Jason Rodriguez(IV)

In 1972, Jason Rodriguez was born in Spanish Harlem but raised in the Bronx. He was the only child of Jose and Maria Rodriguez. His parents sent him to Catholic schools to avoid the pitfalls of life in the South Bronx. Even though his mother suffered two failed Kidney transplants, was on dialysis and a diabetic she wanted the best for her only son. In 1988, he was arrested at the age of sixteen and charged as an adult. He was convicted of Manslaughter and sentenced to 8 1/3 - 25 years in prison. He was sent to maximum security prisons and while incarcerated he educated himself during which time college and vocational programs were being eliminated from the New York State Department of Corrections. While incarcerated he lost both of his parents; his mother to a stroke in 1996 and his father to a heart attack in 2002. During his incarceration he was denied parole five times and ended up serving seventeen years. After 16 years and 8 months he was finally released on July 1, 2005 at the age of 32 and paroled to his aunt Patricia Rodriguez who believed in him. No one else in his family would take him in. Only nine(9) months later, after speaking with him about his story and admiring his confidence and ambition, Director Gavin O'Connor cast him for a principle role in "Pride and Glory". Which gave him the opportunity to work alongside seasoned actors Colin Farrell, Edward Norton, John Voight and John Ortiz, with no formal acting experience. Since then he's been writing, acting, directing, producing and giving back to his peers and community. With no back ground or formal education he continues to tap into his inner aspirations by designing his own web site www.Jay-po.com, writing articles and books, starring in feature films and motivational speaker. Also, sharing his story in his documentary on EBRU TV called "Soul Survivors". He also enjoys motivational speaking at colleges, high schools, acting seminars and other institutions and organizations sharing his personal insight on overcoming difficulties and accomplishing your dreams & talents to be successful. He's working on a book is also in the works on his path "From Prison To Hollywood" which will be memoirs on his amazing turn around after serving 17 years in prison by braking all barriers and stereo types about being an Ex Felon.