From one Newark star to another. Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is celebrating Michael B. Jordan’s Oscar win for his performance as twins Elijah “Smoke” Moore and Elias “Stack” Moore in Sinners.
“He deserved it; we all know he did. To see him finally get his flowers and an award he’s long been deserving of is really pleasing,” Rodriguez told New Jersey Monthly on Tuesday by phone after the awards show.
Like Jordan, Rodriguez also grew up in Newark and attended Newark’s Arts High School the year after he graduated. Jordan’s mom was Rodriguez’s guidance counselor, and to this day, the two have a good rapport. “It’s inspirational to see someone from your hometown, from your own school, make it like that. If he can do it, then I know I can do it, and I know my time isn’t too far off either.”
Rodriguez, who still lives in Newark, made history herself recently. She won the 2022 Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a TV Drama for her role as Blanca on FX’s Pose. She is the first transgender actress to receive the honor.
Next, she makes her Broadway debut in The Rocky Horror Show as Columbia. The revival plays Studio 54 from March 26-June 21, 2026. Stay tuned for the June issue of NJM, which will feature a full story on Rodriguez’s Newark roots.
Get a free haircut, grab some furniture and enjoy our state’s museums without opening your wallet.
If you’re a reader, music lover, art aficionado or pop culture buff in NJ, here are free places to mix and mingle with like-minded crowds.
