BY IRVIN RIVERA

*This shoot and interview was completed before the SAG-AFTRA Strike*

A BOOK OF interviewed singer and actress LEE RODRIGUEZ on her experiences and career highlights. Lee, known for her role as Fabiola in "Never Have I Ever," talked about the evolution of her character throughout the show's four seasons- highlighting Fabiola's growth from uncertainty to self-confidence as a queer individual. Rodriguez also shared her bittersweet feelings about wrapping up the series, reminiscing about memorable moments from the beginning of the show.

Beyond her acting career, Lee opened up about her passion for sustainability and the environment, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about climate change. She described her journey from attending her first climate change protest in 2019 to becoming an advocate for sustainable living. Lee also expressed her interest in incorporating her love for music into her professional career, hinting at the possibility of singing her own original songs as part of her acting roles.

Throughout the interview, Lee Rodriguez's authenticity and commitment to representation and meaningful storytelling shone through, making it clear that she's not only a talented actress but also a passionate advocate for important social and environmental issues.

Hi, Lee, how are you? 

Hi, I'm good. How are you?

Doing Good. What's keeping you busy nowadays? How's it going?

Oh, absolutely going, living life. Chilling. Yes, pretty much that.

Congrats on season 4 of Never Have I Ever. I just watched the season and I really, really enjoyed it. How was Fabiola's character evolution throughout the seasons of the show?

I mean, she definitely has grown into herself a lot from season one. In season one, she's very much not sure of who she was and not comfortable with being out. And now, in comparison to season four, you get to see Fabiola just existing as a queer person and you really see her in her element, in robotics and having all these choices of different colleges and yes, so she's grown a lot.

And you can really see that too in the way she interacts with all the characters around her. 

Right.

And it's really fun to see her grow. Being the last season of the show, how was it to finally conclude it? 

I mean, when we were going into filming for season four, we knew it was going to be the last season so we at least got to prepare. But it made it also bittersweet because it was like moments where it's like, oh, this is the last time we're going to be on this set or this is the last time we're going to have our first day of filming. And so, we had a lot of last time together. And it was very bittersweet, just saying goodbye to our characters and saying goodbye to just the cast and the crew and the writers. And so yes, it was really bittersweet.

I bet. Speaking of that, do you remember any moment from the beginning that stood out to you that's still memorable up to this day?

I mean, I remember the first day of filming. It was me, Maitreyi and Ramona. And the very first scene that we filmed was like us going into the classroom and Devi picking out who will be Fabiola and Eleanor's potential boyfriends. And so, I remember that being our very first scene and just all being so excited and not sure where the show would go. We're having a blast and having a fun time, and just hanging out on set. So, I think that's a fun memory from the beginning.

And it seems like all of you are just genuinely having fun on set. 

Yes, yes. 

So, what are the challenges and the highs that you experienced during the filming of your whole entire journey on Never Have I Ever?

I would say the biggest challenge was filming during the pandemic, that was really hard. Especially because we filmed even when there weren't any vaccines yet. And so, that was really stressful. Trying to make sure that nobody got sick and all the protocols and when someone did get sick, you kind of had to shut down but we did it, we got through it. You know, it didn't have any negative effect on the show and yes, it all turned out well. And I'm glad that we were still able to film throughout it.

You know, I kind of forgot that you guys actually were still filming during the pandemic and it’s wild to think about it- and how it seems like normal again.

Yes, yes, we literally just filmed all throughout the pandemic, so, it was a lot.

That's crazy. Now, from your first Instagram post which showcased your piano skills through your love for playing the piano. Music seems to hold significance in your life. How does music influence your creativity as an actress, and do you have any aspirations to incorporate music into your professional career in the future?

Well, I've always said that music is like my first love. It's my first passion- I feel like music allows me to express myself. I don't know, it's just a different form of expression. And I guess acting kind of gives me that too. You know, I don't know what my character is saying sometimes. To really be able to connect to the character, I kind of bring my own personal experiences. And it allows me to, in some kind of way, heal. It's pretty healing to be able to express the things that you can't really say in your real life. And I would love to incorporate my music one day in my acting.

That'd be cool. Like singing your own originals as your character. 

Right? 

Let's talk about your singles Afterthought and God Complex, tell us more about it and the inspirations behind each song.

So, my first single, Afterthought, was released in June and God Complex was released in July and I'm so excited. So, Afterthought- it's pretty much the way it sounds, just like being treated like you're not a priority, or being in a relationship and being treated like an afterthought. And I feel like a lot of people can relate to that, just relate to being with somebody that they deem as a priority, and not being reciprocated. And just kind of taking that power back and being like, this is not what I am, and I deserve better. And so, I love that song because it's very empowering. And then God Complex, it's more of like essential, kind of like, realizing that somebody is toxic, but still being addicted to them. So yes, that sounds really fun. And I can't wait for people to hear the full song. 

I can't wait to hear it.

Yes, it's coming out so I'm excited.

Based on the backstories that you just told me; it seems like these songs will definitely apply to the characters of the show too because it's so relatable. 

Right? 

It's like things that people experience and can easily relate to. 

Right. 

Yes. You've been quite vocal about environmental issues and climate change on your social media accounts, how did your passion for Sustainability and Environment develop? And how do you incorporate those values into your daily life and career choices?

I mean, it's just something that I’m passionate about. I went to my first protest in 2019, I think. Yes, 2019 was my first climate change protest, and it really just made me realize how important the climate crisis is, and how we're already today dealing with the effects of the climate crisis. Now, it's something that people usually shy away from because it seems so like, it just seems like a lot, it seems like there's nothing really that you can do to help contribute to change, but in reality, there is. There are so many things that you can do, like going to a protest. I would recommend going to a protest for people who don't know much about the climate crisis, you'll learn so much. And there's so much you can do in your daily life as well to be more sustainable but also, not just kind of talking or not contributing to the companies that do contribute a lot to the climate crisis, who have the bigger carbon footprints. And so, that's something that I've learned along the way. And those are the kind of things that I try to contribute, and just, having the conversation as much as I can at any given moment. And I think maybe just trying to put out, post stuff that makes the climate crisis seem more digestible and easier to understand. Because I know before I ever got into it, it seemed like a lot to me, and very confusing and very scary. But there are a lot of things that are happening right now that are combating the climate crisis. There are so many companies that are doing better with their carbon footprint. So, there's a lot of change happening but I think it's something that should be on everybody's mind and it should be something that everybody cares about. And, you know, you don't have to be like, hardcore climate activist but I think some level of activism or some level of knowledge on it, I think is very important because it's something that affects everybody.

I definitely agree because what you're doing- raising awareness, it's really important. Especially, that there are a lot of people watching you on your socials, and you have a big audience and making it digestible like you said, is such a big thing.

Yes, because it can be overwhelming. I mean, I took a class on it, how it makes you depressed sometimes just thinking about it, and it makes you want to shy away from it or give up and not want to be involved. But I think just constantly trying to educate yourself on what's going on. And all the good things that are happening make you want to be more involved and make you want to have hope that things are getting better.

And there's always these little things that you can do, right, to contribute. As you said earlier, it doesn't have to be something grand right away, you can start by doing little things in your daily life.

Right, little things like, if you want to plant a tree or if you want to shed light on organizations that have a huge carbon footprint, I mean, just shedding light and sharing knowledge can honestly do so much.

Speaking of awareness, you've been vocal and proud about your Afro-Latino heritage, how's it to provide representation in TV and social media?

I mean, I think it's awesome. I mean, I'm just showing up as myself and other people feeling seen by that. And so, going into it, I didn't really think about it, because it's like, I started off just, I like acting, that's what I want to do. I didn't realize how important it would be for someone like me to be represented on screen. And so, I think it's awesome. And I think that I hope, through my representation, that it inspires other young Afro Latinos, or know LatinX individuals or black individuals to follow their dreams and know that anything's possible.

Absolutely. I mean, whatever you're doing, it's really inspiring. It provides this positive energy whenever we see you on screen. So that's a good thing. 

Yes, thanks.

And, do you feel some sort of pressure because of that?

Not necessarily, I mean, if there is any pressure, it hasn't really been too much for me. I mean, I haven't felt any sort of pressure. I just know that there's a responsibility to make sure that representation continues to move forward, and I'm fine with being part of that.

Lee, what's your dream project?

I really want to be in a James Gunn film, or a Zack Snyder film. Quentin Tarantino, I don't know, like some kind of huge film. I want to be like a superhero or something. 

Yes. That would be exciting. 

Yes. 

All right. So, what's a valuable lesson that you've learned throughout your life that you always carry with you up to this day?

I would have to say that, to just support other people and celebrate other people's wins and recognize that your turn is coming. You know, everyone gets a turn to have their moment. And to never compare yourself to people. If someone else is winning, don't be like, oh, you know, I'm not doing good in life, or I'm not where they are at. Just realize that that's their moment and one day, you'll have your moment too so just be patient for when it's your turn, because you would want other people to be happy for you. So, I want you to support other people and root for other people and just be patient and humble and be thankful for where you are at.

I love that. Very well said. Yes. Because we all have our own different journeys in life and you can't just compare yourself to other people's journeys.

Mm-hm. Exactly, exactly.

Final question. If you were a book, what book would you be and why? 

I would probably be any kind of John Green book because I love John Green's books. So yes, I'm not a big book reader but those are the only kind of books that can get me to sit down and actually read all the way through it. So, I'd have to go with John Green.