Michaela Antonia Jaé Rodriguez, born January 7, 1991, and formerly recognized as Mj Rodriguez, is a renowned American actress, singer, and performer. She is celebrated as one of Hollywood’s top transgender entertainers. Growing up in Newark, New Jersey, Rodriguez cultivated a passion for the performing arts early in life and attended various educational institutions and programs. She initially attracted attention in theater, earning the 2011 Clive Barnes Award for her portrayal of Angel Dumott Schunard in an off-Broadway staging of Rent.
This role positioned her within the largest ensemble of transgender series regulars on a scripted American television show and garnered her extensive acclaim. In 2021, she marked history as the first transgender woman nominated for a Primetime Emmy in a principal acting category (Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series) for the final season of Pose. She also secured the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama, a groundbreaking accomplishment for trans representation. Since that time, Rodriguez has featured in significant films such as Tick, Tick… Boom! (2021), Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023), and Skincare (2024). Additionally, she has taken on roles in television series like Loot (Apple TV+, 2022 to present) and American Horror Story: Delicate (2023–2024). In 2021, she unveiled her initial single, “Something to Say,” while her first album, 33, is set to be released in September 2024.
Below is a concise overview of essential details regarding Michaela Jaé Rodriguez:
| Full Name | Michaela Antonia Jaé Rodriguez |
| Previous Stage Name | Mj Rodriguez |
| Date of Birth | January 7, 1991 |
| Age (as of January 2026) | 35 years old |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, United States |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) |
| Profession | Actress, Singer, Performer |
| Partner | In a long-standing relationship with a non-public partner (as of 2026; no public marriage or husband) |
| Net Worth (2025–2026 estimate) | Approximately $3–$5 million |
Michaela Jaé Rodriguez Biography
Michaela Antonia Jaé Rodriguez was born on January 7, 1991, in Newark, New Jersey. Her mother is African-American, while her father has Puerto Rican and African-American heritage. She aspired to be an actress and performer from as young as seven. At the age of 11, her mother admitted her into the New Jersey Performing Arts Centre (NJPAC), where she spent eight years in the youth theater program. Rodriguez attended Queen of Angels Catholic School and graduated from Newark Arts High School.
In 2009, she obtained scholarships to Berklee College of Music, where she focused on vocal performance. As a teenager, she became engaged in the ballroom scene in New Jersey and New York, where she found community and honed her vogueing skills. At 14, she revealed to her parents that she identified as bisexual or gay, despite a long-standing desire to identify as female. She ultimately adopted the stage name “Mj Rodriguez” after the Marvel Comics character Mary Jane Watson, reflecting her passion for comics while incorporating letters from her birth name.
Rodriguez embarked on her professional journey in theater. While still attending college, she earned the role of Angel Dumott Schunard in an off-Broadway rendition of Rent, a part she had coveted since witnessing the 2005 film. Fredi Walker-Browne, who played Joanne in the original Broadway ensemble, saw her perform and assisted her in securing an audition. Rodriguez was honored with the 2011 Clive Barnes Award for her outstanding performance.
More
Rodriguez experienced a significant breakthrough in 2017 when she was cast as Blanca Evangelista in Ryan Murphy’s Pose on FX. The series, set within the New York ballroom scene of the 1980s and 1990s, featured the largest assembly of transgender series regulars in a scripted American show. Rodriguez portrayed Blanca, a trans woman who establishes the House of Evangelista after receiving an HIV diagnosis and becomes a maternal figure to queer youth of color. Her performance received widespread accolades. Pose premiered in 2018 and ran for three seasons until 2021. In 2021, she made history as the first transgender woman nominated for an Emmy in a principal acting category (Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series) for the final season of Pose, and also won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama.
Following Pose, Rodriguez appeared in significant films including Tick, Tick… Boom! (2021), voiced Nightbird in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023), and acted in Skincare (2024). On television, she plays Sofia Salinas in Loot (Apple TV+, 2022 to present) and Nicolette in American Horror Story: Delicate (2023–2024). She released her inaugural single, “Something to Say,” in 2021 via Access Records, and her debut album, 33, is set to launch in September 2024, featuring tracks like “I Am” and “Green Lights.” In September 2021, she declared her intention to use the name Michaela Jaé Rodriguez professionally, aspiring to be recognized for more than solely her role in Pose.
Updates
As of January 2026, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez (age 35) continues to thrive within the entertainment field:
- Her inaugural studio album, 33, was released on September 26, 2024, through TribeDisciples, featuring songs such as “I Am” and “Green Lights.” She has actively promoted the album through music videos and live performances.
- She remains a star as Sofia Salinas in Loot on Apple TV+, which has been renewed for additional seasons.
- Rodriguez portrays Nicolette in American Horror Story: Delicate (2023–2024), a segment of the enduring anthology series.
- Throughout 2024 and 2025, she has made guest appearances, presented at award shows, and delivered advocacy speeches regarding trans rights, representation, and mental health.
- Rodriguez resides in the New York area and is engaged on social media, sharing updates about her music, acting, and personal journey. She is in a long-term relationship with a private partner and, as of early 2026, has not entered marriage.
- No major new film or TV projects have been disclosed for 2026, but she continues to audition and create new music, maintaining her role as a vital voice for trans visibility in Hollywood.
Age
Michaela Jaé Rodriguez was born on January 7, 1991, making her 35 years old as of January 2026.
Songs
Michaela Jaé Rodriguez began her musical career with her debut single and has since issued a full studio album. Her musical offerings include:
- “Something to Say” (2021) – Debut single launched under Access Records; lead track for her forthcoming EP.
- “I Am” (2024) – Leading single from her debut album 33.
- “Green Lights” (2024) – Second single from 33, with an accompanying music video.
- Tracks from her album 33, released on September 26, 2024, consist of “I Am,” “Green Lights,” and other original pieces combining pop, R&B, and personal narratives.
Rodriguez has performed live at benefit concerts, including events with the Pose cast, and on late-night talk shows. Her music often delves into themes like identity, resilience, love, and empowerment. As of early 2026, she continues promoting 33 through live performances, social media engagement, and interviews.
Husband
As of January 2026, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is not wed and has no husband. She is involved in a long-lasting relationship with a private partner. Rodriguez has been candid about her experiences as a transgender woman and her encounters with love and relationships, yet she keeps much of her romantic life discreet. No reports of marriage or engagement have surfaced in interviews, on social media, or in news sources as of early 2026.
Partner
As of January 2026, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is in a devoted, long-term relationship with a partner who remains out of the spotlight. She has not publicly disclosed their name or shared extensive information about them, opting to maintain her personal romantic life under wraps. Rodriguez has shared insights about love, relationships, and her journey as a trans woman in interviews, though she rarely offers specifics about her current partner. No public announcements indicate a marriage, engagement, or separation as of early 2026. She emphasizes the significance of supportive relationships in her life and career.
Height
Michaela Jaé Rodriguez stands at approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall (1.68 meters), according to public appearances, red-carpet photographs, and comparisons with other actors and public figures at events.
Net Worth
As of January 2026, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez’s net worth is approximated to be between $3 and $5 million. This estimation derives from various sources, including:
- Salary and earnings from her prominent role as Blanca Evangelista in Pose (2018–2021), recognized as one of the most high-profile trans roles on television.
- Income from significant film roles in Tick, Tick… Boom! (2021), Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023), and Skincare (2024).
- Ongoing earnings from Loot (Apple TV+, 2022–present) and American Horror Story: Delicate (2023–2024).
- Musical releases, including her 2021 single “Something to Say” and her 2024 debut album 33.
- Endorsement arrangements (including her 2019 collaboration with Olay Body, establishing her as the first Latina trans woman to partner with the brand).
- Fees for appearances, hosting award shows, speaking events, and advocacy-related activities.
