Krysta Rodriguez
Krysta Rodriguez, an American actress and singer best known for her performance on NBC's "Smash," was diagnosed with breast cancer in the fall of 2014. Her treatment has had no effect on her ability to continue working as an actress. Currently, Krysta is seen in Halston, the Netflix mini-series, playing Liza Minnelli.
Leather Jacket by Dolce & Gabbana
Earrings + Necklaces + Rings by David Yurman
Shirt by Stylist Own
Pants by Fleur Du Mal
What inspired you to pursue acting as a career when you were younger?
I had two major experiences at a young age that made me want to perform. When I was 5, my Mom bought me tickets to see Annie, and I was mesmerized by the whole thing. It was wild to see someone close to my age commanding a stage, and from then I knew that’s what I wanted. The following year I came to New York City for the first time and saw Fiddler on the Roof. We were tourists and dressed casually. When I walked in, everyone was really dressed up, and I got so embarrassed. But when the lights went down, I realized it didn’t matter what I was wearing. I could enjoy the show the same as everyone else. Even at 6 years old, I knew that’s the community I wanted to be a part of. The communion of theater is still my favorite part.
Is there a favorite character among the many you've played? What is the explanation for this?
Back in 2007 I was lucky to be in the original cast of Spring Awakening. I was in the ensemble and understudied all the female parts. One of the roles was Ilse, the bohemian outcast of this strict German village. When you’re an understudy, it can be uncomfortable sometimes because you have to be “sort of” right for every part but not quite perfectly right. But with Ilse it felt like putting on my favorite sweater. I think what I was drawn to was how free and present she was. And it’s rare that roles for young people have real stakes. For years following that show, I would always say that was my favorite part. And then ten years later, I got to be in the Deaf West revival of Spring Awakening and play Ilse! So that part has grown with me and seen me through a lot of seminal moments of my life. I’m grateful for all that the show and Ilse have given me.
Left:
Leather Jacket by Dolce & Gabbana
Scarf by AllSaints
Shirt by Cinq à Sept
Belt by Renee Masoomian
Jeans by Nili Lotan
Earrings + Necklaces + Rings by David Yurman
Right:
Earrings + Necklaces + Rings by David Yurman
Scarf by Stylist Own
Shirt by Nili Lotan
Belt by AllSaints
Jeans by AG Jeans
Boots by AllSaints
As far as we knew, you battled breast cancer when you were 30 years old. Do you have anything to say to all the women who are fighting it?
I’ve been honored to be able to usher other women through their cancer journeys. One of the first things I say is that the fear of everything is always worse than the reality. There’s so much buildup and decision making around every phase, and it can feel so scary. But before you know it, you’re on the other side. So, take your time and don’t make decisions out of fear. That’s what I get to be for them, a reminder to honor themselves and their bodies.
Could you tell us more about your role as Liza Minnelli in "Halston”?
Liza Minnelli is obviously an icon in her own right. There is no one like her and her life was fascinating. For the purposes of our story in Halston, we distill her experiences down to what she went through with her best friend. I love playing those scenes with Ewan McGregor where we could explore their friendship and love for each other. And I got to sing and dance some of my favorite numbers that I grew up watching. It was incredible!
Left:
Leather jacket by Dolce & Gabbana
Scarf by AllSaints
Shirt by Cinq à Sept
Belt by Renee Masoomian
Jeans by Nili Lotan
Earrings + Necklaces + Rings by David Yurman
Right:
Shirt by Stylist Own
Skirt by Renee Masoomian
Fishnets by Wolford
Shoes by Josephine Valerie
Earrings + Necklaces + Rings by David Yurman
Halston experienced the peak of the epidemic in Manhattan during the production. Could you kindly share what changes your crew went through during the pandemic?
We had been shooting the show already when we had to shut down for Covid. It was obviously very scary, and we were uncertain if we would ever go back. I was so impressed with how Ryan Murphy, Netflix and Killer Films came together to make the show happen again and keep us all safe. It really was the gold standard; we never had to shut down after we came back. It was unnerving at first and the PPE was cumbersome. We would have to use mouthwash between scenes and wear our mask/shields up to the moment of calling action! But I think it really bonded us all as a cast and crew and made us really grateful for the work.
The vintage, pioneering, and ever-changing American fashion of the 1970s and 1980s is what we can find in Halston. What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is just another outlet of my passion for “beautifying.” I look at it as another way to be creative and share art with people. It’s why I love interior design and how I feel about acting. It’s full immersion in a character. When you adorn yourself in fashion, you become someone and something else. Then you can let it go and try something new. That’s always been part of the appeal for me: how easily you can change who you are.
Blazer by Christian Siriano
White Button Down Shirt by Dolce & Gabbana
Earrings + Necklaces + Rings by David Yurman
As an actor, you must be able to quickly enter yourself in a character or setting. How do you get inspirations in your spare time, and what do you generally do?
I stay inspired by so many things. One major thing is travel. It’s a hugely important part of my life. I love architecture from different countries and cultures. I think feeling small in the world is invaluable to staying inspired. I try to keep expanding my definitions of things, which allows more room for the unexpected.
In the future, what kind of role would you like to try? What are your career plans for the future?
I’m really enjoying playing roles right now that are messy and divisive. I think those roles tell the whole story of the human experience. I’m learning as a woman not to worry so much about perfection, and I’ve sought out roles where I can channel that and celebrate it. It’s the best way I’ve found to practice for real life.
Shirt by Stylist Own
Skirt by Renee Masoomian
Fishnets by Wolford
Shoes by Josephine Valerie
Earrings + Necklaces + Rings by David Yurman
What is your life motto?
I’ve stolen this from my best friend Andy: Life is the graceful execution of Plan B. To me, that lets obstacles become opportunities; how am I going to pivot to this new path gracefully. It feels more positive than “your plans don’t matter” and as a planner I like that.
Can you link us to your socials?
Instagram @krysta_rod and @curated.by.kr. Twitter @krystar0driguez. Website www.curatedbykr.com
CREW CREDITS:
Creative Director, Photographer & Producer: Mike Ruiz
Talent: Krysta Rodriguez
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Agency Gerard Artists
Makeup: Renee Garnes at Exclusive Artists
Hair: Marc Mena at Exclusive Artists
Assistant Fashion Stylists: Cubie Chang, Kenisha Seth, Bridget McDonald
Tearsheets: Isabella Grieco, Graphic Design, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Lili Li, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Studio: Your Space NJ
