It’s been a busy first half of the year for actress Genesis Rodriguez. Along with her role in “The Last Stand†last month, Rodriguez, 25, stars in the new February film “Identity Thief†with Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy. In the comedy, Rodriguez plays Marisol, a crime associate who tracks down McCarthy’s character after she scams her boss.
Who are most of your scenes with?
Most of my scenes are with [actor] T.I. (Tip Harris). He’s my partner in crime. I took it upon myself to be the chief. I think it was smart for his character not to mess with the feisty Latina.
Did the chemistry with T.I. have to be present from the beginning?
Yeah, [the chemistry] just happened. He’s just such a likeable guy. He’s a great actor and so willing to work. You just need actors like that to give the best of themselves. Fortunately, both of us got to work with Jason and Melissa quite a bit. It was absolutely wonderful to be a part of this movie.
This is your third comedy since last year. Is the genre starting to feel natural to you?
Nothing will feel natural to me, especially when I play a badass. I’m not a badass at all. But I do like to challenge myself. This is all a part of acting. Playing someone that you’re not and doing things you’re not necessarily comfortable with.
Would you say you have a sense of humor?
I do have a silly and goofy sense of humor. I don’t take myself seriously. I never will. I think people who take themselves too serious are not living their life to the fullest. If you can laugh at yourself, then you can enjoy life so much more.
Because this is your third comedy, do you have a better sense of comedic timing and what makes scenes funny?
Definitely. You go in and see these great comedians work and do their craft. It’s wonderful to be able to study them. For me, it’s all about the timing and rhythm and not overselling the joke. You have to be natural with it.
Why do you think it was a good idea to turn something as serious as identity theft into something more lighthearted and comedic?
I think taking a subject like this will make more people aware of it, even if it is in a funny way. I think it’s good to bring this awareness out.
What would you do if someone was pretending to be Genesis RodrÃguez?
Well, I actually had a little bit of a scare a couple of months ago. I got an email from Best Buy saying I bought a computer and a TV. Basically it was charged to my account. There was another Genesis RodrÃguez in Sacramento who made the purchase. It freaked me out. I had to call the company and tell them it wasn’t me. They rectified it and charged it to the right person. Something like that can happen to anybody.
I read that you are a huge “Star Wars†fan. Now that we know J.J. Abrams is going to be directing the next installment, what part would you like to play in the movie if given the opportunity?
Oh my God. We have to start a campaign to get me into this movie. I’m so excited! I do not care. I would take anything. I don’t care if I’m green or a Jedi or even if I have to wear a suit. I just want to be in it.
So playing a Storm Trooper would be fine with you?
Oh my god, yes!