Gina Rodriguez was born on July 30, 1984, in Chicago, Illinois, to Puerto Rican parents, Magali and Genaro Rodriguez. She is the youngest of three daughters. Rodriguez attended St. Ignatius College Prep on the city’s Near West Side and later graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Rodriguez began her acting career in theatre and independent films. She gained wider recognition for her portrayal of Jane Villanueva in The CW’s romantic comedy-drama series, Jane the Virgin, which premiered in 2014 and ran for five seasons. For her performance, she won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy in 2015.
Her role in Jane the Virgin not only brought her critical acclaim but also opened doors to various film and television opportunities. She has since starred in and produced several projects, showcasing her versatility as an actress and producer.
Rodriguez has also lent her voice to animated projects and has advocated for Latinx representation in Hollywood. She has used her platform to promote positive body image and support various charitable causes.