Introduction
Raini Rodriguez (born July 1, 1993) is an American actress and singer. She is best known for her roles as Trish in the Disney series Austin & Ally and Maya Blart in the films Paul Blart: Mall Cop and Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2. She has also appeared in an episode of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and on the Disney XD show I'm in the Band. She played Tess in the 2011 film Prom and won Best Young Television Actress at the 2013 Imagen Awards.
Early life
Rodriguez was born in Bryan, Texas. She is the older sister of actor Rico Rodriguez. She has two other brothers, Ray and Roy Jr. Her parents, Diane and Roy Rodriguez, own a business called Rodriguez Tire Service. She is of Mexican descent.
Raini was discovered at an IMTA showcase, by Susan Osser, a California talent agent. After viewing Raini's performance, Osser suggested to Raini's mother that Osser should become Raini's manager and come to California to give Raini a year for career opportunities. At the time, Raini was 11 years old. Her mother agreed. Raini and her brother Rico moved to Los Angeles with their mother, while their father stayed in Texas to run the tire shop. Their mother home-schooled them to support their careers.
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Parker | Kid on Playground #2 | |
| 2008 | Babysitters Beware | Marco's Sister #1 | |
| 2009 | Paul Blart: Mall Cop | Maya Blart | |
| 2009 | Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience | Voice | |
| 2009 | Slice of Water | Maggie Blumsfeld | |
| 2009 | Gordita | Teenage Tatiana | |
| 2011 | Prom | Tess | |
| 2012 | Girl in Progress | Tavita | |
| 2014 | When Marnie Was There | Nobuko Kadoya (English voice) | |
| 2015 | Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 | Maya Blart | |
| 2015 | Bob's Broken Sleigh | Wupsy | Voice |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Huff | Denise | Episode: "Black Shadows" |
| 2007 | Handy Manny | Isabel Montoya (voice) | Episode:"Lost and Found" |
| 2007 | Family of the Year | Maria | Episode: "Pilot" |
| 2007 | The Suite Life of Zack & Cody | Betsy | Episode: "Sleepover Suite" |
| 2010 | I'm in the Band | Arlene Roca | 2 episodes |
| 2011–16 | Austin & Ally | Trish | Disney Channel Original Series 87 episodes |
| 2011 | True Jackson, VP | Nina | Episode: "True Mall" |
| 2011 | The Tonight Show with Jay Leno | Herself | (Season 20, episode 46) |
| 2015 | Growing Up and Down | Jackie | Unaired TV pilot |
| 2015 | I Didn't Do It | Trish | Episode: "Bite Club" |
| 2016 | Mutt & Stuff | Gabby Groomer | Episode: "Skate Doggin'" |
Discography
Singles
As A Lead Artist
| Single | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Living Your Dreams" | 2012 | Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva La Fiesta! |
As A Featured Artist
| Single | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| Glee Club MashUp (with Austin & Ally cast) |
2013 | Disney Channel Play It Loud |
Promotional Singles
| Single | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "'Vive Tus Sueños ("Living Your Dreams") | 2012 | Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva La Fiesta! |
| "Double Take" | 2013 | Austin & Ally |
| "You Wish You Were Me" | Disney Channel Play It Loud | |
| "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" | 2014 | Austin & Ally |
Videography
| Year | Title | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | "Living Your Dreams" | Unknown |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Association | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Young Artist Awards | Best Performance in a Feature Film – Supporting Young Actress | Paul Blart: Mall Cop | Nominated |
| 2013 | Imagen Awards | Best Young Actress/Television | Austin & Ally | Won |
| 2015 | Teen Choice Awards | Choice Movie Actress: Comedy | Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 | Nominated |
| Imagen Awards | Best Supporting Actress – Television | Austin & Ally | Nominated |