Mel Rodriguez, known for his memorable roles in HBO’s Getting On, AMC’s Better Call Saul, and Fox’s The Last Man on Earth, has experienced a significant transformation in both his career and personal life. This article explores Rodriguez's journey, highlighting his career milestones and his inspiring weight loss transformation.
The Turning Point: Getting On and Fatherhood
Rodriguez credits Getting On as the turning point in his career. He and his wife, Desiree Dundr Rodriguez, were nearly homeless just one or two years prior to the show's success. Most importantly, Rodriguez became a father to two daughters, now 5 and 1, which inspired a major lifestyle change for their sake.
From Panic Room to Pixar's Onward
One of Rodriguez’s early feature films was David Fincher’s Panic Room, where he played a police officer named Morales. He recalls that scene took five days of shooting. Rodriguez also landed the role of Officer Colt Bronco, a centaur police officer in Pixar’s Onward. He describes Officer Colt Bronco as overly protective of his girlfriend, Laurel Lightfoot (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and her two sons, Ian (Tom Holland) and Barley (Chris Pratt). Rodriguez was surprised by the extent of his role in Onward. He initially thought it would be a small part, but he was repeatedly called back to record more lines. Pixar flew him to New Orleans, where he was filming On Becoming a God in Central Florida, to record additional lines in a vocal booth. This happened three or four times, leading him to realize the role was more significant than he initially thought.
The Weight Loss Transformation
Rodriguez has lost a little over 160 pounds. He attributes his weight loss to intermittent fasting and a change in diet. He initially tried keto but found it too extreme, so he switched to paleo. Exercise also played a crucial role. Not being a runner, Rodriguez started walking. He adopted a dog from a shelter to feel less self-conscious while walking in Los Angeles, where walking is less common than in cities like New York or Miami. Although that dog has since passed away, he continued to walk everywhere. His inspiration for this lifestyle change was his daughters.
Reflections on Better Call Saul and the Pinkie Ring
Rodriguez acknowledges the positive impact of Better Call Saul on his career. He finds it particularly cool that his character, Marco, is the reason why Jimmy/Saul wears his pinkie ring. He praises the writers, Bob Odenkirk, Peter Gould, and Vince Gilligan, for their incredible vision and attention to detail. He also appreciates Bob Odenkirk's generosity. Odenkirk called Rodriguez at his hotel on a Sunday to rehearse their scene and helped him with his Chicago accent, referencing his work on "Da Bears" sketches on SNL. Rodriguez recalls receiving high praise for his Chicago accent from a stranger in Chicago, which he considers one of the best compliments he has ever received.
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Working with David Fincher
Rodriguez revisited David Fincher’s Panic Room and was impressed by Fincher's directing style. He likens Fincher to a cornerman, who knows how to keep you in the scene while giving you direction. He notes Fincher's extensive coverage and attention to detail. Rodriguez recalls a specific instance where Fincher spent five days shooting a four-minute scene and insisted on numerous takes to perfect the way a SWAT guy’s flashlight entered the room. Despite Fincher's reputation as a perfectionist, Rodriguez found him to be nice and respectful.
Embracing New Experiences
Rodriguez's career has also led him to new experiences outside of acting. For example, his role in USA’s Briarpatch led him to try golf for the first time. He enjoyed the experience, finding it relaxing and meditative.
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