Modern Family’ Star Rico Rodriguez Surprises Fans With His Unrecognizable Red Carpet Appearance

Rico Rodriguez, best known for his role in the beloved sitcom Modern Family, proudly showed off his physical transformation as he stepped out for the red carpet premiere of Cobra Kai this week.

The now 26-year-old was loved by fans for his character Manny Delgado in the 11-season show, winning over so many hearts more than a decade ago. Manny was a huge part of the sitcom; he was the son of Gloria from her first marriage, as well as Jay’s stepson.

Highlights

Rico Rodriguez looked recognizably different at the Cobra Kai premiere with his curly hair and beard.
He’s best known for playing Manny Delgado on Modern Family over a decade ago.
Rico won’t appear in Cobra Kai but has an animated film, Sneaks, releasing in 2025.

As reported by The Mirror, he was an “instant fan-favorite” due to his “charming, polite, and courageous” personality.

Rico Rodriguez looked nearly unrecognizable as he stepped out for the red carpet premiere of Cobra Kai

Image credits: JB Lacroix / Getty

Unsurprisingly, he looks completely different 15 years later. As he attended the Netflix event with his sister Raini Rodriguez at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood in Los Angles, California, he rocked his new appearance.

Rico’s hair was down in curly locks as he sported a full beard and mustache that he definitely didn’t have back in his Modern Family days — which makes sense, given how young he was. He posed for the cameras with a rock hand gesture and a soft smile.

Style-wise, the actor’s vibe was casual, opting for a black tee, matching pants, and a dark blue denim jacket from the brand Off White, as the outlet stated. His look was additionally accessorized with a silver chain, black glasses, and noticeable orange sneakers.

Image credits: Modern Family

Cobra Kai won’t feature Rico, but that doesn’t mean he’s inactive in the realm of Hollywood. His new comedy/adventure animated film Sneaks is set to release on April 18, 2025.

The synopsis on IMDb reads, “When a designer sneaker unwittingly finds himself lost in New York City, he must dig deep into his sole in order to rescue his sister and return to his rightful owner.”

Rob Edwards is listed as the writer and director, and the project will feature stars such as Anthony Mackie, Keith David, and Laurence Fishburne, among others.

Rico first captured the hearts of many in Modern Family

Image credits: Kevin Winter / Getty

Image credits: starringrico

Rico was in the public eye quite early on in his life, and the actor opened up a few years ago to discuss how he’s treated outside his home — versus behind closed doors.

“When [I’m] acting, I’m putting on a character,” he told ABC News in an interview back in 2016. “But when I’m home, I’m Rico — Rico that still has to take out the trash, do my chores around the house, and then do schooling and stuff like that, so I really credit my mom and dad.”

At home, however, Rico wants to be treated just like any other person

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His Modern Family parents, Sofía Vergara and Ed O’Neill, treat him like their own son, as well.

“We are so thankful to be working together,” he said to CBS News in the same year. “It’s such a fantastic cast and I know I can speak for everyone and say we love working with each other.”

Image credits: starringrico

Born in College Station, Texas, Rico moved from his hometown to the City of Angels at the age of six in 2005 with his mother and sister, in hopes of supporting his sibling’s dream of becoming an actress, according to ABC News.

After watching Raini’s success, he decided to take acting classes himself, which, of course, turned out to be a great decision.

A few of his achievements include receiving the Impact Award from the National Hispanic Media Coalition, as well as being nominated as Male Breakout Star for the 2010 Teen Choice Awards.