Mj Rodriguez of FX’s “Pose” on Glamour, Grit, Gratitude and Goals

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There’s “glamorous” as in Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Di, women who were always camera-perfect and beautiful.  Then there’s “The Glamorous,” reserved for the sort of woman who looks as if she woke up with eyelashes adhered, hair just styled, lipstick glossy and rocking outfits mere mortals can’t even figure out how to shimmy into.  Mj Rodriguez is one of the latter.  Sporting a blunt, swingy bob and wearing a little black mini dress with sheer sleeves, the trans star of FX’s Pose set aside time during the recent Television Critics Association tour to chat with MediaVillage about growing up in Newark, the growth of her character Blanca and all the good things Pose has brought her way, including working with idols Patti LuPone and Billy Porter.

“Blanca has had to evolve in many ways,” Rodriguez said as she settled into a couch at the Beverly Hilton, ready to chat about her breakout role in one of FX’s many breakout shows.  “In the first season she was focused on leading a house of her own [as mother to many disenfranchised young adults].  In season two she is figuring out how to navigate the ways of the world [after her “children” all leave home].”

From day one, working opposite Billy Porter (pictured below left), who is currently an Emmy nominee for his blistering portrayal of vogue ball M.C. and Blanca’s best friend Pray Tell, has been a dream come true for Rodriguez.  Season two has taken her good fortune a step farther with the addition to the cast of guest star Patti LuPone, playing a monstrous multi-millionaire with whom Blanca becomes entagled.

Jacqueline Cutler

Jacqueline Cutler is a longtime journalist covering television on a national and international level, after many hard news beats. She serves on the executive board of the Television Critics Association and currently writes the "Shattering the Glass Ceil… read more