Jason Rodriguez

In 1972 on August 15th Jason Rodriguez was born in Spanish Harlem and than raised in the Bronx. He is an only child and was sent to catholic schools by his parents Maria & Jose Rodriguez to avoid the ills children suffer in the Urban communities throughout America. Even though his mother suffered two failed Kidney transplants, on dialysis and diabetic she wanted the best for her only son. In 1988 he was arrested at the age of sixteen and charged as an adult. He was convicted for Manslaughter and sentenced to 8 1/3 - 25 years in prison. While incarcerated he educated himself despite that College and vocational programs were being eliminated from the New York State Department of Corrections. He than lost both of his parents, his mother to a stroke in 1996 and his father to a heart attack in 2002 while incarcerated. Denied parole five times he ended up serving seventeen years. Released on July 1, 2005 at the age of 32 he was paroled to his aunt Patricia Rodriguez who believed in him after no one in his family would risk taking him in and nine months later he was cast for a Principle role by Director Gavin O'Conner after speaking with him about his story and admired his confidence & ambition in the motion picture "Pride & Glory". Working along side seasoned actors Colin Farrell, Edward Norton, John Voight and John Ortiz. With no formal acting experience Director Gavin O'Conner was right? This opportunity is where his talents were discovered and given a chance to be seen and to continue moving forward. Since than he's acting, directing, producing and giving back to his peers and community. With no back ground or formal education in any of his accomplishments he continues to tap into his inner aspirations by designing his own web site Jrodaction.net and writing articles on his blog Jrodaction.blogspot.com. Also sharing his story in his documentary on Ebru.TV called "Soul Survivors". Now venturing into another talent he discovered while incarcerated which is motivational speaking he intends to go to Colleges, High Schools, Acting seminars and any institutions or organizations sharing his personal insight on overcoming difficulties and accomplishing your dreams & talents to be successful. A book is also in the works on his path "From Prison To Hollywood" which will be memoirs on his amazing turn around after serving 17 years in prison by braking all barriers and stereo types about being an Ex Felon. Show less «