The Unrecognizable Manny Delgado: Where 'Modern Family' Star Rico Rodriguez Is Now In 2025

The cherubic child star who charmed millions as the mature, poetry-loving Manny Delgado on the hit ABC sitcom Modern Family has undergone a striking transformation. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, Rico Rodriguez is no longer the boy in the small suit; he's a grown man sporting a full beard, a new look that has left fans calling him "unrecognizable."

The transition from a decade on one of television's most beloved shows to navigating an adult career is a significant challenge for any child actor. For Rodriguez, who spent 11 seasons playing the son of Gloria Pritchett, that journey has led to new ventures in voice acting, podcasting, and a surprising shift in his public persona, all while maintaining close ties with his former castmates like Sofia Vergara and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.

Rico Rodriguez: The Full Biography and Profile

Rico Rodriguez, best known for his portrayal of Manny Delgado, has a career that spans over a decade, starting long before he became a household name. His life and career are closely linked to his famous sister, actress Raini Rodriguez.

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• Full Name: Rico Rodriguez II
• Date of Birth: July 31, 1998
• Age (as of late 2024): 26
• Place of Birth: College Station, Texas, U.S.
• Occupation: Actor
• Years Active: 2006–Present
• Notable Relatives: Raini Rodriguez (Older Sister, Actress)
• Breakout Role: Manuel "Manny" Delgado on Modern Family (2009–2020)
• Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $12 million (as of 2024)
• Early Career: Started acting after watching his sister, Raini, in 2006. His early work included several commercials and a guest role on the Disney Channel.
• Awards: Shared three Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series with the Modern Family cast.

Rodriguez initially envisioned a completely different future for himself, once stating that he thought he would be a "NASCAR chef going to the moon" before the acting bug bit him. His unexpected career path led to a decade of success and financial stability, with his net worth sitting comfortably at an estimated $12 million, largely due to his lucrative salary on the long-running ABC sitcom.

From Mini-Suit to Full Beard: Rico Rodriguez's Post-Modern Family Transformation

The most immediate and striking change for fans of Modern Family is Rico Rodriguez’s physical appearance. The clean-shaven, impeccably dressed boy who constantly sought the romantic affections of older women has been replaced by a young man with a full beard and a more rugged look.

This dramatic change highlights the passage of time since the show concluded in 2020. The actor has embraced a more casual, adult style, often seen with longer, impressive curls and a beard at recent public appearances, such as the 2024 Houston Sports Awards.

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Beyond his look, his personal interests have also become more public. Rodriguez is an avid sports fan, openly expressing his enthusiasm for the WWE and the NFL. This passion is a distinct contrast to the character of Manny Delgado, who was more likely to be found at a poetry slam or an opera.

Despite moving on, the bond with his television family remains incredibly strong. Rodriguez is often seen reuniting with his former co-stars. He has been photographed with his on-screen mother, Sofia Vergara, and recently appeared on a podcast hosted by Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Mitchell Pritchett), where he shared a humorous admission.

During the interview, Rodriguez confessed that in the early days of playing the highly articulate and philosophical Manny, he often "had no idea what I was saying" due to his young age and the character's complex dialogue. This revelation provides a charming look behind the scenes of the beloved series.

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New Roles and Voice Work: Rico's Latest Projects in 2024 and 2025

Following the conclusion of Modern Family, Rico Rodriguez has strategically chosen projects that allow him to explore new facets of his acting talent, particularly in the realm of voice acting and audio drama.

Starring in the Animated Film 'Sneaks' (2025)

One of the most anticipated projects for Rodriguez is the animated sports comedy film Sneaks, which is slated for a 2025 release. In a significant voice role, Rodriguez plays the character Ice.

The premise of the film revolves around a pair of misplaced sneakers, and Rodriguez's character, Ice, is described as a brash basketball shoe—a "hard-nosed, bully type" that is a stark departure from the gentle Manny Delgado. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Anthony Mackie, Martin Lawrence, Chris Paul, and Laurence Fishburne.

Rodriguez, a self-professed lifelong sneakerhead, expressed excitement about the project, which aligns perfectly with his personal interests. This role showcases his versatility and his ability to take on edgier, more comedic characters.

Voice Acting in the QCODE Podcast

In 2023, Rodriguez lent his voice talents to the QCODE fictional podcast series, How to Win Friends and Disappear People. This audio drama format allowed him to continue acting without the intense commitment of a television series.

The podcast features a talented ensemble cast, including Leslie Grace, Soni Bringas, and James Paxton, further cementing Rodriguez's interest in diverse and modern media platforms.

The Complex Legacy of Manny Delgado: A Deep Dive into the Character

Manuel Alberto Javier Alejandro "Manny" Ramirez Delgado was one of the most unique and endearing characters on television. As the son of Gloria Pritchett (Sofia Vergara) and the stepson of Jay Pritchett (Ed O’Neill), Manny was a precocious, old-soul child whose personality was defined by his love for the arts, his romantic sensibility, and his signature style of wearing a suit and tie.

His character development over the eleven seasons of Modern Family was a central focus of the show. Initially, his charm lay in the juxtaposition of his mature demeanor with his child-like innocence. He was a poet, a playwright, and a coffee enthusiast who was always ready with a profound, if slightly dramatic, observation.

However, as the character aged, fan perception began to shift. Many viewers on social media and fan forums have debated that Manny’s character arc "went downhill" in the later seasons. The critics argued that his romantic pursuits became less charming and more persistent, and his unique personality traits were sometimes exaggerated into caricature.

Despite these critical discussions, Manny Delgado remains a beloved figure in the show's ensemble. His relationship with his mother, Gloria, and his stepfather, Jay, provided some of the show's most heartwarming and hilarious moments. Jay Pritchett, in particular, grew from a skeptical patriarch to a genuinely loving father figure to Manny, showcasing a powerful theme of blended family acceptance.

Rico Rodriguez’s portrayal of Manny, which earned him multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards, is a testament to his ability to bring depth and humor to a challenging role. His work on the show solidified his place in television history, and his current projects show a clear intention to evolve beyond his iconic child star image into a versatile adult actor. The coming years, with the release of Sneaks and other ventures, will define the next chapter for the former Manny Delgado.