Five years. That is how long it has been since we last saw Manny Delgado sipping espresso and offering unsolicited life advice on Modern Family. But if you see the actor today, you probably wouldn’t even recognize him. Honestly, the transformation is a bit of a shock. Rico Rodriguez in 2025 is a far cry from the clean-shaven, bow-tie-wearing kid we watched grow up for eleven seasons.
He’s 26 now.
Gone are the sweater vests. Recently, he’s been spotted on red carpets—most notably at the Cobra Kai series finale premiere in Los Angeles—sporting a thick, dark beard and shoulder-length curly hair. It is a massive departure from his sitcom days. He looks mature. He looks like a man who has finally stepped out of the shadow of a character that defined his entire childhood.
The Reality of Life After Manny Delgado
People always wonder what happens to child stars when the cameras stop rolling. For Rico Rodriguez, 2025 has been a year of reflection and quiet moves. He recently sat down with People and got surprisingly candid about the "post-show" slump. He admitted that the five years since the 2020 finale felt like a blur. Growing up on a set where you're surrounded by veterans like Sofia Vergara and Ed O'Neill does something to your perspective. It’s a lot to live up to.
He’s not just sitting on his Modern Family residuals, though.
Basically, Rico has been pivoting toward voice acting and creative production. In 2025, he lent his voice to the animated film Sneaks. He plays a character named "Ice"—a literal pair of cool sneakers—alongside big names like Anthony Mackie and Martin Lawrence. It’s a fun, low-pressure project that lets him flex his comedic timing without the intense scrutiny of a live-action lead.
He’s also been very vocal about his "growth" period. On his Instagram, you can see he’s leaning into his natural style. The beard isn't just a phase; it's a statement. He told reporters that he didn’t have this much hair during the show, so every time he looks in the mirror, it’s a reminder that he’s his own person now.
Is He Returning to the Screen?
Everyone asks about a reunion. It is the question that never dies. While there’s no official Modern Family revival on the 2025 slate, the cast remains incredibly close. Rico still refers to them as his second family. He was recently seen hanging out with his TV sister, Sarah Hyland, and his real-life sister, Raini Rodriguez.
There were rumors circulating about a "Manny and Luke" spin-off, but let's be real: that’s mostly fan fiction at this point. Rico seems more interested in "creating things on his own," as he put it. Whether that means directing or writing remains to be seen, but he has the industry connections to make it happen if he wants to.
The Other Rico Rodriguez: The Video Game Confusion
We have to clear something up. If you Google "Rico Rodriguez 2025," you’re going to see a lot of talk about grappling hooks and explosions. No, the actor hasn't suddenly become a revolutionary in a fictional South American country.
The Just Cause video game franchise features a protagonist also named Rico Rodriguez.
For years, fans have begged for a Just Cause movie. In early 2025, we finally got a real update. Universal Pictures brought on Aaron Rabin (who wrote for Jack Ryan) to pen the script.
- Project Title: Operation Just Cause
- Director: Angel Manuel Soto (Blue Beetle)
- Status: Development hell, but finally moving.
There was a time when Jason Momoa was attached to play the game version of Rico, but that deal fell through. While it would be hilarious to see the Modern Family Rico Rodriguez take on the role of a high-octane action hero, he isn't currently linked to the film. But hey, in Hollywood, weirder things have happened.
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What Rico’s Journey Teaches Us About Fame
There is a specific kind of pressure that comes with being "the kid" on a hit show. You’re frozen in time for the audience. To millions of people, Rico is still 11 years old, wearing a fedora. Breaking out of that box takes a level of self-awareness most 20-somethings don't have.
He has stayed remarkably grounded.
You don’t see him in the tabloids for the wrong reasons. He credits his sister, Raini, for keeping his head on straight. They’ve navigated the industry together, which is rare in a town that usually pits siblings against each other.
His net worth is still estimated at around $12 million. He isn't hurting for money. This gives him the "f-you" power to choose projects he actually likes, rather than taking every pilot that comes his way. That’s a luxury most actors his age would kill for.
Why 2025 Is a Turning Point
This year feels like the end of his "transitional" phase. He’s no longer just the kid from that one show. He’s an adult actor with a distinctive look and a solid resume.
If you're following his career, keep an eye on his production interests. He’s been hinting at developing his own content. Given his history with sharp, character-driven comedy, whatever he produces will likely have that same heart.
The lesson here is simple. Rico Rodriguez isn't "gone"—he’s just evolving. He is proof that you can survive child stardom without losing your mind or your integrity.
Next steps for fans:
- Check out the animated film Sneaks to hear his latest work.
- Follow his social media for updates on his "creative projects"—he’s been teasing a move behind the camera for months.
- Watch for his cameos; he’s been popping up in unexpected places like the Cobra Kai finale event, proving he’s still very much in the Hollywood loop.