When I traveled to Napa to attend the premiere of Bottle Shock, one of the stars I was most excited to speak with was Gio! Freddy Rodriguez. I've always admired his work on shows like Six Feet Under and of course Ugly Betty, and I'm excited to see that he'll still take part in an independent movie now and again.
His character in the movie, Gustavo Brambila, is a person in real life, and Rodriguez appeared to have a good relationship with him at the premiere. Gustavo is supposed to have an incredible palate and winemaking abilities, and though he's portrayed as an intense dude in the movie, Rodriguez told me he's actually very shy in person.
To read about how much Freddy really knows about wine and even some clues about Gio's feelings for Betty, read more.
Why fit a little movie like Bottle Shock in your busy schedule?
Well, I shot this right after I finished Grindhouse, which was so incredibly demanding, physically and mentally, I just needed a change of pace. So this came up — right elements, great script, I loved the character. It just fit right.
How much did you know about wine before you started filming?
I didn't know much about wine! It wasn't until I got here that I started to learn about what to look for when you’re tasting wine, but I learned a lot more. I'm not a good drinker though! We were drinking wine earlier today and I said, "Man, I can’t drink wine at like one in the afternoon or I’ll fall asleep!"
I wanted to make sure and tell you that I'm on Team Gio.
What? That’s funny! What does that mean?
You've never heard "Team Gio?" It's like, who are you rooting for Betty to be with — Henry or Gio? So, what does Gio see in Betty? Why does he like her?
(laughs) What does Gio see in Betty? Wow, you know, I think he just sees her for who she is, you know? It isn’t about physicality at all. I think he just sees what's inside, you know?

















Rebecca
Darphin
Trainerspotter
Aww now more than ever I'm on Team Gio!
1I've loved him ever since he played the jockey in Dreamer. He needs to get off Ugly Betty though. He's too good for that show. And obviously too hot for someone like Betty.
2OMG! You are amazing (and quite lucky to be able to meet him in person)!! Thanks to you, now Freddy Rodriguez knows about "Team Gio". Yes! Hey! I am so happy! I´ve been Team Gio since the first Ugly Betty episode and turned into a diehard Freddy Rodriguez fanatic (yeah, we love Freddy Rodriguez). I loved this small interview and he is so charming!!! Thank you thank you for this!!!
3Hahaha! You introduced him to the force known as Team Gio? Rock on!
4He's adorable. He totally stole the movie out from under the lead.
5I love him!! Ever since Six Feet Under he just keeps on getting better and better...
6I really enjoyed reading this interview - it was short but sweet! Thanks for telling Freddy about Team Gio!
7Thanks for telling him about Team Gio! He's way too cute for my own good.
This was a great interview. Hells yeah we're rooting for Freddy and Gio!
8Great interview Buzz Sugar! Hooray for Freddy and Team Gio!
He's the Guy!
9Loved the interview! Team Gio FTW! What he said about Gio and Betty is exactly what I find appealing about him...he seems really down to earth, humble, and "real". As for the movie Bottle Shock, I saw it last night and really enjoyed it! I would highly recommend it for wine lovers and Freddy Rodriguez fans alike
He is an amazing actor. And with a cast that includes Alan Rickman and Bill Pullman...how
can you go wrong? Thanks BuzzSugar!
10I saw him at a film festival back when 6 feet was in full swing and he's too cute-but really tiny! he's kinda beefed up now but uhhh back then I was all "Rico is so slim! and short!"
11I noticed on Ugly Betty that his boots have a big chunky heel on them. Buzz what did you think?
lady_jane — He is such a cutie, but yes, he is tiny! I think he must be wearing some kind of enhanced boots on the show because he is a very little guy.
12He'd never heard of Team Gio?! Shock, horror...
13But that reaction is totally cute
I heard a great interview with him from a few years back - someone point blank asked him if he was ever troubled by his height. His reply was pretty straightforward and spot on - he said it had never bothered him because many of the great actors whose work he admired were a similar build to him. If you think about it, some of the most successful and talented actors have been really good-looking small guys... bite-sized deliciousness.
oooh your so lucky!.. I love him!!
14he is adorable and very talented
Team Gio all the way baby!!!
It's already been said but - you are lucky. I think it is so cool you mentioned Team Gio. Maybe after he has time to absorb this someone can tell him about the Getty girls. Do you think he could handle this? This can be a hard core Freddy loving group.
15Its about time someone alerted Freddy to Team Gio, of which I am a 100% licensed cardholder, as well as one of the official 'hardcore' Getty Girls : ) Freddy is such an amazing actor, I just love everything he does. I sure wish I had 4 questions with him!
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