Episode Summary: Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson Featuring Rico Rodriguez

Introduction In this heartfelt and engaging episode of Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson, host Jesse Tyler Ferguson sits down with Rico Rodriguez, best known for his role as Manny Delgado on the beloved sitcom Modern Family. Recorded at Heavy Handed in Studio City, California, the conversation spans over 45 minutes, delving into Rico's early acting career, his experiences on set, personal life, and his passions outside of acting.

Early Acting Career and Introduction to Modern Family Rico Rodriguez opens up about his accidental entry into the acting world, largely influenced by his older sister, Rainey. As a shy child from Bryan, Texas, Rico never intended to pursue acting seriously, but Rainey's success and encouragement ignited his passion.

[10:34] Rico Rodriguez: "Seeing her [Rainey] in The Suite Life of Zack and Cody was like, 'whoa, she's living out her dream. I want to do this too.'"

He recounts his initial auditions, highlighting his swift success without facing rejection—a rare experience in the competitive acting industry.

[12:27] Rico Rodriguez: "My parents always instilled a 'keep going' mentality. So when Modern Family rolled around, I was ready."

Driving and Obtaining His License A humorous and relatable segment focuses on Rico's journey to obtaining his driver's license—a process he found daunting despite his role requiring him to drive occasionally.

[06:16] Rico Rodriguez: "I had to pass my permit test in less than 24 hours. It was the jump start to getting my license, and then I just let that thing expire for a while."

His perseverance paid off when he passed his driving test on the first try, a milestone he shares with chuckles.

On-Set Experiences and Working with Cast Rico delves into the dynamics on the Modern Family set, emphasizing the familial bonds formed with co-stars like Nolan Gould and Ariel Winter. He shares anecdotes that highlight the supportive and playful environment fostered by the cast and crew.

[22:34] Rico Rodriguez: "Modern Family was the best, and the people that worked on the show were even better. The work environment was amazing—we would have Nerf wars on set."

He fondly remembers interactions with Ed O’Neill and Sofia Vergara, describing their mentorship and the deep trust he developed with them.

[27:18] Rico Rodriguez: "Ed truly took me under his wing. There was a time I was on the verge of crying because I couldn't get a line right, and he helped me through it. From that point on, I knew I could trust him."

Personal Life and Family Balancing life between Hollywood and his roots in Texas, Rico shares how his family's support system played a crucial role in his personal and professional life. He speaks candidly about his father's passing and the impact it had on his decision to continue his role on the show.

[32:23] Rico Rodriguez: "When my dad passed away, it was a crossroads of me becoming an adult. Negotiations for returning to the show were the first without him, and it was tough."

His commitment to family is evident as he describes splitting his time between California and Texas, cherishing moments spent with nieces, nephews, and working in the family tire business.

[35:26] Rico Rodriguez: "Back home, we live on 15 acres of land. We have four-wheelers, so we can drive around. It's wide open spaces, a great escape from LA."

Coping with Loss and Finding Strength Rico candidly discusses his grief following his father's death and how the Modern Family family became a pillar of support. He reflects on the emotional episodes and the comforting nature of returning to the show amidst personal turmoil.

[34:13] Rico Rodriguez: "Being here helps me because I know how much love you guys have given me over the years. It made the decision to come back a lot easier."

Favorite Moments and Memories The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as Rico reminisces about memorable episodes and locations they traveled to, such as Hawaii and Paris. These experiences not only enriched the show but also broadened his personal horizons.

[25:12] Rico Rodriguez: "Going to Hawaii was crazy. We've been to amazing places because of the show, like Australia and Paris—places I never imagined I'd go."

Culinary Interests: Benihana Obsession An entertaining segment reveals Rico’s love for Benihana, a hibachi restaurant that holds a special place in his heart. He shares the unique setup he has at home, fondly named Ricohana, where he recreates the theatrical cooking experience for family gatherings.

[43:30] Rico Rodriguez: "We put a Benihana grill in our gazebo and call it Ricohana. Anytime we want Benihana at home, we just have him come over and do the whole show for us."

His enthusiasm for culinary adventures is evident, showcasing a different side of his personality beyond acting.

Conclusion The episode concludes on a warm and reflective note, with Rico expressing gratitude for the enduring relationships forged during his time on Modern Family. Jesse and Rico exchange heartfelt sentiments, celebrating over burgers at Heavy Handed and reminiscing about their shared experiences.

[47:00] Rico Rodriguez: "It's been too long, and I'm glad we were able to do this because it's fun to reminisce and talk about our experiences together."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [10:34] Rico Rodriguez: "Seeing her [Rainey] in The Suite Life of Zack and Cody was like, 'whoa, she's living out her dream. I want to do this too.'"
• [12:27] Rico Rodriguez: "My parents always instilled a 'keep going' mentality. So when Modern Family rolled around, I was ready."
• [22:34] Rico Rodriguez: "Modern Family was the best, and the people that worked on the show were even better. The work environment was amazing—we would have Nerf wars on set."
• [27:18] Rico Rodriguez: "Ed truly took me under his wing. There was a time I was on the verge of crying because I couldn't get a line right, and he helped me through it. From that point on, I knew I could trust him."
• [35:26] Rico Rodriguez: "Back home, we live on 15 acres of land. We have four-wheelers, so we can drive around. It's wide open spaces, a great escape from LA."
• [43:30] Rico Rodriguez: "We put a Benihana grill in our gazebo and call it Ricohana. Anytime we want Benihana at home, we just have him come over and do the whole show for us."

Final Thoughts This episode of Dinner’s on Me offers an intimate glimpse into Rico Rodriguez's life, blending humor, vulnerability, and heartfelt memories. Listeners gain a deeper appreciation for Rico's journey both on and off the screen, highlighting the importance of family, resilience, and pursuing one's passions.