoloist to express their
individuality. In the moment, Iencourage you to take that time
(54:23):
and create your own rhythm.
Until next time, I'm LisaHopkins. Thanks for listening
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