Photo Source: John Gilhooley
At what age did each of you get started in the industry?
Francia Raisa: I started when I was about 16, 17. I was a regular kid in high school, and I was a backup dancer. A manager was looking for a Latina actress that spoke Spanish, and I was like, “Hi! I speak Spanish!” Shortly after, I just started working right away. I started small with commercials and print. Then a couple months in, when I turned 17, I booked “Bring It On: All or Nothing,” which was my first movie.
Gina Rodriguez: I was a salsa dancer for the majority of my life, from like 7 to 17, and did the World Salsa Congresses. I realized that I wanted to continue obviously to be a performer. But in my household being an actor and jumping into acting is not really accepted. I have two older sisters. One’s an investment banker; the other’s a doctor. Being an actress wasn’t realistic. I knew that I was going to have to do it in a way that would speak to my parents. So I went to NYU Tisch School of the Arts for theater, and I studied at the conservatory. When I got out of college I booked a movie called “Go for It!” with Lionsgate, came out here, and I’ve been acting ever since—or trying, constantly trying.
Tyler Posey: Always trying.
Raisa and Rodriguez: [together] Always trying.
Posey: I started acting when I was 5 years old. My dad is an actor and a writer, and he got me into it really young. I’ve just grown to love it. I love entertaining people, and I’m proud of the work that I do. I think those are two major qualities that make you a successful actor. You have to be good, I guess too.
Rodriguez: Just pretty.
Raisa: Latin and pretty.
Posey, Raisa, and Rodriguez will appear on the Aug. 2 cover of Back Stage. Pick up a copy!
