Hello and welcome to Big Gay Energy.
I'm Caitlin. And I'm Fiora.
Come along with us while we dive into the fun and nuances of
queer media. Representation matters.
And we're here to talk about it. Cheers queers.
We are back with another super fun interview.
Today. We are talking to the fabulous
Frankie Rodriguez. You may know him as Carlos from
the Disney plus show High School Musical The Musical, The series.
Welcome to the podcast, Frankie. Hello.
We are so excited that you're here, yes.
We're here. Now we know it's been a it's
been a bit since the High School Musical show has wrapped, but
how does it feel when you kind of like look back on your
experience as being a part of that show?
Yeah, I mean, great. I mean, I feel really very proud
of what we did. I'm very happy with how it
wrapped up and how it ended. And also just very thankful
knowing that halfway through we found out that we were going to
be wrapping everything up. So it was like nice to be able
to take everything in. Sometimes you don't always get
that opportunity. So it was nice to be able to
just kind of, you know, like appreciate the moment.
It's really good that there wasn't like any big surprise
afterwards like, Oh no, you're not coming back.
Yeah, that would have been unfortunate.
So I'm happy everything worked out the way it did and I was
someone who hated my high school experience.
Nothing terrible, terribly bad happened.
I just did not like going to school.
So this was a nice like 4 years that I was like, oh this is fun.
That's great, since LGBTQ Plus representation has only been,
like recently, getting incorporated more into
storylines. I'm curious, did you receive
like any sort of backlash from playing a gay character on
Disney in the beginning of the show?
Nothing too extreme I think. Maybe honestly like one direct
DM to me that was like really like vile and nasty but nothing
like that I can remember. But anything that was nothing
directed towards me. But anytime like a Disney
Instagram or something posted a photo or something promoting the
show, there was always the comments were just so bad And so
you know trying to deal with that was also just kind of very
strange because you don't want to take it personally.
But of course like you're the face of whatever, like they're
like against, so it's hard not to sometimes.
But you know, I I've learned to since not read the comments that
that seems. Hard in itself, like curiosity.
Yeah, you have to kind of just like post and go like even if
the comments are good, I'm just like, I don't even want to know
if they're good or if they're bad.
Like it's It is what it is. That is fair.
That is absolutely fair and at the end of the day, like, it's
how you feel about your work and work done 3. 100%, yeah.
So as an LGBTQ plus actor, how important is it for you to
portray characters like Carlos, and what impact do you hope that
representation has on the audience?
You know, I just hope it has, like it kind of normalizes the
experience. I feel like growing up,
everything I saw, specifically catering around like the gay
experience was always very like troublesome.
And they're bullied and you know, their life's a mess and no
one accepts them. And I'm, I'm happy that now.
It's kind of like transition to the stage where it's just, you
know, everyday people living everyday lives and I just hope
we get to expand more on those stories.
Obviously there's so many different communities within
this like umbrella of a community that we kind of like
go by and I think those do make for great stories and
interesting stories and fresh stories.
So I think I would love to, you know, be able to dive in more
on, you know, just different parts of the community and have
different people share their experiences.
So, the High School Musical. The musical, the series.
I always feel the need to say, like the entire thing.
You. Have to.
Yeah, like you have to. Because if you say High School
Musical, that's not the show. That's.
Something else that's. The movies, but they incorporate
incorporates a lot of music. Do you have a favorite musical
number from the show? Oh my gosh, I have so many.
I think just because it's like the fresh, the freshest season
is Nightmares Come to Life, which is the Halloween song that
we did. And that was fun because we
rarely got to do big group numbers where like everybody,
you know what I mean? Like, it kind of encapsulates
the experience. So I would say that one is like
probably one of my favorites, just because it's fun to listen
to. It was fun to film and it's fun
to watch. So I think it like kind of
checks all the boxes. That was definitely a very good
one, like that whole episode was.
Yeah, that was fun. Is there a particular scene from
the show that you that I guess is most memorable to you?
I mean, truly, if I think about all of them, they are truly like
memorable every. It's still pretty fresh.
But I think one that made the biggest impact was the
homecoming scene in the first season.
And I think why it left such a big impact is because it really
solidified what we were going to do with the series and what we
were going to say for me. So that was really exciting, to
be a part of something that felt bigger than myself.
And then, you know, having to like keep it secret for like the
next year before it aired and stuff.
And then the response to that episode, how everybody responded
to that was just so wonderful and so sweet and nice.
So that for me is like one of my favorite memories I have of the
show. And it was so fun to film that
day. It looks like fun.
I love that moment, so I'm glad you brought that one up.
Like that was a moment that was impactful to me as the as the
audience member. So I'm glad it was a good moment
for you. Yeah, it's me.
I felt like it, told the audience.
Like, this is a safe space and this is what we're doing, yeah.
Yes, we talked a lot about it in our discussion episode.
Oh, OK. Yeah, we talked for like 7 hours
about the show. So just a just a little bit, if
you could go back to one day on set, not not like a specific
musical number or episode, but just like a moment on set.
What? What day would that be if you
have one? Oh my gosh.
What day would that be? A day on set that I could just
relive? It's hard to say.
I think anytime there was a big where like everybody was called
and everybody was there and then you kind of like don't want the
day to end because you're having so much fun.
And of course those are the days that go by the fastest, even
though you're there the longest. So I just think any of those
days, because those are really the times you're really getting
to know the people that you're working with and you're like
going off and having conversations or your go off and
like you know, filming tik toks or something like it just kind
of like, you know, it's, I don't know, it's fun.
It's just it's very there's all these different things to do.
It's like team bonding is what it sounds like.
Yeah, like high school. Yeah, high school was not the
high school which is like the best.
So we mentioned we we did a discussion episode about this
show and one of the things we were talking about is how we
were kind of surprised and and grateful that High School
Musical, the musical, the series tackled like body image issues
from multiple lenses including Carlos, which I thought was
really interesting. And I was just curious, what was
it like for you to, like bring that storyline to life?
Yeah, you know, I think it was definitely like an interesting
timeline of things. Because you know how they always
say life imitates art. You know, going through
specifically that season, season three, when we were in LA and I
was just feeling very like, I don't know, like maybe like the
pressures of like having to look a certain way to be on camera or
you know what I mean. And all the obviously all of
those things are made-up in your head.
But it's hard to not feel the pressure when you're like
looking around and you're looking at everybody and you're
looking at what everybody else looks like and you're like, OK,
but I don't fit into that or I don't fit into that.
So it was an interesting kind of like layer to now have to like
do it on the show. And I'm so glad we did talk
about it because you know, I think we're not really used to
seeing body image issues from a male perspective, especially on
camera and especially from that age.
It's not really something that's touched upon, but it's
definitely something that I was always aware of and I was always
looking at and thinking about when I was in high school.
Like, I don't look like that. You know what I mean?
And so I'm glad we were able to talk about it.
Yeah. And I hope you know it resonated
with people. No, absolutely.
I couldn't agree more. And that's why I thought it was
really interesting that we had like the female perspective of
this with like Ashland and then it came to Carlos because it's
something everybody experiences. So it was a really great plot
line and like thank you for portraying it so well, well.
Thanks. I feel like also it's like a
different beast when it's in the gay world, too, because it's
like, oh, OK, So not only like, can I be judged by everybody
outside, but then I can also be judged within this community of
people where it's supposed to feel safe.
And so it's a very, like, bizarre kind of, but I just hope
that people know that that one singular experience is not the
gay experience. It's just like kind of what's
advertised, honestly. So, But yeah, you know all, all
are accepted and welcomed. Exactly.
It was so. Great.
Very much enjoyed it. We got a sprinkle of original
High School Musical actors throughout the first three
seasons and then they said screw it and got a whole bunch for
season four. What was it like getting to work
with all these actors from the original movies?
That that was really cool. Because, you know, obviously
that's the biggest question everybody asks when you're
talking about you're on the series or like are they all
going to be there? Are they all, And I'm just like,
I don't know, they don't tell us anything.
But that was really cool to get to just kind of work with them
on something that was ours. But then also like they were a
part of this like franchise as a whole.
And you know, they started the whole thing.
And they also were going through, they also went through
a very similar experience of something you're going through
right now. So it was fun to, like, talk to
them and ask them questions like how they dealt with certain
situations or what their experience was like.
Because also like the social media of it all when they were
around was like almost nonexistent.
So now you're like trying to like, trickle in all these new
things. But the coolest part of it all
was the fact, like, we got to watch them walk on set for the
first time, walking back into the East High Gym.
And just to see, like, some of them, like, overcome with
emotion and stuff, it was like, Oh, my gosh, like, this is
something that meant so much to them.
And, you know, it's kind of just like, I I feel like it would be
a very strange experience for me 15 years from now watching
somebody else do, like, not do your job but like, continue on
this legacy thing. But yeah, they were all so
sweet, so supportive of the show, which is always so nice.
And it's nice to have, you know, kind of like a stamp of approval
from someone who was there and who experienced it.
But then to have most of them, almost all of them, there to be
like, yeah, we like the show. Like that's like the best.
That's like the best stamp of approval ever.
Yeah. It was also really smart to have
them be like, OK, we'll sprinkle in a little bit in the
beginning, but the show is its own.
It's not the. Movies.
And then the way that they brought everyone in was just
great. Yeah, that was fun.
So Speaking of like, continuing legacies, so like, let's say
there was a season five of High School Musical the Musical, the
series, What do you think would have happened to Carlos had like
the story continued? Oh my gosh, I I feel like we
would obviously see them graduate.
I would hope so in like an actual graduation setting.
And I don't know, maybe like the talks of like Broadway and, you
know, doing the whole New York thing and all of that stuff.
Very Sharpay's fabulous adventure, I think.
I mean, so I'd love to say that. Yes, that.
It is Carlos instead of spit off.
I I know I've been trained to pitch it for years.
I mean, I'm still waiting. I mean it's it's just the
direction it's going in. Yeah, it has to happen.
How has playing Carlos contributed to your growth as an
actor, and what lessons could did you learn from your
character? I I don't think it was so much
from the character. I think it was just more from
the entire experience. I was always in such awe of the
talent of everybody else and how amazing and great they were and
how natural everybody was. So it was kind of and this is
like my first time being on like a long running series.
So it was just kind of like the best schooling ever just to see
the way people, the different types of processes people were
doing or, you know, the songs they were singing or the how
they were dancing. And everybody has different
strengths too. So everybody is like good at
different things at different times.
And so that was just, I felt like I grew as an actor and I
felt like I grew into like knowing what to do.
Does that make sense? Like, sometimes I feel like as
an actor, you book things so far and if you and it's like in
between, you know what I mean? So it could be months before you
have your next job. And so it's almost like when you
go back to work, you're like, I don't know how to do this, like
what am I doing? So it was nice to have those
four years to kind of learn what the day-to-day is and then also
to be around people that were just going to be so supportive
of your journey and stuff. I can have asked for, you know,
a better acting class really. You also guest starred in
another show called Bunked, where your character had the
first same sex proposal on Disney.
What was that experience like? That was really fun and really
cool and something I am so happy to have been a part of.
I when I first was approached about it, I was like, oh wow,
like this is going to be like a big deal.
Like this is going to be something very special.
And then talking to the creatives and the director and
the way that it was handled, so very, like, what is the word?
It was just like, very like, they were so excited about it
and did kind of feel like a wedding.
Like you were planning for, like a real proposal.
And they're like, which ring do you think he would get?
Or like, which jacket do you think he would wear?
And so that part of it was fun like that.
Like for the first time felt like I was like building like a
character with like the creatives and stuff.
So that was really fun and really special.
I'm glad I got to do that. And it was beautiful and it was,
it was so great. It was so much fun to watch and
I just love that there's going to be kids watching.
I'd be like, oh, this is normal, like this.
Don't see it and you need to. Yeah.
Oh, thanks. It so if you could have been in
like any Disney Channel show in the past, what would you want it
to be? Any Disney Channel, I think I
would have to go with that. So Raven, that's so Raven was my
favorite show in the entire world.
And I don't know if Raven's Home is still on, but when I tell you
I have been like any time like a Disney representative came to
the show, I was like, I would love to be on Raven's Home.
Oh my gosh. Like there's actually an
opportunity. I I would do anything but that
would be like fulfilling, like a childhood dream.
And I'd be able to like, you know, wrap that up.
But that's the Raven I feel like taught me about, like comedy and
timing and all of that stuff, 'cause I would watch the show
and then I would rehearse over the weekend and do everything
she did at school, then the next week.
So I feel like she, I don't know, she's like my mentor or
something. In a weird way.
Well. Putting it out there, Disney.
Yeah, putting it out there. I know, like they're at least on
Season 6, and I'm not truly sure if it's continuing.
That's what I feel. Yeah, if you can have season
six, you can have season seven. Frankie is the star.
All. Right.
So like aside from working on the one of the Raven shows, is
there any dream project or dream role that you would like to do
in the future? Yeah, you know, it's hard to
say. Like, it's hard to like be so
specific about the dream because different shows require
different characters and all of those different things that I
just always want to be a part of something that's going to be
really fun, that has some really fun people attached.
And like, I'm all about like good vibes.
Like if everybody's fun to work with and we're all having a
great time, like that's That in itself is the dream.
But I would just love to play like, if we want to get like so
specific, like like a David Rose from Schitt's Creek, like that
seems like so fun. Just to like someone so like
unapologetic and kind of just like says the first thing that
comes to their mind and then that gets them in trouble.
So I think specifically maybe something along the lines like
that that would be so fun. That would be so fun.
We need more David Roses. Honestly.
I know, right? I mean so.
Oh my gosh, yes. That would be so much fun,
especially to watch you in. Oh, thanks.
That's all we have for, like, the regular questions.
But we do have this a small Would you rather section.
OK, All right. So our first one is, would you
rather perform in a Broadway musical or take on a challenging
dramatic film role? Oh, just because I've seen so
many Broadway shows recently, I'm going to go with Broadway
show. All right, #2 would you rather
never be able to sing or never be able to take another selfie?
Oh, never. I I would never take another
selfie. Good answer.
Would you rather have the ability to speak and understand
every language or be a master playing any musical instrument?
Oh, I think speak all of the languages.
That would be so cool. Right.
And also like very adaptable, you could go anywhere.
Yeah, I I I would be international at that point.
All right. This is our question we ask
everybody so. All right.
Would you? Rather get the sex talk from
Miss Jen or Corbin Blue. Oh my God, I I have to.
For the sake of pure awkwardness, I would have to go
with Corbin Blue. Like, I don't want to talk about
that with Miss Jen. And I should clarify Corbin Blue
in the show. In the show, yeah.
We're not, like, talking about real people.
Yeah. OK, now now here's a really
weird one. There's always at least one.
I mean besides the last. One that we.
Just asked Anyway, if Carlos had a quirky sidekick, would you
rather be a talking cactus or a mischievous squirrel with a
penchant for stealing school supplies?
I'm. Going to go with the cactus.
I don't want to mess with the school.
I don't want to work with the squirrel on a daily basis.
It's like the the hamster in that one episode was another.
Yeah. No, thank you.
All right, last one. Would you rather be in a season
of The Real Housewives or perform on stage with Beyoncé?
I'm going to go perform with Beyoncé.
Like, as fun. As much as I love watching The
Real Housewives, I don't know if I would enjoy the experience of
actually being in the middle of everything.
And of course, like one chance with Beyoncé, I'm going to take
it. That's a really good answer.
Because, I mean, yeah, you're right.
Like, the Real Housewives would be fun, but like, I feel like
the trauma is real. Yeah, it sounds like a day, but
I don't. I don't want to do like the
whole episode arc if that. Sounds stressful.
You already got a taste of kind of being in it with the real
campers of shallow like. Yeah.
No thank.
You. Beyoncé it is.
We can't wait to see it. All right.
Frankie, thank you so much for joining us today.
We we really appreciate you taking the time to talk to me,
get to know you better. Before we sign up, do you have
any final words for our listeners at home?
Fine like words of like. Wisdom.
Gratitude, Whatever you want. Gratitude.
I'll. I'll do both.
Thank you. Thank you for following my
journey and allowing me to hopefully bring you joy and
words of wisdom. Be yourself.
OK, that's good advice. Yeah.
All right. Well, seriously, thank you
again. We really appreciate it.
If for some reason you're listening to this and you
haven't watched High School Musical the Musical the series,
please go do that so you can see Frankie, bring Carlos to life
and follow Frankie on social media.
Until next time, everybody hydrate for lesbian Jesus.
And get it up all over the place.
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