From High School Musical to Freeland: Frankie Rodriguez Embraces a Vibrant New Chapter in His Journey to Success
Frankie Rodriguez, a multi-talented LGBTQ actor, singer, and entrepreneur, has carved a path to success that is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in Selma, CA, Frankie’s talent for performing was evident from a young age. “I was always singing and dancing,” he recalls with a smile, reflecting on his early passion. As the first of his siblings to step onto a stage, Frankie quickly became known for his lively performances. His natural flair for entertainment shone brightly when he joined Sanger High School’s music program, where his soulful vocals and captivating stage presence left audiences and judges in awe.
After high school, Frankie pursued his passion by attending the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles, where he earned his BFA in Musical Theater. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, quickly catching the attention of both teachers and peers. Frankie’s dedication to his craft set him apart, marking him as a unique force in the performing arts. His journey continued as he made significant strides in acting, landing notable appearances on popular shows like “Modern Family,” “Will & Grace,” and “Bunk’d,” showcasing his incredible range and solidifying his place in the industry.
“High School Musical was amazing, and I get to talk about being a part of this great thing forever, “ shared Rodriguez.
Frankie Rodriguez’s career took a major leap forward when he was cast as Carlos in the Emmy-nominated Disney+ hit, “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.” This role marked his breakthrough, where his versatility and passion truly shone, capturing the hearts of audiences. Reflecting on his transition from theater to television, Frankie shared, “I felt like it was something I had been working towards my entire life.” His journey from stage to screen was more than just a career move; it was a dream fulfilled. The High School Musical franchise, already a cultural phenomenon, found new life in this series, which became a huge success and ran for four seasons on Disney+. For Frankie, the experience was transformative, both professionally and personally, as he continued to rise to fame with each episode.
One of the most iconic moments in the series, and a milestone in Frankie’s career, came in season 2 when his character, Carlos, shared a historic kiss with Seb, played by co-star Joe Serafini. “It was such a huge and special moment,” Frankie recalled with an uplifting smile, knowing they were making history for the franchise. This scene not only resonated with fans but also marked an important moment in LGBTQ representation on screen. Off-screen, the connection between Frankie and Joe Serafini blossomed into a real-life relationship, which began in 2019. Their chemistry both on and off screen has been celebrated by fans, adding another layer of meaning to their roles in the series. As the legacy of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” continues, Frankie’s contributions to the show remain a highlight, and the series is still available for streaming on Disney+.
“I just hope I inspire people,” shared Rodriguez.
In addition to his flourishing acting career, Frankie Rodriguez has boldly ventured into the business world as a successful entrepreneur. He continues to showcase his versatility and passion for the arts in new and exciting ways. His creativity now extends beyond acting, as he has become a visionary in the business world, blending his colorful style with artistic talent to create something truly unique. His latest venture, “Freeland,” is a cruelty-free, environmentally friendly nail polish brand that offers a wide range of colors designed to suit different skin tones and preferences. Frankie’s inspiration for Freeland came from a spontaneous Instagram Live session, where he invited followers to paint their nails with him. “To my surprise, people showed up, and it just took off from there,” he shared, reflecting on the birth of his new business. Freeland’s bold color range empowers individuals to express their unique style, celebrating their identities through vibrant, creative designs.
Freeland, which launched on July 15—coinciding with Frankie’s birthday—embodies his passion for self-expression and his commitment to empowering others to embrace their true selves. The collection, aptly named Birthday Celebration, features five bright and upbeat colors with playful names like Pink Fizz Fiesta and Bounce House Blue. “Painting your nails is such a fun way to express yourself,” Frankie explained, emphasizing the positive, joyful branding he envisioned for Freeland, symbolized by its smiley face logo. For Frankie, Freeland is more than just a nail polish line; it’s a message of confidence and authenticity. As he puts it, “Lead with your authentic self.”
Fans can explore the collection at lovefreeland.com, with individual bottles priced at $14 or the entire set for $60. With plans to expand the Freeland line with even more colors in the future, Frankie’s journey as an entrepreneur is just beginning, and his fans can follow along for the latest updates on Instagram at @freelandco.
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Website: www.lovefreeland.com
Instagram: lovefreelandco
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Photography credit:
In purple outfit: Laura Irion
Character solo shots: Disney/Carell Augustus
Piano still: Disney/Fred Hayes