'Wow': Users Barely Recognize 'Modern Family' Star Rico Rodriguez at 'Cobra Kai' Premiere – Photos

Rico Rodriguez's latest red carpet appearance had fans buzzing, as his dramatic transformation took many by surprise.

Rico Rodriguez, best known for his role as Manny Delgado on "Modern Family," made a striking appearance at the finale premiere of Netflix's "Cobra Kai" on February 12, 2025, in Los Angeles. The actor's transformation left many social media users stunned, with some barely recognizing him from his childhood days on the hit sitcom.

Rodriguez, now 26, arrived at the premiere wearing a dark denim jacket with gold Off-White branding, paired with a black shirt and pants. His signature short hair from his "Modern Family" days has been replaced by voluminous, tight curls. He also sported a full beard, glasses, and a confident smile as he posed for the cameras.

This look is a stark contrast to his younger self when he played Manny. During the 2010s, Rodriguez was often seen with short, neatly combed hair and a clean-shaven face.

His youthful appearance as a child actor is now a thing of the past, as he embraces a more mature and fashionable look.

Social media users were quick to react to Rodriguez's new appearance. On Instagram, one user wrote, "I would only know him by his voice." Another commented positively on his hairstyle, "He has a great head of hair!"

Others were shocked by how much he had changed, with one stating, "Oh yes! I wonder too how different he looks …It's only passed 10 years [sic]."

Facebook users also had strong reactions. One wrote, "Wow - I never would have known that was him." Another commented on his beard and hairstyle, "The beard looks fine it makes him look more masculine but I'm not sure about the long curly hair but if he's wanting to go incognito now that modern families over that's one way to do it [sic]..."

Some users were supportive, with one saying, "Nice curls!!!" and another enthusiastically cheering, "Awwww I love this for him. Now he looks like a real Rico Rodriguez!! Go Rico, Go Rico!!!" Others simply expressed shock with comments like "OMG" and "26 like how [sic]."

Rodriguez rose to fame playing Manny on ABC's "Modern Family," which aired from 2009 to 2020. Born on July 31, 1998, in College Station, Texas, he started his acting career at a young age and gained widespread recognition for his role as the intelligent and old-soul character, Manny. He also appeared in "The Muppets" (2011) and "Epic Movie" (2007).

In an Instagram post on April 9, 2020, Rodriguez reflected on his time with "Modern Family," recalling how he first joined the project when he was nine years old. "Filming the pilot, then all of season one of what we now know as 'Modern Family', I knew we were working on something special," he wrote.

He described the experience as life-changing, expressing gratitude for the show's cast, crew, and fans. He also shared how deeply connected he felt to his character, "Manny was someone who was very opposite to myself, but over time our personalities have rubbed off on each other."

Rodriguez grew up before the audience's eyes, and his connection with the show's family dynamic remained strong. He wrote about how fans would tell him, "[Can] I hug you? I feel like you're my son, or nephew, or cousin," emphasizing the impact "Modern Family" had on viewers.

A behind-the-scenes image from the show's final season captured the entire cast huddled together for a group selfie, smiling warmly at the camera. The moment, taken through a monitor screen, highlighted the deep bond shared by the "Modern Family" ensemble, further reinforcing the theme of family that Rodriguez cherished.

Rodriguez's appearance at the "Cobra Kai" premiere signals his ongoing presence in the entertainment industry. "Cobra Kai," a hit Netflix series (2018 to 2025), follows the decades-long rivalry between "The Karate Kid" characters Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence.

While Rodriguez is not part of the show's cast, his attendance at the premiere suggests his continued interest in Hollywood events and industry connections.

Although many still remember him as the young Manny, Rodriguez's transformation is a testament to his growth beyond his breakout role. His evolving style and public appearances continue to keep fans engaged, proving that he remains a notable figure in the entertainment world.