John Garcia, Executive Director/Producer of The Column Awards and its Board of Directors received some exciting late breaking news last night! Jai Rodriquez, one of the stars of Bravo's Emmy Award winning hit reality show QUEER EYE FOR THE STRAIGHT GUY and who originated the lead role in the off Broadway hit musical, ZANNA DON'T! has been added to the growing list of celebrities attending this year's Column Awards. "We had invited Jai earlier last month, but alas his film schedule prevented him from attending," Garcia stated. "But then last night I was informed that his film schedule has changed and that he could come to THE COLUMN Awards.
We are thrilled to death he's coming!" Mr. Rodriguez will also be attending the VIP Reception, serve as a guest presenter and perform at the Gala. "I was severely addicted to QEFTSG! It is so bizarre how life will have roads connect. Jai portrayed the role of "Angel" on Broadway, then when Wilson was coming back to do RENT again, he watched several performances with Jai in the role. Both are really good friends. And if that's not bizarre enough-Michael Urie (Co-host of the Gala) and Jai are also very good friends!" Mr. Rodriquez stated, "I'm a huge supporter of BC/EFA, so I'm honored to help out in any way. I'm really excited about coming to THE COLUMN Awards because Michael (Urie) told me I'd have a real blast, so I can't wait!" A native of Long Island, New York, Jai Rodriguez started his career in entertainment at a young age.
Jai was a double threat with acting and natural musical ability. At the age of 11 he began performing with gospel choirs. Jai spent most of his childhood dedicated to improving his talents. His early childhood experiences prepared him greatly for the phenomenal success he would achieve later in life. Jai studied musical theatre at the BOCES Cultural Arts Center in Long Island, New York. At age 17, he joined the hit Broadway musical RENT as the character Angel. His next major role was in the off-Broadway musical hit "Zanna, Don't!" In the whimsical tale, Jai plays the lead role Zanna. Jai also starred in the hit Broadway musical, "The Producers." From RENT to Zanna, his success grew at a tremendous rate. Other acting credits include "All My Children," "One Life to Live," "Number One Single," and "The New Guy."
Most recently, Jai was a guest star on FX's hit show NIP/TUCK as Chaz, an LA fashionista with a dirty little secret. Jai's television & film success inspired him to create his own cabaret at the XL Lounge in New York City titled, "Monday Night Twisted Cabaret." One night, producers from "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" caught the show and discovered a perfect fit for their new project. Thus, Jai Rodriguez better known as the "Culture Vulture" was born. Bravo's hit show "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" reached critical acclaim, garnering Jai an Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality Program in 2004 and 2005. As the expert of popular culture on the program, Jai used his skills and social charisma to coach men on everything from working the room in a social setting to feeling comfortable on the dance floor.
Jai also received credit as an author for the New York Times bestseller Queer Eye for the Straight Guy's Guide. When Queer Eye concluded in 2007, Jai joined Daisy Fuentes as co-host of the Style Network's "Ultimate Style." He and Daisy round up the week's top style stories to keep viewers abreast of what's all the rage on the runway, the red carpet and around town. As a fixture in pop culture Jai has contributed to several magazines. He acted as a contributing editor for People En Espain 2005 and 2006 and for LATINA magazine in 2006. He is currently in the studio finishing up his debut album and has released the first single "Broken" on iTunes.
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