Everything You Need To Know About "Jane the Virgin" Actress Gina Rodriguez-Seven Facts

Gina Rodriguez is a well-known American actress, rapper, and director. Her portrayal of Jane Villanueva in The CW satirical romantic drama-comedy series Jane the Virgin. Rodriguez also received a Golden Globe Award for her performance in the series. Making a career debut from 2004 theater productions, Rodriguez got her breakthrough role in the independent musical-drama film Filly Brown.

On today's episode, we are exploring some exciting parts of Rodriguez's personal and professional life.

7. Born Youngest of Three Siblings

Rodriguez was born Gina Alexis Rodriguez on July 30, 1984, in Chicago, Illinois. Rodriguez was born as the youngest of three children of Magali Rodriguez and Genaro Rodriguez. She has two sisters, Ivelisse Rodriguez Simon, and Rebecca Rodriguez Physician. The Jane the Virgin star grew up in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood in Chicago.

Rodriguez was raised catholic and studied at St. Ignatius College Prep. Afterward, she joined Columbia University's Theatrical Collaboration, followed by New York University Tisch School of the Arts.

6. She Was a Salsa Dancer

Salsa greatly influenced Rodriguez during her early childhood, and at just seven, she performed at the salsa dance company Fantasia Juvenil. She continued dancing until 17 when she started swerving her career towards acting and singing.

5. Made Television Debut from Law & Order and Rose to Stardom From Jane the Virgin

Actress Gina Rodriguez was 20 years old when she made her television debut from an episode of Law & Order. Following that, she worked as a guest star in many television series, including Eleventh Hour, Army Wives, Happy Endings, and the likes.

But the American star touched the acme of popularity after she was cast in the lead role of Jane Villanueva in a romantic dramedy and satirical telenovela, Jane the Virgin. The series turned out to be a breakthrough for Rodriguez, which also won her a bunch of accolades, including Golden Globe Award for Best Actress and Gold Derby Award for Breakthrough Performer of the Year.

4. She serves as a Member of Board of Directors of Hispanic Scholarship Fund

With her flourishing acting career, Rodriguez increased her involvement with the charities and philanthropic efforts. She serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, a US non-profit organization that supports Hispanic American higher education.

She was announced a member of the BOD on March 16, 2015. Following the announcement, Rodriguez said it was a great opportunity "to say thank you [to the HSF] and to help open doors for Latino students to follow."

3. Founded A Lingerie Line, Naja

In 2015, Gina Rodriguez added one more work credit to her name, and this time, she entered the lingerie business. In October that year, she was announced as a partner of Naja, the lingerie line founded in 2014.

It was founded with an ambition to help women and the environment. As per some online sources, some portion of the company's savings goes towards school books, lunches, and uniforms for employees' children.

2. She is Suffering From Hashimoto's Disease Since the Age of 19

Rodriguez revealed in an interview that she has been suffering from Hashimoto's disease, a thyroid condition since she was 19. 

She said she started facing health issues regarding hyperthyroidism since the age of 19, and by 26, she was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease. According to an article published in People, she tried to pretend her health issues didn't exist.

1. Married Joe LoCicero in 2019

Gina Rodriguez is married to Joe LoCicero since May 2019. The 35-year-old Jane, the Virgin star and LoCicero, started dating in 2016 after meeting on the set of Jane the Virgin. After nearly two years of dating, Rodriguez and LoCicero became engaged in August 2018.

LoCicero confirmed their engagement when appearing in one episode of "Jane the Virgin." On the other hand, Rodriguez also confirmed the news flaunting her engagement ring while wishing her fiance a birthday on Instagram.