NEWSMichelle Rodriguez Says Hollywood Felt Like the 'Devil's World' After Growing Up With Strict Religious Rules
Michelle Rodriguez reflected on her strict religious upbringing and early Hollywood experience.
Aug. 21 2026, Updated 1:03 p.m. ET
Michelle Rodriguez spent more than 25 years in Hollywood, but her strict religious upbringing shaped how she viewed the entertainment industry when she first entered it.
"So it’s like none of this really means anything to me. And so you’re dealing with a kid who’s not affected. I’m already playing in the so-called devil’s world in my mind as a 20-year-old," she told People.
The actress, who went on to star in eight Fast & Furious films, also reflected on the religious environment she grew up in.
"I came from a Jehovah’s Witness background at the time," she said.
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Before landing the role of Letty Ortiz, Rodriguez had appeared in two independent films, Girlfight and 3 A.M.
"I was just getting introduced to what it is to be an actor in New York," Rodriguez told People.
She then recalled how Vin Diesel became interested in her.
"And then I think Vin [Diesel] had seen Girlfight and he really liked the character and wanted that character to be his girlfriend in 'Fast,'" she said.
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Rodriguez also recalled what attracted her to the project beyond its place in Hollywood.
"I really loved being able to get in a car, train, learn how to shoot guns, learn how to race cars," she told the outlet.
The role offered Rodriguez a sense of freedom as she explored experiences that had once been off-limits.
"To me, that was the exciting thing. Doing things that you weren’t allowed to do in real life. Break windows, be violent, all that stuff," she said.
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Michelle Rodriguez Previously Opened Up About Her Upbringing
Michelle Rodriguez discussed the strict rules that shaped her childhood.
Rodriguez previously discussed the rules she followed while growing up during a 2020 appearance on Facebook Watch’s "Red Table Talk."
"I mean, birthdays and celebrating Halloween are like evil," she revealed.
"I didn’t get to watch Disney movies 'til I was in my teens because of all the witchcraft," she continued.
Michelle Rodriguez Said Religious Upbringing 'Scarred Her for Life'
Michelle Rodriguez reflected on how her religious upbringing affected her later in life.
The actress also reflected on the lasting impact of her childhood with Interview Magazine, saying the religion "kind of scarred me for life."
"Sometimes I’d knock on the door of somebody I was going to school with, so it was like living a double life," she said.
"At school, I was this tomboy kid who just loved to hang out with her friends and learn curse words, trying to fit in with the cool kids and defending all the kids who got picked on," she continued.
