Raini Rodriguez | |
---|---|
Born |
Bryan, Texas, U.S. |
July 1, 1993
Occupation | Actress, singer |
Years active | 2006–present |
Relatives | Rico Rodriguez (brother) |
Raini Rodriguez in 2013 |
Raini Rodriguez (born July 1, 1993) is an American actress and singer. She is best known for her roles as Trish in the Disney series Austin & Ally and Maya Blart in the films Paul Blart: Mall Cop and Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2. She has also appeared in an episode of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and on the Disney XD show I'm in the Band. She played Tess in the 2011 film Prom and won Best Young Television Actress at the 2013 Imagen Awards.
Rodriguez was born in Bryan, Texas. She is the older sister of actor Rico Rodriguez. She has two other brothers, Ray and Roy Jr. Her parents, Diane and Roy Rodriguez, own a business called Rodriguez Tire Service. She is of Mexican descent.
Raini was discovered at an IMTA showcase, by Susan Osser, a California talent agent. After viewing Raini's performance, Osser suggested to Raini's mother that Osser should become Raini's manager and come to California to give Raini a year for career opportunities. At the time, Raini was 11 years old. Her mother agreed. Raini and her brother Rico moved to Los Angeles with their mother, while their father stayed in Texas to run the tire shop. Their mother home-schooled them to support their careers.