Michelle Rodriguez on growing up Jehovah's Witness: 'The film world was the devil's playground'

Michelle Rodriguez, a global action star famous for her role as Letty Ortiz in the 'Fast & Furious' franchise, has opened up about the profound impact of her strict religious upbringing on her early career. Raised as a Jehovah's Witness, Rodriguez revealed that she initially viewed the glitz and glamour of Hollywood as a "devil's playground," leading her to feel a sense of indifference towards her burgeoning success.

In a recent interview coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the first 'Fast & Furious' film, the 48-year-old actress reflected on her transition from an independent film set to a major Hollywood production. Her breakout role in the 2001 independent drama 'Girlfight' caught the attention of Vin Diesel, who saw her portrayal of a tough-minded protagonist as a perfect fit for his character. However, Rodriguez admitted that the transition was jarring.

"I was coming from a background of Jehovah's Witnesses. So, none of this really meant anything to me," Rodriguez explained. "You're dealing with a kid who is not affected by any of it. In my mind, as a 20-year-old, I was already playing in the so-called devil's world."

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I was coming from a background of Jehovah's Witnesses. So, none of this really meant anything to me. You're dealing with a kid who is not affected by any of it. In my mind, as a 20-year-old, I was already playing in the so-called devil's world.

This internal conflict meant that Rodriguez was largely unfazed by the fame and attention that came with her roles, aside from the financial benefits. She found genuine excitement not in the red carpets or media appearances, but in the opportunities to engage in activities that were strictly forbidden within her religious community. "What I really loved was getting into a car, training, learning how to shoot a gun, and learning how to race. That was exciting for me. Doing things that aren't allowed in real life. Smashing windows, being violent, all those things," she recalled with enthusiasm.

Her upbringing had instilled a deep sense of caution regarding worldly activities, with even common celebrations like birthdays and Halloween being considered taboo. This rebellion against the restrictive environment, channeled through the action-packed roles she embraced, became a way for Rodriguez to process her past and find exhilaration in the very experiences her faith had taught her to shun.

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What I really loved was getting into a car, training, learning how to shoot a gun, and learning how to race. That was exciting for me. Doing things that aren't allowed in real life. Smashing windows, being violent, all those things.