From Tiny Tuxedos To 2025 Blockbusters: Where Is Manny From Modern Family Now?

The character of Manny Delgado, the poetic, philosophical, and old-soul son of Gloria Pritchett, was one of the most beloved figures on the long-running ABC sitcom Modern Family. Portrayed by actor Rico Rodriguez for eleven seasons, Manny’s journey from a precocious child in a velvet smoking jacket to a college-bound young man captivated millions of viewers. As of late December 2025, fans are constantly searching for updates on the actor who brought this iconic character to life, and the reality is that Rico Rodriguez has undergone a massive transformation both personally and professionally since the show wrapped up in 2020.

The cherubic child star is now a 27-year-old adult with a completely different look and a budding career focused on new ventures, including a major animated film set for a 2025 release. His recent interviews and public appearances reveal a star who is embracing his post-sitcom life, reflecting on his time on the show, and pursuing his passions outside of traditional acting roles. His latest projects and surprising physical change have made him nearly unrecognizable to fans who only remember him as the perpetually wise Manny Delgado.

Rico Rodriguez: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile

Rico Rodriguez rose to international fame playing Manny Delgado, the sophisticated and overly dramatic son of Gloria Pritchett (Sofía Vergara) and step-grandson of Jay Pritchett (Ed O'Neill). His performance earned him multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards as part of the ensemble cast. Since the show's finale, Rodriguez has successfully transitioned into adulthood, focusing on voice acting and personal interests.

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• Full Name: Rico Rodriguez
• Date of Birth: July 31, 1998
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 27 years old
• Birthplace: College Station, Texas, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Known For: Manny Delgado on Modern Family (2009–2020)
• Sister: Raini Rodriguez (also an actress, known for Austin & Ally)
• Estimated Net Worth: Between \$7 Million and \$12 Million
• Recent Work: Voice role in the animated film Sneaks (2025), guest role on Disney Channel’s Bunk’d.
• Key Interests: Lifelong "sneakerhead," WWE, and NFL.

Rodriguez’s career began with smaller roles, including a part in the film Epic Movie (2007) and a voice role in El Americano: The Movie (2016). However, it was his 11-year run on Modern Family that cemented his legacy in television history. His estimated net worth reflects the massive success and long-term syndication value of the Emmy-winning sitcom.

The Unrecognizable Transformation: Manny Delgado's New Look

One of the biggest surprises for fans checking in on Rico Rodriguez is his dramatic physical transformation. The clean-cut, baby-faced actor who was rarely seen out of a sweater vest or a suit on screen is now a fully grown man with a distinctive, rugged appearance.

Rodriguez has been turning heads at recent public events, including the premiere of *Cobra Kai* (though he is not in the show), where he debuted a significantly different style.

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His new look is defined by two major changes:

1. A Full Beard: Gone is the youthful appearance; Rodriguez now sports a thick, full beard.
2. Longer, Curly Hair: He has let his hair grow out, often wearing it with a natural curl, which further distances his current image from the tightly groomed Manny Delgado character.

This transformation is a natural part of growing up in the spotlight. Having started the role at just 11 years old and finishing at 21, his adult appearance is a stark contrast to the child star fans remember. This "unrecognizable" change has become a major talking point on social media and in entertainment news, proving that the actor is successfully shedding his child-star image.

Rico Rodriguez’s Latest Projects and Career Moves in 2025

Since Modern Family concluded its 11-season run in 2020, Rico Rodriguez has been selective about his roles, focusing on projects that align with his personal interests and allow him to explore new facets of his career, particularly in voice acting and producing content.

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The Animated Film 'Sneaks' (2025)

Rodriguez’s most significant project confirmed for 2025 is the animated family film *Sneaks*. The movie is a passion project for Rodriguez, as he is a self-proclaimed lifelong "sneakerhead." The film centers on a pair of misplaced sneakers, and Rodriguez has been actively promoting the project, giving interviews about his role. This move into animation showcases his versatility and ability to leverage his voice talent, which is a common and successful career path for former child stars.

Recent Television and Guest Appearances

While his focus has been on voice work, Rodriguez has made a few live-action appearances. Notably, he played the character Baxter Barca in an episode of the Disney Channel series Bunk’d. This role, though brief, shows he is still open to television work and maintaining a presence in the industry.

The Podcast Confession with Jesse Tyler Ferguson

In one of the most insightful updates, Rico Rodriguez recently appeared on a podcast hosted by his former co-star, Jesse Tyler Ferguson (who played Mitchell Pritchett). During the conversation, Rodriguez offered a candid look back at playing the "old soul" character Manny.

He admitted that because Manny was written with such sophisticated, mature dialogue, there were times when he "had no idea what I was saying" on set, especially as a young child. This confession highlights the immense talent required to convincingly deliver lines that were far beyond his years, and it provides a charming contrast to the on-screen persona of the wise, poetic Manny Delgado.

Topical Authority: The Modern Family Legacy and LSI Keywords

The bond between the Modern Family cast members remains strong, which is a key part of the show's enduring legacy and topical authority. Rodriguez frequently speaks about his close relationships with his on-screen family, including Sofía Vergara (Gloria), Ed O'Neill (Jay), and Aubrey Anderson-Emmons (Lily Pritchett). The cast reunion for various events and the support they show for each other’s new projects, like Rodriguez’s appearance on Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s podcast, keep the Dunphy and Pritchett-Delgado families in the news.

Rodriguez's personal life is also a source of interest for fans. His passion for WWE and the NFL—specifically rooting for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA—are interests far removed from Manny's love for poetry and theater. This blend of his classic acting past (Manny Delgado, Alex Dunphy, Luke Dunphy) and his current, more rugged adult life (voice acting, beard, sneakerhead culture) makes his story one of the most compelling post-sitcom transformations in recent memory. He is actively shaping a career that is true to his adult self, moving beyond the tiny tuxedo and into the world of film and animation.