Biography

James Hayden Rodriguez is a film, television, and stage actor with a career spanning more than 15 years, known for performances that balance emotional precision with dynamic presence. He is perhaps best recognized for originating the role of Luke Castellan in The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical on Broadway, a performance that helped launch the production into national acclaim and established him as a compelling leading man.

Since living in Hollywood, James has continued to build a body of work defined by range and bold choices. On stage, he starred as Romeo in Pat Benatar’s reimagined musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy and delivered a critically praised turn as Alex in Afterglow at the Hudson Theatre, an intimate, emotionally charged performance noted for its dark vulnerability.

On screen, James is currently gaining attention for his role as Bryan Byrne in OUTtv’s salacious murder-mystery, Laid Bare, bringing complexity to a character navigating intimacy, identity, and primal instinct. He recently completed production on the upcoming Film Noir feature Drunk with Love, directed by George Bamber, where he stars as Stoughton Gentry, an eccentrically defiant cabaret star in 1930s Los Angeles: A fearless leader of a revolution before his time.

Whether on stage or on screen, James is drawn to character-driven stories that live in the gray: flawed men, heightened emotion, and narratives that challenge comfort. With momentum across all mediums, he continues to carve out a career rooted in craft and versatility.