On her hit show Jane the Virgin, Gina Rodriguez plays the sweet, bubbly title character who finds herself on an usual path to motherhood. Surrounded by her loving family, the series also gives viewers a look at the Latino culture represented by Jane and her family. Her abuela (grandmother) only speaks Spanish, and her father is the star of a popular telenovela.
Offscreen, Rodriguez is equally passionate about spreading the message of more diverse representation within the entertainment industry. In response to this year's disappointingly white-dominated Academy Award nominations, she has decided to draw focus to actors in the Latino community who deserve just as much recognition using her online influence.
Writing on her personal blog, she explains how "I am told time and time again 'Latinos don't watch Latino Movies. Latinos don't support each other' and sadly that is true." Realizing the only solution producers will listen to is what they can add to their bank account, she is encouraging her fans to support more films and TV shows that feature Latin American actors.
As an incentive, Rodriguez will highlight a performer of Latin heritage on her blog every Monday, starting this week with Oscar Isaac.
"This is Oscar Isaac. He is a Guatemalan American actor."
Despite what Rodriguez describes as his "Oscar-worthy performance" in Ex-Machina, the talented actor was completely overlooked by the Academy.
So with her new campaign, Rodriguez hopes to inspire all those who want to see a more diverse future in Hollywood to "start making noise with where it matters most, where we put our dollars."
Check out the video below to hear more from Rodriguez and SHARE with your friends to help this amazing actress make a difference!
