Go Bold!: Dora Rodriguez

L’Officiel Arabia: When and how did you decide to be an Actor?

Dora Rodriguez: After years of what many would describe as “being successful” in the modeling industry (by landing many world-renown fashion magazine covers, brand-ambassadorship deals, and being a Miss Universe Canada finalist), I realized my creative pursuits were being limited by only modeling and I had always been told I had other creative talents like acting and writing. This is when I decided I should consider pursuing the difficult craft of acting and I enrolled in some acting classes at the popular Speiser Sturges acting studio in Los Angeles, at the end of 2019. And although the pandemic hit shortly after, I still managed to get some acting roles on world-renown platforms. For that, I’m grateful.

LOA: Who has inspired you the most in your life?

DR: Professionally speaking: actresses like Scarlett Johansson and Angelina Jolie inspire me and I can only hope that one day, after working hard and putting my time in, I am as good in the craft as they are, as well as being a great advocate for causes that are close to my heart, like they consistently advocate for.

Personally speaking: my older sister Elena is one of my biggest inspirations because she’s what I call a modern-day “Wonder Woman.” She works full-time and takes care of her family. She has twin boys and a husband and also cares for our mother. I don’t know how she finds enough time in a day to help so many people and to make so many people feel special. She truly deserves an award!

LOA: Tell us more about your Netflix series?

DR: I have many upcoming projects for 2022, but this year, I was on the Comedy TV show called “Sexy Beasts” on Netflix. It’s broadcast on Netflix US but we filmed it outside of London in this huge Tudor castle called “Knebworth House,” which is where the show “The Crown” was filmed. A fun fact while filming the show was that I had to go through a tedious 3.5 hours of special effects makeup for film every day, to be transformed into “Dora the Cover Goblin.” It was such a fun experience and I really got to understand the hard work it takes being on set for such long hours every day, and putting-on and taking-off such theatrical makeup, which included prosthetics. People always think I’m so serious (and although I am serious when I need to be), I also have many different sides to me. This is why I love acting, you get to dig deep into different human emotions and portray different characters. This show allowed me to be goofy and not take myself too seriously, and that is genuinely also a part of me. Sure, we all like nice things and we strive to be our best selves, but how dull would life be if we weren’t able to laugh at ourselves once in a while? “Sexy Beasts” is a light-hearted dating show with a twist, and I promise you it’s entertaining! So far, there are two seasons out on Netflix. You can find me on Season 2, episode 6.

LOA: Tell us about your company KW Publicists?

DR: Sure! I studied journalism in Canada, and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in that field. Although I worked as an on-location reporter for the TV station TLN in Toronto when I had just graduated, I soon got signed with different modeling and talent agencies and embarked in the adventure of pursuing modeling internationally. When the pandemic hit and things slowed down for everyone, I found myself with more time on my hands than usual, yet I had an extensive writing and communications skillset, and a huge network of people who needed PR. This is kind of how KW Publicists came to be. I had already liasioned for people with the press, etc., just as a friend, to help fellow entertainers take the next step in their careers. Then I realized I had a knack for it and could truly make a successful business out of it. Of course, nothing is ever perfect, and I’m constantly learning new things, but overall I’m very happy I launched KW Publicists, and I hope to continue to grow it as the years go by!

LOA: Have you ever been to the UAE? If yes, how was your experience?

DR: Yes! Coming from Canada, the UAE seemed so foreign to me, like a different world. But God allowed modeling to take me there, and I’m so happy I got to visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I did a cover shoot in the desert of Dubai in 2020, and of course I took advantage of the opportunity to network and create a division of my PR company there. Now we have many PR projects in Dubai, and we represent many models and public figures for their PR through my company KW Publicists. The cool thing about globalization is that although, I unfortunately can’t be in the UAE, because I’m pursuing acting in the US, I have a team in place that communicates with me from a far, through technology, every step of the way. I’ll always cherish my visit to the UAE because I’m the type of person who’s always enjoyed learning new things, and immersing myself in different cultures. So having the opportunity to visit the Arab world when I did, and learn so much about thier culture that really opened my mind. I’m very respectful of different people’s cultures, and I try my hardest to adhere and embrace a place’s rules, which in turn, enables you to enjoy it even more. I’m very grateful for the people of the UAE who showed me their beautiful country, and welcomed me to hotels and restaurants and showed me true hospitality. I feel humbled and honored now that such an outstanding place has chosen to feature me in the Arabian edition of L’Officiel magazine! Thank you!