Michaela Antonia Jaé Rodriguez, known to many as MJ Rodriguez, is an American actress and singer whose passion for performance began early in life. Born in Newark, New Jersey, she nurtured her love for the stage in various performing arts schools before landing a breakout role as Angel Dumott Schunard in a celebrated theater production of Rent, a performance that earned her the 2011 Clive Barnes Award.
After taking time away from the spotlight to focus on her personal journey, Rodriguez returned to the stage and screen with powerful presence, appearing in shows like Nurse Jackie, The Carrie Diaries, and Luke Cage and bringing heart, strength, and undeniable authenticity to the screen, earning her widespread acclaim and placing her firmly among the most compelling talents of her generation.
Monika: I'm super excited to be chatting today with MJ Rodriguez — an amazing actress and singer who inspires so many. Hey MJ!
Monika: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?MJ: Well, I’m a Jersey girl, born and raised. I truly enjoy acting as well as singing, and I’m glad that it has brought me this far! It’s been an incredible journey of growth, passion, and self-discovery.
Monika: When did you first realize that acting was what you truly wanted to do?
MJ: As soon as I booked Rent, I knew that’s where the journey needed to begin. It felt like the universe was finally giving me the green light to follow my passion.
Monika: The role of Angel Dumott Schunard in the Off-Broadway revival of Rent really seems like it was a major turning point in your acting journey...
MJ: It totally was. I was originally going to school at Berklee College of Music, studying for a degree in Songwriting, but then Rent came around. At first, I was a little hesitant because of school and the fear of being turned down, but I had to take that chance, and luckily, I was blessed enough to receive the role. That experience truly opened the door to everything that followed.
Monika: Besides playing Angel, which of your other roles have you found the most interesting or meaningful?
MJ: I played the character of “Ebony,” a supporting lead in a feature film called Saturday Church. What I found most interesting about her was that she was so firm in who she was, not just because of the hardships she had overcome, but because she knew she had to be that strong presence for others who were still searching for themselves. She reminded me of so many real-life women I look up to.
MJ: I played the character of “Ebony,” a supporting lead in a feature film called Saturday Church. What I found most interesting about her was that she was so firm in who she was, not just because of the hardships she had overcome, but because she knew she had to be that strong presence for others who were still searching for themselves. She reminded me of so many real-life women I look up to.
Monika: Are there any actresses who inspire you or influence your work?
MJ: Yes, I do… from many actually, but my main three at the moment are Meryl Streep, Viola Davis, and of course my girl Laverne Cox. All of these women are the embodiment of grace and poise, and they fully dedicate themselves to the work that is given to them. Their authenticity and boldness in every role constantly push me to grow as an artist.
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| Opening night of Transcripts at American Repertory Theater Harvard University. |
Monika: Some people say that women still don’t get enough chances in the film industry to tell their stories or really shine on screen, especially when it comes to connecting with female audiences. Do you agree?
MJ: I would agree. There have been few instances where I’ve sat in a movie theater watching and thought, “This is an AMAZING action-packed movie,” but then asked myself, how can I relate to this as a female audience member? That’s because there’s still a lack of balance between gender roles in the film industry.
Every once in a blue moon, we’ll see an amazingly strong female protagonist, like Milla Jovovich in Resident Evil, but like I said, that’s rare. I would really love to see more strong women of color, cis or trans, grounded in an action film of some sort. Maybe even a leading superhero with a full plot and storyline built completely around them. That’s a place we can start. These kinds of roles and movies are what women can connect with and look to for inspiration. And honestly, the audience is more than ready, it’s time the industry caught up.
Monika: When did you begin your transition, and what was that journey like for you?
MJ: Mentally, I was already there since the age of 7, but I medically started in my twenties. As a kid, I never thought about it, I was just MJ, but as I got older, I saw how the world could be cruel toward individuals like myself. I was already as androgynous as it gets from the age of 7 until I was 19, so it was always difficult for me in terms of how people treated me. But I can actually say the process and the steps themselves were pretty easy, due to having had experience in knowing who I was at a very early age. Having a strong support system and confidence in my identity helped guide me through the more challenging moments.
Monika: When you were going through your transition, did you have any transgender role models who inspired or guided you?
MJ: At the age of 7, no, I just knew I wanted to be like the other girls and would pray on it until it hopefully happened. When I reached my twenties, in the middle of my run in RENT, I met a wonderful person who is my best friend to this day. She knew, she could literally see the longing written all over my face, and she, right then and there, became my role model. She helped me embrace my truth more openly and fearlessly, which made a huge difference.
Monika: Are there any transgender women you admire or look up to these days?
MJ: Yes, of course! My best friend Mila Jam, Laverne Cox who I met through my friend Mila, as well as Trace Lysette, and the list goes on and on… These women are trailblazers in their own right, and they've all inspired me with their resilience and authenticity.
Monika: What would you say was the toughest part about coming out as transgender?
MJ: My career, hands down. I thought I would lose everything. I thought that since people knew I was trans, they would never hire me in the acting field, that they would totally disregard my talents because of who I was, but surprisingly that did not happen, I received so much love. That support gave me the courage to keep pushing forward and embrace my truth fully.
Monika: The transgender community is often grouped under the larger LGBTQ+ umbrella. Do you think trans people are getting enough space to raise their own voices and push for their specific needs within that group?
MJ: Of course. Just like the many different organizations and groups the LGB has… the T has as well, and we all work together to make things mesh and flow well. And with more visibility and leadership from trans voices, we're starting to carve out more room for the issues that matter most to us.
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| MJ singing at 54 below New York City. |
Monika: How do you feel about the way transgender stories and characters have been represented in the media, such as in films, newspapers, or books?
MJ: I think it is epic! I’m glad that others are seeing us in a normal light because we simply are normal (whatever the true definition of normal is) and we truly do stand a chance to be respected for our art like any other regular human being in the industry. Representation is key, and the more we see trans stories, the more we can shift perceptions and break down outdated stereotypes.
Monika: Are you involved in any lobbying campaigns or political advocacy? Do you believe transgender women can make a significant impact in politics?
MJ: To be quite honest, my existence on this earth and being blessed by God to wake up in the morning and do what I love to do with the platform that I have is the way I lobby, that’s my way of advocacy. But yes, I do believe a Trans Woman as far as making a difference in politics, can happen! I think the more we see trans women in leadership roles, the more doors will open for future generations to create change.
Monika: How would you describe your personal style? Do you have any favorite fashion trends or designers you gravitate toward?
MJ: I Love Love LOVE Fashion! I love to wear a cute pair of designer high heels shoes or a nice flowy garment. A Helmut Lang piece topped off with a nice Christian Louboutin shoe… is what I love! I also enjoy mixing classic pieces with bold accessories to make a statement.
Monika: What's your opinion on transgender beauty pageants? Some activists criticize them for promoting an obsession with youth and beauty, do you think these pageants hold value?
MJ: I have never been immersed in that world so I wouldn’t know, but I have seen some on television and I think they are cool. I would say “Just don’t let it go to your head,” but that’s with anything, you know. It’s important to remember that beauty is only one part of a person, and confidence and self-love are what truly shine through.
Monika: How important is love in your life, and how does it influence your work?
MJ: It's extremely important; it is actually one of the very reasons why I do what I do. Love is a driving force that fuels my passion and reminds me of the impact I can have on others through my work.
Monika: Are you currently working on any exciting new projects?
MJ: Yes, I have many things coming up, but the one I’m totally anxious to start is the magazine shoot I’ll be doing. It’s going to be a fantastic experience, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone!
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
MJ: Find places of outreach where you can go and feel comfortable; there’s nothing like having a chosen family that loves you. Also, remember that you are ENOUGH, and though there may be people who try to make you feel otherwise, there are many MORE who see your worth and support you.
Monika: My pen friend Gina Grahame once wrote to me that we should not limit our potential based on how we were born or by comparing ourselves to other transsexuals and transgender people. She believes our dreams should not end on an operating table; that’s where they begin. Do you agree with this?
MJ: I agree with that 100%, and I am literally living proof of it. I refuse to live up to the socially constructed, stigmatized statistics of what or how trans women should live their lives. Our potential goes far beyond the transition process; it’s about embracing who we are and pursuing our dreams without limitations.
Monika: MJ, thank you for the interview!
All the photos: courtesy of MJ Rodriguez.
Since our interview back in 2017, MJ Rodriguez’s star has only continued to rise. Her role as Blanca Evangelista on FX’s groundbreaking series Pose turned her into a household name and a powerful voice for the trans and LGBTQ+ community. Her performance was not only moving and unforgettable, it also made history. In 2021, MJ became the first transgender woman to be nominated for an Emmy in a major acting category, and the following year, she won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama.
After Pose, MJ (now going by Michaela Jaé) has been shining bright across screens and stages. She’s released music that shows off her rich, soulful voice and continues to bring her heart and energy to every project she touches. Whether she’s acting, singing, or speaking out for change, Michaela Jaé is all about authenticity, love, and breaking down barriers, and the world is definitely taking notice.
5 Jan 2023
Some documentaries with MJ Rodriguez:
Disclosure
Director: Sam Feder Release Year: 2020 In a pivotal moment for both cinema and social justice, Sam Feder's documentary Disclosure offers an unprecedented examination of...
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