Adam Rodriguez - What You Didn't Know

Adam Rodriguez – What You Didn’t Know

Meanwhile, Rodriguez, widely known for his role as Eric Delko in “CSI: Miami,” is also working with a Hispanic Scholarship Fund’s national ad campaign that looks to motivate young Latinos and their parents to strive for a better education.

“My family was very big on education,” said Rodriguez, who revealed he was the black sheep of the family for never going to college and instead pursued acting. “A formal education didn’t seem like something that was going to help me at the time.”

That said, the 39-year-old actor said that he places a huge value on education and that “the only way to advance is through education.”

“I want to make sure that kids have an option (for college),” said Rodriguez about his work with Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF). Rodriguez, who serves on the HSF’s board of directors, said the group strives to offer Latinos support on all levels, from how to transition into college to financial aid.

“It’s about giving them a support system,” Rodriguez said. “(Latinos) are growing in numbers and we have to couple that with education. Education is key.”

Rodriguez said he hopes that one day the country won’t need a designated month in the year to celebrate the contributions by Latinos to the United States. But in the meantime, it’s something inspirational to see.

“It’s an inspiration for us,” he said. “We don’t get to see each other a lot in mainstream so this month raises awareness and celebrates what we have accomplished.”

Other facts on Adam

Aspired to become a professional baseball player but was forced to forgo that dream because of a back injury.

Worked as a bellman and a construction worker while attending community college.

Appeared in a number of music videos, including Jennifer Lopez’s “If You Had My Love” (1999); Lionel Richie’s “I Call It Love” (2006); 50 Cent’s “Many Men” (2009); and Busta Rhymes’ “Respect My Conglomerate”(2009).

Had never watched the original CSI until he auditioned for the CSI: Miami spin-off.

Part owner of L.A.’s Dolce Enoteca e Ristorante, along with Ashton Kutcher, Christopher Masterson and Wilmer Valderrama.

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