Get to Know Golden Globe Winner Gina Rodriguez

Updated on 1/19/2015 at 7:34 PM

If you don't know the name Gina Rodriguez by now, it's time to crawl out from under that rock and learn a thing or two. Gina's the star of new CW hit Jane the Virgin, which recently became the first CW show to be nominated for a major award. During our interview with Gina, we found her enthusiastic, thoughtful, and introspective as she spoke about blazing a positive, heroic trail for Latinas. Even in her Golden Globes acceptance speech, she said, "This award is so much more than myself. It represents a culture that wants to see themselves as heroes." If you're wondering, "Who is this amazing woman, and where did she come from?" keep reading for details on one of Hollywood's freshest faces.

Say Hello to Gina Rodriguez

Gina Rodriguez is 30 years old. She was born in Chicago, and she has two older sisters. She went to school at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts.

She Has a Secret Passion For Music

Gina recorded some songs for an album that hasn't yet been released. "It was a beautiful discovery, and it was an art form I had never owned before. I was able to dabble in it, and now I feel a little more confident. And hopefully however life turns out, I'll have more opportunities to do that."

You've Seen Her Plenty of Places Before

Gina's first recurring television role was in The Bold and The Beautiful; she appeared in 15 episodes as Beverly. She's also played parts in episodes of Happy Endings, Law & Order, and Army Wives, and she's had roles in films such as Filly Brown and Go For It!.

She Turned Down a Role on Devious Maids

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Gina revealed why: "It was about my journey and the stories that I wanted to tell and the change I wanted to create. Television and film are fictional reality to reflect our daily reality. I didn't connect to Devious Maids. I didn't want that to be my coming-out."

She Really Believes in Representing Her Culture

It goes beyond Devious Maids, though. In the same interview, Gina, who is Puerto Rican, said there's a larger problem with Hollywood's portrayal of the Latino community.

"We all are proud of where we come from, no matter what religion or culture we're in. We all love our family; we all love our tradition. That pride does not go anywhere. But do we wear a flag on our shoulder? No. Are we always speaking Spanish and pregnant? No. That is so very far few and between, and that goes across the board. There is nobody exempt of going through hardships or going through success. What we get incorrect in this industry is that the Latino story is different than any other story. Or the black story is any different than any other story. We don't want to only be limited to our world, or our skin color. We want to transcend. We want to be invited to the same party as everybody else."

She's Dating Fellow Actor Henri Esteve

Recognize him? He played Javier Salgado, Nolan Ross's friend and fellow computer savant on ABC's Revenge.

Oh, and They're Way Too Adorable Together

Just look at those cuties.

She Can Rock the Hell Out of a Bow Tie

What?! She can!

That Line From Her Speech Really Is Her Mantra

During her acceptance speech at the Golden Globes, Gina shared an adorable anecdote about her father and the phrase, "I can, and I will." Even sweeter, it's something she's been saying all her life. She posted this on Instagram with the following caption:

"When I was a young girl my father would have me look in the mirror, straight in my eyes and say 'Today is going to be a great day, I can and I will' 15 years later I still say it. Together, we can and we will. Help those around you. Be kind, compassionate and generous. We don't live in this world alone. We are the successful product of the hard work of all the beautiful people around us including ourselves."

Gina Rodriguez