Rico Rodriguez — 'Modern Family’s’ Manny spills what it’s like to have Sofia Vergara and Ed O’Neill as on-camera parents

Summary

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.

Transcript

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

So I'm here in London, knee deep in rehearsals for Here We Are at the National Theater, the late, great Stephen Sondheim's final musical. And it's been an incredible experience so far. But between the long days of learning lyrics and blocking scenes, I've come to appreciate a good system that makes everything run smoothly. Like Airbnb's co hosting feature. Now, if you're a host and you're juggling life like I am right now, a local co host can handle the details while you focus on your big projects. They can manage guest communication, check ins, and everything in between. So whether you're hosting while traveling or simply need some help, you can rest easy knowing someone reliable is looking after your place. And the best part? These co hosts are local pros who know your area inside and out, ensuring your guests have an unforgettable stay. And you can focus on what matters most. So whether you're looking to host or need a hand while you're away, find a co [e-mail] host this episode of Dinners on Me is brought to you by Huggies Little Snugglers. Huggies is the only leading brand with all around blowout protection for sizes 1 and 2. All of my parents out there know there is nothing worse than a blowout. And listen, when Sully was a newborn, I thought I was ready for anything. I had the diaper bag packed, the burp claws folded, the white noise machine was charged. What? I wasn't ready for a blowout in the car seat in the middle of LA traffic. I will spare you the details, but it was. It was cinematic. After that, we switched to Huggies Little Snugglers. And honestly, I wish we had sooner. These diapers gave us peace of mind when we needed it most. You shouldn't have to live your life worrying about how you'll deal with the next inevitable blowout. Huggies Little Snugglers are up to 100% leak proof with blowout protection in the front and back for sizes one and two. So you can actually leave the house without fear. Huggies Little Snugglers. The only leading brand with blowout protection in every direction. Huggies, we got you, baby. Hi, it's Jesse. Today on the show, you know him as Manuel Alberto Javier Alejandro Ramirez Delgado, AKA my stepbrother Manny. On Modern Family, it's Rico Rodriguez.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Well, you're working with Ed o' Neill. I'm like, who's that? And they're like, oh, you know, from Married With Children. I'm like, okay. I don't I've never heard of that show. And then they' loving me and they're singing to me. I'm like, I have no idea who this is.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Who are you talking about?

[Rico Rodriguez]

But then I see Sofia. I'm like, oh, the good lady from Madea. From Madea Goes to Jail. I love her.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

This is dinner's on me. And I'm your host, Jesse Tyler Ferguson. I always love having friends of mine from Modern Family on the show. It's always a really special thing to go back and revisit those incredible years that we had together. I think everyone has such a unique perspective of the same experience. And I love talking to all the people from Modern Family who have come onto the show or even some of our guest stars like Nathan Lane and Elizabeth Banks and talk about their experience on the show. I really do love, though, talking to the kids because they have such an interesting perspective. Also, kids brains are like sponges and they remember details that I just do not remember. I always have to remind myself, like, how long of a period of time it was for these kids to be on Modern Family. You know, I think about the years between first grade and high school. That's 12 years. And when I was a kid, it seemed like just forever. And I keep thinking that's basically how long these kids did Modern Family. And it was such a huge chunk of their lives. And I just always love hearing their point of view of that incredible time at that incredible age when so much is happening. I hadn't seen Rico in quite some time. In fact, I think we figured out that the last time I saw him was when we all gathered together at Sofia Vergara's house for a family reunion. And I had not seen him since then. So it was so great reuniting with Rico. And I got to also see his sister Rainey, who I adore as well. But it was so wonderful meeting up with him, having burgers and just catching up. How are you?

[Rico Rodriguez]

You too.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I brought Rico to heavy Handed in Studio City, California. Heavy Handed is the smash burger sensation that started as a beloved food truck and now has a brick and mortar location in the Valley, also Santa Monica and in Silver Lake. The menu is tight, focused, and irresistible. Think double patty smash burgers with crispy lacy edges and gooey melted cheese stacked on pillowy buns. This was my first time at heavy Handed, but it's officially in rotation now. And yes, immediately after recording, I ordered a burger and fries to go for my husband, Justin, because nothing says I love you like coming home with A smash burger. And also the willpower not to sneak a bite on the drive home. Okay, let's get to the conversation. Wait, did you drive here?

[Rico Rodriguez]

I did, yeah. Here you go. Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

This is a big, big news for me.

[Rico Rodriguez]

So for those who don't know, for the longest time, I never wanted to drive. It's not that I didn't want to. I wasn't ready for it. So, like, for an episode, I had to operate the car. So usually they'll put it on a rig so that you don't have to.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

You just fake drive it, put the car on a flatbed truck, and then someone drives it, and you just look like you're driving. Right.

[Rico Rodriguez]

But in this case, they had to do an exterior shot of the car of me driving it. And it was very brief. It was like a thing where I was backing up.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

It's a great shot, isn't it? You in slow motion giving a nod.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah, that one was one of my favorite scenes. But a little bit later on in the series, it was one where I had to back in. And it was one of those episodes, remember, we did one where each act was one whole storyline for each family.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Called Five Minutes, I think.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yes. Okay, so that one, I was operating the car and, like, I hit the curb, and then Jay was like, let me get in the car. And then, like, we each, like, take turns driving in some place. Well, because I was operating the car, I didn't have my license. I have a permit or anything.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah.

[Rico Rodriguez]

So they're like, maybe you ought to get one. So you have a test on Friday.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Production sets you up with the better.

[Rico Rodriguez]

You better pass it so we can film Monday. I'm like, okay, here we go. So then I literally had, like, less than 24 hours to read the whole manual to get everything. I passed, got my permit so I can drive it. I was like, all right, here we go. This is the jump start to getting my license. And then I just let that thing expire for a while. And then I. I guess I told my family that I wanted to get my license before I turned 21.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Uhhuh.

[Rico Rodriguez]

And then a week before I turned 21, they go, oh, so you going to get it? I'm like, I said that? And they're like, yeah. I'm like, oh, snap. Okay. Well then. So then I was like, well, let me go get it. So I went to go do my written test, and they were like, okay, great. You wanna go do your driving test? I'm like, I really haven't practiced much, but why Not I go and I pass. Like, first try.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah. And you probably were super careful, I imagine.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yo. Yeah. Cause, like, I had driven the car before, so I was comfortable with it. But like, so then after I passed, they were like, let's go eat. And I was like, you know what, guys? I need to take a break from driving. This is too much already. I'm like, oh, your brain is hurting, stiff. I'm like, nah, I can't do it.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

But yeah, because, I mean, you started Modern Family when you were 10, so you were very far away from driving. But I remember Eric, I think in season one, didn't he make some sort of promise with you with the car?

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah. So he drove this really nice white truck that I was like, you know, being a Texas boy, I'm like, oh, a truck. I like that. And so he was like, oh, you want that? He goes, okay, if this show runs, you know, 10 seasons, you can. You can keep it. I'll give it to you or something. It was some, like, gaudy number.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah.

[Rico Rodriguez]

And then sure enough, it came about. I was like, so, Eric, we made it. And he's like, oh, I don't have the truck.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I know. That truck was long gone. He's been to like three cars since then.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

That's so funny.

[Staff Member]

Hey, welcome to Heavy Handed.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Hi.

[Staff Member]

First time, I believe.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Have you been here?

[Rico Rodriguez]

No.

[Staff Member]

Let me go over the menu with you. Basically, Heavy Handed. So for the smash burgers, short rib, so they're not smash all the way, you know, really thick. We still keep them a little thin to keep the juice in there. I always recommend the double. It's the way to go. Enough meat for the bun and everything in there. If you like a little spicy, you could add chopped chilies. We also have heavy fries, which is.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

That just fries with the sauce?

[Staff Member]

Yes. So it comes with everything that comes in the burger on top of the fries as well.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Wow. Okay.

[Staff Member]

Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Nice.

[Staff Member]

What would you like?

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I mean, I'll do a double.

[Staff Member]

A double combo, I think.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Okay. So the combo has fries. Yes. Okay. Yes.

[Staff Member]

You're upgraded to heavy fries. Or just keep it regular.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I'm gonna do regular fries, but I'm gonna do chilies on the burger. On the burger.

[Staff Member]

You got it.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah.

[Staff Member]

And for you?

[Rico Rodriguez]

I'll also do the double with no pickles and no onions, please. And then regular fries on the side.

[Staff Member]

Regular fries.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I'm scared of the heavy fries.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah, well, I mean, with the word heavy, I mean, you know, if it was light fries. Okay.

[Staff Member]

Yeah, I understand. Okay.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

And what do you Want. Do you want something to drink?

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah, I do. A Sprite, please.

[Staff Member]

A Sprite. You got it.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I'll do a Diet Coke.

[Staff Member]

Diet Coke. Okay.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yes.

[Staff Member]

You got it.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

All right. Thank you so much.

[Staff Member]

Thank you.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Appreciate it.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Thank you.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Can't wait to try. I love me a good burger. I love me a good burger.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Okay. I know you've told this story before to me, but, like, you were a very shy kid. I was a very shy kid.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

You sort of kind of fell into this industry because your older sister, Rainey, who I adore, she's great. Please tell her I said hi.

[Rico Rodriguez]

I will.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Was already in the business. And you were, from what I understand, tagging along for an audition.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah. So my sister Raini, she was. I mean, she trailblazed. She brought us to California, I mean, at 11, you know, so we're all young.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

From Texas.

[Rico Rodriguez]

From Texas. From our hometown of Brian Collinsation. Shout out. And so my first headshots were, like, by accident, my sister was taking them, and I was in, like, a Power Rangers shirt, two front teeth missing, so on, like, not Hollywood at all. And I took those as my first headshots, and I used those for when I first started. And you still use them? Yes, of course. These are. These are fake ones. And so fast forward a little bit. You know, seeing her kind of do her thing, you know, she's always wanted to be on Disney Channel, and so she was able to guest star on the Suite Life of Zack and Cody. And that was kind of like, whoa, she's living out her dream. So I saw that, and then little did we know, it was like something that, like, yeah, I want to do this. And acting became something that was the most passionate thing I was passionate about.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

What was it like seeing your sister on tv?

[Rico Rodriguez]

Oh, it was awesome. Well, seeing her on set because, I mean, being kids, you know, me and my mom and my sister were all. We all run in packs. It's just us three. You know, my dad was in Texas making money, so we can live out.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Here, you know, and so your dad has a tire.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Had a tire shop in Texas.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Okay, got it. And your brothers were with him?

[Rico Rodriguez]

Well, so my mom was with us, and then my dad and my two older brothers were together over there. And so. Yeah, and just seeing her do her thing and just, like, seeing the kind of. The passion she had, it just kind of was like, I want to do that. Like, that inspires me to do because she's having so much fun. And, I mean, I look up to my sister, even though she's shorter than me. I look up to my sister. I look up to my sister a lot. So it was really cool.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

You know, I have two kids now, and, like, seeing how my youngest one looks up to his older brother, I mean, like, he just wants to do whatever he does.

[Rico Rodriguez]

I love that.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

And he's fearless about it, too. It's like Beckett's the trailblazer, and Sully's just like, yeah, let's go.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Let's do it. Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

So I could totally understand how you would fall in love with it just because you know your sister, who you definitely look up to. I know how close you two are.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yes.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

You know, it's seeing her enjoy that so much probably was a huge motivator.

[Rico Rodriguez]

For you, for sure.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Do you remember your audition for Modern Family?

[Rico Rodriguez]

I do, I do. So I kind of had very quick success in the industry. Like, my first three auditions, I booked all three, like, right away. It was. I mean, it's so not heard of.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

You did not know rejection.

[Rico Rodriguez]

No, no. And so then. So, like, by the time Modern Family rolled around, I had been lucky to have been on, like, every major network in, like, a guest starring role in some show. So the last one was abc. And so before that, I had auditioned for, like, a couple other series roles where I got really close for and to the point where it was, like, testing. And so, you know, I didn't get him for whatever reason, but, you know, my parents always instilled, like, a keep going mentality. Like, hey, you know what? It's okay. It happens. We move on. We keep going to the next one. And then Modern Family rolled around, which at the time was My American Family.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

That's right. Yeah, the original title.

[Rico Rodriguez]

I got the audition, I went in and I read in front of Alan and Jeff and other casting directors. Yeah. And so it was kind of crazy because I had went in with a completely different take on Manny. It was like a player. And, like, he was too cool for school. And it was like, literally the complete opposite to what we know him today. And Jeff liked it. And he was like, that was great. He goes. But he goes, we see Manny as like, a old soul, like Antonio Banderas in a kid's body. And I go, oh.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I'm like, oh, did you know that reference?

[Rico Rodriguez]

I didn't know. I was like, oh, okay. So he wants me to be Puss in Boots. Gotcha. Okay, I can do that. And so luckily, I got a callback for it anyway, even though I came in with the complete opposite tape.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Right.

[Rico Rodriguez]

I came in for the second audition, and they were like. Jeff was like, oh, thank you for taking the notes, and whatever. It was so good. You know, that's exactly what we're looking for. Yada, yada. Then I didn't hear anything for, like, a month. And I was like, well, okay, that was another one I didn't get, and whatever. And so then, little did I know they were casting, you know, making sure they were putting Sophia in. They were casting? Yeah, they were casting all the rest of them. And what's kind of funny is I had knew Nolan before the series started. We were both going to the same acting class.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Oh, no way. I didn't know you guys knew each other.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah, so it was like we knew each other for, like, a few months before. And so we were kind of going through this journey together in a way of, like, every time we meet up for class, we're like, oh, I saw you at the audition. Oh, how did you do? Oh, it went good. And then the next week. Oh, how did it go? And it kept going until, like, we booked it, and then we were on set together.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Did you guys book it around the same time, do you think?

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

And so did you have conversations about.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Oh, yeah. And it's wild. It was so cool because, I mean. And even Ariel. I even knew Ariel before because I worked with her on a movie. She did, and she couldn't have been the coolest person. So it was really neat seeing them and seeing Nolan at the audition. Code kind of felt like already, like, a familial thing, and we all kind of like, okay, maybe we're all destined to do this kind of thing together.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Totally. Yeah.

[Rico Rodriguez]

And, yeah, that's kind of how it all, like, shook out.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

And, I mean, that's got to be worked, too. Obviously. I didn't test for TV shows when I was a kid, but, like, even as an adult, like, it's really intimidating.

[Rico Rodriguez]

It's daunting.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Do you remember being scared by that, or was it intimidation or. I mean, it doesn't sound like you were. I don't even know kids that age even, like, know to be scared about something like that.

[Rico Rodriguez]

No, I think. I think scary might be the wrong one. A lot of the things when you're a kid is like, you're kind of fearless. You don't know. So being able to be kind of fearless in that way was really fun to be able to do. Oh, here we go.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

And I guess you don't need to. Thank you so much.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Thank you. I'm Take a picture because the phone Eats first. Thank you.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

What I was going to say was, do you even, like, have a comprehension of, like. I mean, as an adult, you're signing contracts, you're seeing money, you're seeing, like, oh, I'm going to be able to provide for myself as a kid. Is it kind of more like, oh, this is just a fun thing I'm going to get to do?

[Rico Rodriguez]

At the end of the day, when I was auditioning, it was all fun. Everything that. Even to today, it's everything that I do, it's fun. I was such an excitable kid, and now I'm an excitable adult to where every little thing is, like, it's fun. I love this industry. And what was interesting is, so you know how you were saying, like, something like being nervous or daunting. I had auditioned for Jeff Greenberg prior for, like, a role in Ugly Betty, and he made me cry.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Oh, really?

[Rico Rodriguez]

In the audition room.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Did you ever tell him this?

[Rico Rodriguez]

I think I did. I wanted to.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Oh, you probably saw it.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah. Right. Well. And it was for something like, it was some choir kid, and I had to, like, sing or whatever. He wasn't. He wasn't mean. He was just like. I don't know, like a stern or just like, he was there. He wasn't giving me no expressions or anything. And so then when I auditioned for Mahadir Family, I saw him like, oh, no. I was like, oh, no. And then come to find out later on, I mean, he's the nicest person in all of. He is the. And, you know, changed my life.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

And I mean, so also I have to remind myself that, you know, they're seeing so many people for these roles, and they're just trying to find the right person for it. So, like, you know, if someone's not right, it's sort of like in your mind, you probably think, okay, like, they're great and they're talented, but, like, they're not. They're not for this role. And you probably shut down a little bit.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah. And so it was like, you know, sometimes, you know, they always say, like, the best auditions are the ones you don't really remember, but when you leave and you kind of just don't really remember what you did. And that's kind of what happened, you know, in the. In the audition sides. It was for when I was in the car with Jay and Gloria and I was talking about, like, I want to talk to Brenda Feldman. I was going to give her a flower, go pick flowers and all that. And in the. In the end of the scene, I run out of the car. So in the audition room, I just bolt to the door. And everyone's like, what's this kid running for? Like? And they're like, okay, well, thank you. And I just walked out. And then we were driving home, and that's when I got the call that they. They booked me, like, you know, 30 minutes later. It's crazy.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah. When they know, they know. It's interesting.

[Rico Rodriguez]

This is really good.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

It's not a great smash, bro.

[Rico Rodriguez]

That's really good.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I know. This is, like, gonna be on my regular spot list.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yes, for sure.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Now for a quick break, but don't go away. When we come back, Rico tells me about his on set antics with co star Nolan Gould. Also, his first impressions of his on screen parents, Ed o' Neill and Sofia Vergara. Okay, be right back. All right, let's talk about something near and dear to my heart. Building the perfect sandwich. And yes, yes, I take this very seriously. Step one, you need a great bread. Fresh, crusty, something with character. Step two, Boar's head oven gold turkey. Always. It's juicy, it's flavorful. It's the backbone of this operation. Step three, a few slices of boar's Head Smoke master ham because I like to mix it up. It adds a slow smoked beechwood flavor that makes your taste buds just, you know, do a little dance. Step four, cheese sharp cheddar if I'm feeling bold. Creamy Swiss if I'm feeling fancy. Step five, a swipe of Dijon crisp lettuce, thin sliced tomato, and maybe a pickle or two, you know, for drama. Layer it all up, cut it in half diagonally, obviously, and you got a sandwich that's perfectly crafted thanks to boar's head. Every bite tastes like it was made with care, because it was. So if you're ready to level up your sandwich game, trust me, start at the deli counter. Discover the craftsmanship behind every bite at your local Boar's head deli counter. Boar's Head. Committed to crafts since 1905. You know, dinners on me is all about gathering around a table, Good food, great company, and, you know, feeling at home. But let's be honest, it's hard to really relax when you don't feel safe in your own space. And that's why I love simply safe. It's the kind of peace of mind that lets you focus on what matters, Whether it's catching up over pasta with a friend or just enjoying a quiet night in. I've been using Simplisafe for a while. Now. And it really has changed the way I think about home security. Here's the thing. Most systems kick in after a break in, but SimpliSafe's new Active Guard outdoor protection actually helps stop crime before it happens. Their AI powered cameras and live monitoring agents detect suspicious activity. And if someone is lurking around, they'll speak to them in real time, shine spotlights, and they can even call the police. I mean, how proactive is that? No contracts, no hidden fees, just real protection. It's no Wonder CNET named SimpliSafe the best home security system of 2025. So if you want to protect your home while you focus on what makes it feel like a home, you know, family, friends, or the perfect roast chicken, SimpliSafe has you covered. Visit simplisafe.com Jesse to claim 50% off a new system with professional monitoring plan and get your first month free. That's simplified. Safe.com Jesse S I M P L I S A F E.com Jesse there's no safe like simply safe. And we're back with more dinners on me when, you know, we all got together for the first time. We sort of did a pre table read before table read for the network. Then I think we even had a rehearsal before that.

[Rico Rodriguez]

I just remember walking into the big room and it's like that thing where you kind of like feel that it's going to be something. And even at that young age, I could feel this was something. Yeah, like it just, it felt right. It felt like we were supposed to be there at that time doing this thing together and, and that's what it came.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I mean, I completely agree with you. I always think about, you know, no one's been a guest on this podcast. Yes.

[Rico Rodriguez]

I'm a listener. By the way. You do great work.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Oh, thanks Rico.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Very, very fun podcast you.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

But obviously Sarah was older than you all. I know Aubrey's talked about this too, but just, you know, navigating being a kid and growing up on tv, I'm sure it was such a luxury and such a security blanket knowing that you had other kids your age. Oh, for sure there doing the same thing in the same boat. And I'm so glad you did. I think it probably you like were able to bounce off each other and also be like, is this crazy for you? Cause it's crazy for me.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah, exactly.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

But like, you know, even going to school together because, you know, you had to go to school on set. I mean Nolan talked a little bit about like feeling like even though he had you all There was a bit of a separation. Like, he felt like he wasn't necessarily able to really always relate to kids who were his age because he didn't get to, like, go to school in a traditional sense.

[Rico Rodriguez]

I think, speaking for me, I think I never really found. Cause that's what a lot of people are like, oh, well, kids in Hollywood, you know, they. You know, getting to not experience something, like something like high school or proms or stuff like that, or social events with. And I never really felt that way because I think, like I said, at such a young age, my parents kind of instilled this kind of, like, a work ethic in me to where it was like I knew what I was here for. I was here for a job and work because I had no problem going home and being a kid, being rambunctious, going, roll in the dirt if I wanted to. But when I was on set, hey, make sure you know your lines, be prepared. And then after you're wrapped and you're on the way home, you can be a kid. You go take out the trash, you go clean the house, clean your room. You know, all that. All that doesn't stop, Right.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

What was it like? I always thought about this with Aubrey, too. Because, like, she would go away and have to do schoolwork and then come back. And I was like, what is it like? I'd actually never asked this to be in a scene. You know, doing a show for Modern Family was, you know, Sophia and Ed. And then, like, have to go and do science or whatever and then come back. Like, it must be so weird.

[Rico Rodriguez]

You know, it's interesting because some episodes, Manny would pop in.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah.

[Rico Rodriguez]

And then say a funny quip as he would. And then he would, you know, walk out and then come back later. But then sometimes, since he was such an old soul, he would have these, like, big paragraphs and words that I had no idea what I was saying. I would look up online or I would ask my studio teacher, Sharon, Ms. Sharon. I would ask her, hey, what does this mean? Why are they laughing? And so she would explain to me. I go, oh, okay, I understand now. But it was crazy because sometimes you would have these big, chunky dialogues, and then you would rehearse it, and then you gotta go and you have a math test. I'm like, well, I don't know. Division. Like, what am I gonna do? And then, you know, I would go answer the first three questions of 20 and then go back to film. It's crazy. It's like. It's the craziest thing to do.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I mean, I can only imagine how hard that could be.

[Rico Rodriguez]

It definitely posed its. It's. It's like, challenges. But I think. Let me just say something.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Modern Fan was the best. And the people that worked on the show were even better. Like, the show was great. I mean, it's. It's one of the greats. But there are cast and crew, and just. And just the work environment was just so amazing that it's like we would get other cast from other sets on the lot and be like, wow, that looks awesome. Like, we're over here 16 hours and we're finishing before lunch. Like, that's unheard of. Yeah. But to be able to balance that kind of, like, work and child and school, it was so. It was easy because the crew and the cast, they made it fun. They made. You know, a lot of the crew members would keep you a kid. They would do fun things. We would get. I mean, I'm sure it's been. We did the Nerf war on set.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yes.

[Rico Rodriguez]

And Bryan Cranston, our director of the week, was, you know, joining us. But, like, they didn't stop us from wanting to do fun things like that.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Like, I mean, you and Nolan. I would want to take a nap between scenes. And you and Nolan were off, like, riding scenes, screenplays. Oh, yeah.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Parkour.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah, exactly. I mean, you had so much energy. I remember Ty and I thinking, like, if I could just have an ounce of that energy right now.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah, it was so. It was so fun because also it was us three, like, the kids. So we always kind of like, Ariel was wanting to be like, relax, guys. And we were like, no, we gotta keep going.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah. You were boys. I mean, you also got to do things that so few people just to get TV job people in general get to do, like travel to Hawaii, travel to Paris, travel to Disneyland. We got to be, like, backstage at Disneyland.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Crazy.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I mean, what. What are some of your favorite memories from those episodes?

[Rico Rodriguez]

I think. I think it's kind of one of those, like, oh, we're doing something. It's when we went to Hawaii. Because, like, I've never.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Which was in season one, by the way.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yes.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Which is crazy.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Crazy.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Usually work up to that.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah. And we just did. Oh, we'll go to Hawaii. Why not? I think.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Which, by the way, is one of my favorite episodes. Oh, it's so good. It's not just a travel episode. It's actually a really good episode.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Such a fun story. Our writers are awesome to create such really fun storylines around a place you know, I'm not the really like the traveling type. So like, if I wasn't in working and busy in California when I had a good little chunk off, I would go back to Texas and go visit my family. So luckily I got to travel to really amazing places because of my work. And so like, Australia was crazy. I know. I mean, Hawaii. I had such a good time at Jackson Hole. Cause it was like we all in little cabins. It was so cool. It was the coolest thing. I mean, I was so lucky to be one on a really awesome show, but that the show can take it to new heights and go these places that I never imagined I'd ever go. Paris.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I know. I felt like field trips.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Oh, so much fun. It was always a question, the age old question, like, oh, where are we going this year, guys? Everyone would have little rumors, oh, I think we're going here this year.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I know Italy was someplace I kept talking about, but it never happened. Yeah, I know.

[Rico Rodriguez]

And so, and usually I would be like one of the last to know because I'll be in the school room the whole time. And they're like, oh, are you ready for your trip? I'm like, trip to where? What have you heard? I'm 11.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah, that's right. I think, you know, one of the reasons obviously the show did so well and you know, we had such a great time was because of that chemistry. And you and Ed and Sophia really had incredible chemistry. We shared, you know, Ed o' Neill as, you know, a stepfather for you and a father for me on the show. And I, I mean, I couldn't adore that man more. Like he reminds me so much of my dad in real life.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yep, same.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Sometimes he butt dials me by accident and always turns into like a half hour conversation. But I. What was, what was it like for you to have those two people as your parents on the show? And also Benjamin Brad as you know, your, your birth dad. Yeah, but what was it like for you with those people as your parents?

[Rico Rodriguez]

You know, they're just such legends in their field. And it's kind of funny because I hadn't, I had no idea who Ed was when we first got on the show. I had no idea who he was. Like, my, my dad was like, oh, you're working with Ed o' Neill. I'm like, who's that? And they're like, oh, you know, from Married With Children. I'm like, okay, I don't, I've never heard of that show. And then they're like loving me and they're singing to me. I'm like, I have no idea who this is.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Who are you talking about?

[Rico Rodriguez]

But then I see Sophia. I'm like, oh, the lady from Madea. Madea goes to jail. I love her. Wow. I'm working with the movie star, not knowing all the things she's accomplished.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Right?

[Rico Rodriguez]

I was really lucky being able to have them as mentors, especially Ed. I mean, everybody says that, but Ed, he truly took me under his wing. Like, I mean, like no other. There was one time I remember vividly, it was early on, probably first season, where I was having trouble with this one line. Like, I. I just. I couldn't hear what I was saying. Like, I didn't know I was saying it wrong. And though, you know, they keep coming in, like, hey, Rico, try like this. You know, the directors are the writer or the. You know, it was going on for a little bit, so you can. It was a little frustrating. Like, okay, come on, you know, get it. And I'm, like, overthinking everything, you know, I'm like, oh, I'm the reason why we're not doing good. And, you know, I'm, like, on the verge of, like, crying because I'm like, I just don't know what I'm doing wrong. And so it came to the point where then Ed was like. Ed goes, all right, stop. Cut the cameras. And he told. Go sit down. He'd, like, told the director, go sit down. He brought me to the side, and he was like, all right, Rico, look, here's. I think what you're having trouble with. Repeat after me. Try it like this. And then we would work together until he goes, no, try like this. And I would do it. He goes, no, no, try like this. Until I heard it. And I. And I repeated it in the way that they were wanting. And he was like, that's it. Perfect. All right, let's go do it. All right, guys. And then I would go. I do it in two takes. And moving on. And he would look at me, give me a wink. I'm like, I got you. He was like, I got you. Don't worry.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah.

[Rico Rodriguez]

And that from that point on, I was like. I knew I could trust him. And it was points where throughout, you know, the first, like, four or five seasons, he would do that with me. And just. It was like, I said, it was never a way of, like, showing me. Up until about, like, season five, he was like, I don't need to work with you anymore. You got it. You're good now. You're good. And that was. That's kind of like I need to.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

On focus on Sophia.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah. Yeah. Because Sophia, she's, you know, mispronouncing Manny again. Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

So.

[Rico Rodriguez]

But it was like he couldn't have been the nicest, the coolest, the great. I mean, I love Ed with. I mean, I owe a lot to him for just my career in general.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah. I feel very, very fortunate that I got to work with him. And, you know, there's only a few people I share that title if he's my dad with. And it's you and Christina Applegate.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yep.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

And David Fasciano. Is that his name? The other guy from marriage.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yep.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Like, the four of us are a pack.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yep.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Well, and Julie Bowen.

[Rico Rodriguez]

I guess Julie was there too. Julie was there too.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I always forget about Julie.

[Rico Rodriguez]

I never forget you, Julie.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Now, let's take a quick break, but don't go anywhere. When we return, Rico reveals why he almost stepped away from Modern Family, a ridiculous table read tradition with Sofia. And we also hear about his obsession with Benihana. Okay, be right back. Some of my favorite episodes of Dinners on Me are episodes that happen over a good glass of wine. Patricia Clarkson, Keri Russell, Margo Martindale. They gave me some of the best stories I have ever heard over a glass of wine. They definitely opened up. I mean, maybe it was the food or, you know, maybe it was the wine. I'm just saying. I always stock up at Total Wine and more. It's my go to, especially when I'm throwing a little backyard hang. They've got everything. Amazing wines, ice cold beers, even non alcoholic wines. And mocktail mixers for the friends who, you know, aren't drinking. Honestly, my guests think I have the best taste. But don't tell them that. It's actually my friend down the street at Total Wine giving me all the tips. Their guides are so helpful when I'm picking out the perfect bottles for everyone at the table with the lowest prices for over 30 years, you'll always find what you love and love what you find. Love only at Total Wine and more. Curbside pickup and delivery available in most areas. See totalwine.com for details. Spirits not sold in Virginia and North Carolina drink responsibly. B21. Hey, podcast listeners, have you heard you can listen to your favorite podcasts ad free. That's good news. With Amazon Music, you have access to the largest catalog of ad free top podcasts included with your prime membership. To start listening, download the Amazon music app for free or go to Amazon.com ADFreePodcasts that's Amazon.com ADFreeP Podcasts to catch up on the latest episodes without the ads. And we're back with more dinners on me. I know, you know, I lost my mom in November, and I know that you and your family are so close, and when your father passed away about eight years ago, how hard that was. And I think it happened over a hiatus that your father passed away.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah. Yeah. So it was kind of like, you know, it was kind of like at that crossroads of me becoming an adult, I had just hadn't even turned 18 yet.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah.

[Rico Rodriguez]

So I was very, very young. And so it was kind of crazy because on the final episode of that season was Manny graduating, and there was this really. I mean, really amazing scene between me and Ed. It was the episode where Javier takes Manny to a strip club, and he leaves his sash, and then Jay and Manny have to go there and, like, let her perform and throw all the. It was hilarious. But at the end of it, you know, you know, he pours me a little thing of scotch, and he's like, you know, I. You know, our relationship. That's what I think of you as being my kid. And I'm like, you know, you're my kid. And I was like, you're my dad. And it's a really amazing scene. And then we. That was, you know, the last episode, and then we wrapped, and then, you know, I mean, like, two weeks later, my dad passed away. So it was really tough. You know, luckily it was on, like, a hiatus break. So first off, I'm grieving, and I'm back home with my family. And then it came time to start negotiating, because, again, we just didn't know. We probably knew we would come back, but we didn't know for how long, for what. And so negotiations started, and it was the first one without my dad, who always led the charge for us. And, you know, there was a point where I actually thought, you know, I don't know if I want to come back, because I just. I don't know. It was. It was so. It's. I mean, the patriarch of our family has gone, and, you know, he was the. He was the biggest motivator. He was all of our ideals. So there was a point where I was like, you know what? Maybe I don't want to come back, and I want to hold off, because I don't know if I can.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Right.

[Rico Rodriguez]

And then there was a point where I was like, no, I would be doing him a disservice of everything we worked for at that point. To just stop. And then it came to the point where, like, no, you know what? I want to come back. And it really, really made it easier knowing I was coming back to my other family.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah.

[Rico Rodriguez]

And. And that was like, okay, you know what? It'll be okay. So then usually every time we started a new season, it was always around my birthday because, you know, at the table reads, they always give the cast or whoever's a birthday, they give them a big cake and sing them happy birthday. And I stood up there and I looked at everybody and I couldn't help but cry and get emotional because, you know, my dad passed in March, and then in July, we're starting right up again. And it was like, man, you know, being here, it helps me. It's helping me just because I know how much love you guys have given me over the years. And knowing that I had you guys to kind of be there with, to uplift and just have a good time, it really made the decision a lot easier to for sure come back.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah, I mean, it definitely was a support system for sure. And I, you know, we all. We all supported each other through so many big moments.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Kids, divorces, losses of parents. I mean, I look back on those 11 years and so much happens in life in 11 years, and, you know, to have basically a second family to go through, that was really such a gift. Are you spending a lot of time in Texas still, or are you mostly here in California?

[Rico Rodriguez]

I've been kind of been able to evenly split my time, but I definitely am in LA more often than I'm in Texas. You know, Texas is home, and it's the real place. Here is Hollywood and the land of dreams. And, you know, mentally and creatively, I'm able to kind of like, lock in here and, like, really be able to, like, pursue things that I want to do.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah, it's really fun. I mean, I also love that you had this place to escape to during Modern Family. That was sort of a grounding place where I imagine you saw chores, like, you know, you'd probably work at your dad's tire shop. And like, I mean, what was it like to go from, you know, like you said, we had three weeks on. Usually we're shooting and we'd have a week off and sometimes you'd go home to Texas and those. Those hiatuses or definitely over the holidays. But what was it like to be on set and then be in this, like, one world and then all of a sudden transition to a much, much slower pace and.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Oh, definitely. So for one of my dad, my siblings, all my other family lives in Texas. So all my nieces and nephews, I have 11 of them, they all live there. So it's always a good chance to go see them as often as I could because I. I'm a big family man. And so it was interesting because, like, back home, we live on 15 acres of land. It's wide open spaces. We have, you know, four wheeler, so we can drive around. You know, my. My family, we own tire shops. We own. Own three tire stores out there. So, you know, I was 15 years old, wanting to go work, and so I would tell my dad, I'm not Manny today. I'm Rico. I'm gonna work. And then, you know, my dad was so proud of us that he couldn't help himself, but he was like, oh, you know, hey, look, Manny's working on your car. You know, so just being funny. And so it was always fun to be able to go back and get dirty and work on the tires and be a tire man. And then, you know, when it's time to go back to work, I'm like, all right, time to go back and time to come home and. But it was always so much fun to be able to have that escape because, you know, living in la, you know, when we first started out in, like, an apartment, so there's a. There's a neighbor above you, below you, to the side, in front of you, back behind you. So there's always people around you. And then you go to Texas and you can walk outside and hear no cars, you hear animals, you hear birds, and it's awesome. It's such a. Such a cool thing. So be able to kind of have that little reset and then come back and like, okay, home. That's home. This is work.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah. Yeah. I was knowing that you're always gonna sit down with you today. I was, like, watching some of your earlier, like, TV appearances. This is a great appearance on Ellen, where I think you say something about, like, I'm making. Yeah, I make like 20 a week. I get an allowance of 20 a week. And she was kind of like, maybe she'll look into that.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

But, you know, I was like, yeah, as a kid, you probably aren't being given these full paychecks. And obviously those are going to your parents and, like, they're investing them and, like, giving you that $20 a week is like an allowance. Like, I kind of forgot that, like, you weren't dealing with money in the same way that the adults were.

[Rico Rodriguez]

No. And, you know, because a Lot of people, you know, that's why, like, obviously, because back then, of the child actors, of. Back then, you know, rules and things, regulations were in place for, you know, kids actors for today. And so it was so interesting because, you know, my parents were very. When it was the right, appropriate time to be open and honest about the money. And here's what you're making.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

When was that, by the way?

[Rico Rodriguez]

Huh?

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

When was that? When did that happen?

[Rico Rodriguez]

I'd say maybe I was, like, maybe 12.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Oh, wow.

[Rico Rodriguez]

You know, just because, you know, again, we come from, you know, we're Latino, so, like, we take our work, and that's something that we don't take lightly and that, you know, could be. We always knew it could be taken away from you at any moment, at any time, because being in the industry long enough, you see it happen, and you just don't want to be the next one to do it, right? And so, you know, they were like, look, this is what you're making. So this is what they expect out of you. So always. That's why I said earlier, you know, you come into work prepared, you know, knowing your lines. You come early. You come ready to go. I would go. When I was, like, 11 or 12 years old, I knew everybody's lines. I knew Ed and Sophia's lines.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I remember sometimes you, like, Ed would go up on his line and you'd, like, help him out, or he'd look to you be like, what is it?

[Rico Rodriguez]

He would look at me, like, for help. So, like, literally, he was helping me, I was helping him. It was so funny because, like. Like, I always would be with Sophia. And, you know, I mean, it's very well known how Sophia, she. Sometimes she goes off the. Like, off the rails.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Off the rails.

[Rico Rodriguez]

And I saw.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

And by the way, sometimes we just keep it in because it's, like, funnier than what's.

[Rico Rodriguez]

At that point. Why not? And so she would go off the rails. And then she would go, rico, what's my line? I go, oh. I go, oh, you go, manny, get your coffee. Let's go. Okay. And then she would go, oh, thank you. Hi, Manny. Get your coffee. Let's go. And then we finish the tape. But then she would go like, rico, what's my call time for tomorrow? And I'm like, oh, well, on the.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Prelim also, what would happen on table reads? Table read days?

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yes.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

You would get there early.

[Rico Rodriguez]

I'm saying, I got suckered into this. Got suckered into. I love Sophia, but I got played. I got played by Sophia. So one Time. Being the nice person that I am.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Sophia was late, you know, to the table read.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah, yeah.

[Rico Rodriguez]

You know, it happens. Sophia was late to the table read. And I was like, I know how she marks her lines on her script. So I was like, you know what? Let me be nice and let me mark her script for her.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Very kind.

[Rico Rodriguez]

So she gets there and she's like, oh, thank you. And, you know, thank you, Rico, and pinch my cheeks and whatever. And then the next week, she's on time.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah.

[Rico Rodriguez]

So I sit down, I'm marking my sides, and then we start the read. We start the read. And it comes to Sofia that she goes, rico, you didn't mark my script. I go, I didn't know I was supposed to. I did it one time because I was nice. And so she hands me her script, and now everybody's looking at me because it's literally her next line. And this wasn't like, oh, season 10. No, this was like season one.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah, yeah.

[Rico Rodriguez]

I, like, I was nice.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

This 10 year old was in charge of.

[Rico Rodriguez]

I was literally Manny at that point, helping out Sophia. But, you know, I love Sophia, so I had no problem doing it.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

That is really funny to me. You knew her lines. You marked her script for the table reads. You knew her call time for the. You were her personal assistant. Really, is what it was. You really were.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah. Great memories. But now that you bring that up, maybe there was something on the show now.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I feel like you should have been definitely given a bonus for that.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Probably. Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Oh, my God. That's really funny.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah, she's the best. Hilarious. I mean, hilarious.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Truly. When was the last time you spoke to her?

[Rico Rodriguez]

Very recently, for the fires. I messaged her because, you know, with. With. It was in that area. So I was like, I messaged Ed and I messaged Sophia just to make sure everybody was all good.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah.

[Rico Rodriguez]

And Sofia was like, yes, thank you. And then Ed was like, I don't know. I'm in Hawaii.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I have no idea.

[Rico Rodriguez]

I hope we'll be fine.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I mean, the last time I saw you was when we had that reunion at Sofia. The entire cast, minus Ty.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Minus Ty moment, without Ty. We took that literal.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

We took.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah, we took that literal. Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

We would do this joke on set when we were doing photos with the entire cast. We would just, as a. As a. As a cast, do this joke where we'd say, anwal without Ty. And so Ty would step out of.

[Rico Rodriguez]

A photo and they would take a picture of all of us.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

We take a picture of all of us without Ty.

[Rico Rodriguez]

A running joke.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

But we should just. A running joke. And then. So when we had that first full reunion, Ty was not there. And, yeah, the Internet thought he was dead when we took the full photo, that was hilarious.

[Rico Rodriguez]

That was such a good time. I mean, because, you know, it really. It was unfortunate, obviously, with COVID and all that, but, you know, with us on the show, we had our grand finale. But then, you know, we had this great press tour to like, yeah, kind of say goodbye to the show. And then everything shut down. And then we hadn't seen each other for two years. They just went like that.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah.

[Rico Rodriguez]

But luckily we were able to do that. It was a lot of fun.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

It was so crazy. I drove Aubrey home from that party. Her mom dropped her off, and I drove her home, and she was taking her driver's test the next day.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Wow.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I was like, this is wild to me. I felt like a true parent, like, driving my daughter home from a party.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I knew this girl when she was three and a half years old. Wild. But I was gonna say, you know, as we were looking for places to eat today, I didn't know this about you, and Eric told me one of your favorite restaurants in LA is Benihana.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yes.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

And you all, like, loved it so much. Tell me about this setup that you got for your home.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah, so for people who don't know, Benihana is like a hibachi teppanyaki place. So they cook all the food in front of you and they do flips and tricks with the eggs and the rice bowl. My family, we love it. That's our favorite restaurant, by the way.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Rico. I live in Encino now, and it's like. Right. It's like a seven minute walk.

[Rico Rodriguez]

I want to come visit you more often. Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

But we've taken Beckett and Sully so many times, and they love it. It's delicious.

[Rico Rodriguez]

It's family friendly for all ages. Yeah. So I discovered Benihana because of Modern Family, so because we loved it so much at our house here in la, my dad had built, like, this really nice gazebo. And, you know, we're not. We're not drinkers. We're not any of that. So we, instead of having, like, an outdoor bar or whatever, we put a Benihana grill in there, and we call it Ricohana. So we have, like, we had this, like, logo made for, like, the top for, like, the. The COVID for the grill, and it's Ricohana.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

And so, like, wait, where did you get it from? What did they actually supply it for you or did you.

[Rico Rodriguez]

No, we went to the. We went to the place that we're like, they go to buy, like, a restaurant supply store. Because one of the. One of the chefs who works there. Well, who worked there, his name is Oscar. He's awesome. He went on his own business venture, and he does private cookings for Benihana.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Oh, wow.

[Rico Rodriguez]

So now we. We basically we. When we want Benihana at the house or if we're gonna have a party or, you know, it's a great party. It's a great thing. And. And he. We have him come. He brings all the food. He makes all the sauces. I'm atheist. He does everything for us, cleans our grill, and he. And he gets it going for us. He was the one who helped us. We have, like, the Benihana inspired plates, aprons, the knives, the rice bowls. We have it all. So, like, anytime. Anytime we want Benihana there, we just have him come and we does the whole show for us. The onion volcano, the heart rice. It's a list of little things.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I love that you have that at home. That's so great. I remember just like, you know, all you kids were like, picky eaters, you know, when you were young. Cause that's what children do. Like, I'm experiencing this with my kid now, but I feel like you've become quite a foodie now.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah. You know, I think as you get older, your taste buds change and evolve, you know, it also had a lot to do with, like, when we would travel to places, you know, like Australia or like Paris. You know, there's all different foods there. And, you know, they don't have a McDonald's in every corner, you know, as a little safe haven. So, you know, I would want to try, like, you know, alligator. And I was like, I don't. I would. Never thought I would try it, but here I am enjoying it randomly.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah.

[Rico Rodriguez]

And so, like, I'm just very open to trying new things. I love sushi. I mean, I love all types of food. I'll try it once.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah. I remember when we were in Paris, like, the craft service table and, like, where we have lunch. Like, it was a very elaborate spread, but it was not what we're used to.

[Rico Rodriguez]

No.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Here, like escargot, which is snails.

[Rico Rodriguez]

I was hungry in Paris. I was. I didn't eat much there. I don't think we found one place that we liked and we went to, like, three times.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah.

[Rico Rodriguez]

I was like, that's. That's what we're gonna do.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah. Well, you know, maybe when you're a little older, you'll go back again, you'll try again. I don't know. Well, I'm glad that we found a good meal that we both like today.

[Rico Rodriguez]

I love it. Can't go wrong with a good burger. And it was very, very good. Very, very good.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Thank you so much for doing this.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Thank you for having me.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

It's been. I'm so glad to see you.

[Rico Rodriguez]

It's.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

It's a really long time.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Been too long. And I'm glad we were able to do this cuz it's fun to reminisce and talk about. I mean, our, I mean, that's our experiences together. I mean that we lived this whole amazing 11 years on this show was really fun.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

And I've known you 16.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yes.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

That's absolutely bonkers.

[Rico Rodriguez]

It's crazy.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah. More than half your life, Rico.

[Rico Rodriguez]

I know. Now I know.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah. Oh, man, it's so good that you could do this. I'm so happy to see you.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Thank you for having me. Thank you for the. The food. So it's on you, right?

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Dinner is going to be on me.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Okay, perfect. I should have ordered some ice cream. Then maybe next time we'll do part two.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

This episode of Dinners on Me was recorded at Heavy Handed in Studio City, California. Next week on Dinners On Me. You know her from One Tree Hill, Chicago PD and more recently as the host of the podcast Work in Progress, it's Sophia Bush. We'll get into how she met her girlfriend, Ashlyn Harris, the nuances of coming out publicly, and her divorcee group chat. And if you don't want to wait until next week to listen, you can download that episode right now by subscribing to Dinners On Me. Plus, as a subscriber, not only do you get access to new episodes one week early, you'll also be able to listen completely ad free. Just click try free at the top of the Dinners on Me show page on Apple Podcasts to start your free trial today. Dinners on Me is a production of Sony Music Entertainment and a kid named Beckett Productions. It's hosted by me, Jesse Tyler Ferguson. It's executive produced by me and Jonathan Hirsch. Our showrunner is Joanna Clay. Our associate producer is Alyssa Midcalf. Sam Baer engineered this episode, Hans Dale. She composed our theme music. Our head of production is Sammy Allison. Special than thanks to Tameka Balance Kolasny and Justin Makita. I'm Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Join me next week.

[Rico Rodriguez]

This is not a podcast about getting old. It's about getting real.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

You don't need a midlife crisis to join us. Just a little curiosity. We're talking about all the stuff people pretend that they figured out.

[Rico Rodriguez]

Yeah, and spoiler alert, nobody has, but.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

We laugh through it. And anyway, this is oldish. It's just getting good.

[Rico Rodriguez]

So come hang with us wherever you get your podcasts.