Rico Rodriguez: Live! in Hawaii
Rico Rodriguez is the talented young star of the ABC comedy Modern Family. At just 14 years old, Rico is now releasing a memoir entitled Reel Life Lessons… So Far.
The last time Rico appeared on Live, he sat down with Kelly and Mark at the Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii. Obviously, it was a lot warmer there than in New York in November! Despite the cold, Rico enjoys the weather in New York. He said that his “New York Jacket” keeps his warm.
Rico Rodriguez: Thanksgiving at Home in Texas

“Modern Family” star and child actor Rico Rodriguez discussed his new memoir with Kelly & Michael. (Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com)
With Thanksgiving just a couple of days away, Rico will soon be flying out to his home state of Texas. Every year Thanksgiving is held at his grandmother’s house, and about 50 family members attend. Everyone makes something and brings it– Rico makes Spanish rice with “pizzazz”– and seating is on a first come, first serve basis.
Rico explained a holiday tradition of his family’s that involves drawing names out of hats. Instead of buying everyone a present for Christmas, they draw names after Thanksgiving from two hats, one for adults and one for kids. That’s how they decide who buys for whom.
Rico Rodriguez: Reel Life Lessons… So Far
Kelly explained that she has a hard time getting her kids to even write thank you notes. So how is it that Rico has already published a memoir at 14? Rico said that he has always enjoyed keeping journals, so when he and his “team” were approached to publish a book, it seemed like a great idea. At the end of each chapter of Reel Life Lessons… So Far, you’ll find excerpts from Rico’s real journal entries.
Rico Rodriguez: How He Became An Actor
Rico may have a larger-than-life personality now, but he used to be painfully shy. Rico admitted that he talked to no one but members of his own family when he was younger. He first came across acting when his older sister started going on auditions, and he decided to tag along. Eventually, he decided to take acting lessons, and they helped him break out of his shell.
Whatever Rico did, it definitely worked! He can’t even drive, and he already has a career that most adults would envy. Reel Life Lessons… So Far is in stores now, and Modern Family airs Wednesday nights on ABC.
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