Ramon Rodriguez is fast becoming one of the most recognizable Latin actors today after having portrayed pivotal roles in several major films. After co-starring in Pride & Glory, Bella, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Battle Los Angeles, and The Taking of Pelham 123; the busy actor returns to the screen in the action packed ‘Need For Speed, ‘ opening Friday March 14th.

Rodriguez was born and raised in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, moving to New York’s Lower East Side where he attended New York City School of Collaborative Studies alongside classmates Claire Danes and Morena Baccarin. After graduating from New York University with a degree in Sports Management he went on to work with Michael Bay, Denzel Washington, John Travolta, Collin Farrel and Ed Norton on the big screen.

Now Rodriguez is starring alongside Aaron Paul in the highly anticipated “Need For Speed.”

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In the film a fresh from prison street racer who was framed by a wealthy business associate joins a cross country race with revenge in mind. His ex-partner, learning of the plan, places a massive bounty on his head as the race begins.

HOMBRE: What attracted you to NEED FOR SPEED?
Ramon Rodriguez: I was originally set to work on a different film with the director’s brother, Rick Waugh. It ended up falling through. I have always respected both brothers and wanted to work with either one of them. So when the opportunity arose, I jumped at it!

H: What makes ‘Need For Speed’ different from other racing films?
RR: ‘Need For Speed’ is like a throwback film. You are going to see a lot of older muscle cars as well as crazy fast cars. The director, Scott Waugh, is a stunt director so he brings something completely different to this film. All audience members will feel as if they are behind the wheel. Also, this film has depth. It’s a group of great friends. There is redemption and revenge. It is very well executed and believable.

H: Tell us about your character…
RR: I play Joe Peck. He is a very serious mechanic who lives underneath the engine. Everyone relies on Joe. He is responsible and always there for his boys.

H: How long did it take you to film ‘Need For Speed’?
RR: Four months. We jumped all over the place. San Francisco, Atlanta, Detroit, Utah….

H: Why should the general public, and Latinos specifically see this film?
RR: Nothing better to do! What do you do on a Friday night? Dinner and a movie, right? This is a great date night! It’s a fun action ride. Car junkies will love it and it also has heart and depth.

H: You’re experiencing early success; what advice will you give young people entering the entertainment industry?
RR: It is a VERY competitive industry. The only advice I have is that if you really want it and have that passion you will find a way. You have to be prepared to hear NO more times than you can imagine. Be a fighter for what you want!

H: What’s next for you?
RR: Right now I am filming a TV series on FOX called ‘Gang Related.’ I am very proud of this complex role I play. Brian Lopez is a Cop and he is also an informant for a gang, in which his father is the head of. It’s expected to premier May 20, 2014.