Rico Rodriguez | Source: Getty Images
Rico Rodriguez, best known for his role as Manny Delgado on “Modern Family,” made a striking appearance at Netflix’s “Cobra Kai” series finale premiere on February 12, 2025, at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood in Los Angeles. The actor’s transformation left many social media users stunned, with some barely recognizing him from his childhood days on the hit sitcom.
Rico Rodriguez arrives at Netflix's "Cobra Kai" Series Finale Premiere Event at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on February 12, 2025, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Rodriguez, now 26, arrived at the premiere wearing a dark denim jacket with gold “Off-White” branding, paired with a black shirt and pants. His signature short hair from his “Modern Family” days has been replaced by voluminous, tight curls. He also sported a full beard, glasses, and a confident smile as he posed for the cameras.
This look is a stark contrast to his younger self when he played Manny. During the 2010s, Rodriguez was often seen with short, neatly combed hair and a clean-shaven face.
Actor Rico Rodriguez arrives at the Los Angeles opening night of "A Chorus Line" at the Pantages Theatre on June 1, 2010, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
His youthful appearance as a child actor is now a thing of the past, as he embraces a more mature and fashionable look.
Social media users were quick to react to Rodriguez’s new appearance. On Instagram, one user wrote, “I would only know him by his voice.” Another commented positively on his hairstyle, “He has a great head of hair!”
Others were shocked by how much he had changed, with one stating, “I would not know that’s him.” Another user reflected on the passage of time, “Oh yes! I wonder too how different he looks …It’s only passed 10 years [sic].”
Facebook users also had strong reactions. One wrote, “Wow – I never would have known that was him [sic].” Another commented on his beard and hairstyle, “The beard looks fine it makes him look more masculine but I’m not sure about the long curly hair but if he’s wanting to go incognito now that modern families over that’s one way to do it [sic]…”
Some users were supportive, with one saying, “Nice curls!!!” and another enthusiastically cheering, “Awwww I love this for him. Now he looks like a real Rico Rodriguez!! Go Rico, Go Rico [sic]!!!” Others simply expressed shock with comments like “OMG” and “26 like how [sic].”
Rodriguez’s appearance at the “Cobra Kai” premiere signals his ongoing presence in the entertainment industry. While many still remember him as the young Manny, his transformation shows his evolution both personally and professionally. His new look has certainly made an impression, sparking widespread conversation among fans.
