Biographie
Emmy Award-winning television host and actor Jai Rodriguez began his career at 18 when he was cast as Angel in the critically acclaimed Broadway musical RENT. He continued his Broadway journey with roles in The Producers and Spinning Into Butter, and originated the title role in the Off-Broadway hit Zanna, Don't!. Alongside his Broadway work, Jai became a prominent figure in New York City's nightlife by creating the long-running Twisted Cabaret, a concert series that ran for three years at Club XL, one of the city’s top venues.
Best known for his role on Bravo's groundbreaking series Queer Eye For The Straight Guy, Jai carved out a unique position as the 'Culture Vulture,' bringing youthful insight to the Emmy Award-winning show’s diverse cast. He has hosted a wide range of lifestyle entertainment programs including Styleyes Miami (SiTv), America's Prom Queen (ABC Family), Ultimate Style (Style Network), two seasons of Groomer Has It (Animal Planet), and Model Latina (SiTv). Additionally, he served as ABC’s official pre-show host for the 2009 American Music Awards.
In recent years, Jai returned to television in dramatic roles on NBC’s Harry's Law, ABC’s Detroit 187, and Days of Our Lives. He also portrays Tom, Wayne Brady’s husband, on CBS’s hit How I Met Your Mother. Other guest appearances include NBC’s Are You There Chelsea?, FOX’s Bones, and a role as transgender woman Amanda Knott on NBC’s Harry's Law.
Jai starred as Geoffrey on ABC’s comedy Malibu Country alongside Reba McEntire and Lily Tomlin, becoming the first male reality TV star to secure a series regular role on network television. During the 2013 holiday season, he appeared opposite Kelly Clarkson in her NBC Christmas special, Kelly Clarkson's Cautionary Christmas Music Tale.
A versatile vocalist, Jai has shared the stage performing duets with legends such as Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Brian McKnight, Taylor Dayne, and Michelle Williams. He also appeared in Lady Gaga’s music video for "Telephone" featuring Beyoncé.
His acting credentials include guest roles on LOGO’s Rick and Steve, FX’s Nip/Tuck, and TeenNick’s Gigantic. He played Angelo Ferraro in the 2009 feature film Oy Vey! My Son Is Gay!! alongside Carmen Electra and Lainie Kazan. The film was an official selection at international film festivals, earning critical acclaim and multiple awards.
Jai continues to pursue his musical career, both onstage and in the studio, performing one-man shows such as Xposed, My Truth, and Dirty Little Secrets across Los Angeles, Miami, San Diego, and New York. He is also the Co-Creator and Co-Executive Producer of LOGO’s upcoming series Bad Sex.
On December 11, 2013, at 10 pm on NBC, Jai stars alongside Kelly Clarkson in the holiday movie Kelly Clarkson's Cautionary Christmas Music Tale.
Committed to advocacy, Jai supports causes close to his heart, working with organizations including the NOH8 Campaign, AIDS Walk, Project Angel Food, The Trevor Project, and the Love is Louder campaign against bullying.
