Michaela Antonia Jaé or Mj Rodriguez is an American actress and singer who is widely known for her role as Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista in the television drama Pose. She started her career at age 11 when she was enrolled in the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Although she struggled to find her identity during her childhood, Rodriguez found support within the ballroom scene which ultimately helped to build the confidence that she’ll carry for the rest of her career. Rodriguez would go on to star in her break-out role in the off-broadway performance of Rent (2011) which ultimately won her the Clives Barnes Award (2011). From 2011 – 2018, Rodriguez found herself to take on small roles in noteworthy shows like Nurse Jackie (2012) and Luke Cage (2016) before landing a role in Pose. Rodriguez is very vocal about her identity as a transgender role and remains vocal about the issues that plague the lives of trans community.