Jai Rodriguez

Host of Groomer Has It

A native of Long Island, New York, Jai Rodriguez started his career in entertainment at a young age. Jai was a double threat with acting and natural musical ability. At the age of 11 he began performing with gospel choirs. Jai spent most of his childhood dedicated to improving his talents. His early childhood experiences prepared him greatly for the phenomenal success he would achieve later in life.

Jai studied musical theater at the BOCES Cultural Arts Center in Long Island, New York. At age 17, he joined the hit Broadway musical “RENT” as the character Angel. His next major role was in the off-Broadway musical hit “Zanna, Don’t!” In the whimsical tale, Jai plays the lead role Zanna. Jai also starred in the hit Broadway musical, “The Producers.” From “RENT” to Zanna, his success grew at a tremendous rate. Other acting credits included “All My Children,” “One Life to Live,” “Number One Single,” and “The New Guy.” Jai also guest stared on FX's hit show “Nip/Tuck” as Chaz, an LA fashionista with a dirty little secret. Most recently, Jai wrapped filming on an upcoming movie titled “Oy Vey My Son Is Gay.”

Jai's television and film success inspired him to create his own cabaret at the XL Lounge in New York City titled, “Monday Night Twisted Cabaret.” One night, producers from “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” caught the show and discovered a perfect fit for their new project. Thus, Jai Rodriguez better known as the “Culture Vulture” was born.

Bravo’s hit show “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” reached critical acclaim, garnering Jai an Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality Program in 2004 and 2005. As the expert of popular culture on the program, Jai used his skills and social charisma to coach men on everything from working the room in a social setting to feeling comfortable on the dance floor. Jai also received credit as an author for the New York Times bestseller Queer Eye for the Straight Guy's Guide.

When Queer Eye concluded in 2007, Jai joined Daisy Fuentes as co-host of the Style Network's “Ultimate Style.” He and Daisy round up the week's top style stories to keep viewers abreast of what's all the rage on the runway, the red carpet and around town.

As a fixture in pop culture Jai has contributed to several magazines. He acted as a contributing editor for People En Español in 2005 and 2006 and for LATINA magazine in 2006.

Jai currently resides in Los Angeles, California with his two Yorkshire terriers, Nemo, “Groomer Has It’s” messenger dog, and Dory. He is currently touring with his one man show – “My Truth.” In his spare time, Jai enjoys hiking, going to the gym, cooking, crafts and he’s a good bowler.

NEMO

The GROOMER HAS IT “Messenger Dog”

Nemo came into Jai’s life right at the beginning of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. He was a tiny thing, weighing in at just 2.5 pounds. Despite a few diva doggie moments, Nemo and Jai quickly became close friends. In fact, he never leaves Jai’s side. Still energetic as a puppy, Nemo is five year old and enjoys playing with Dori, Jai’s other Yorkshire terrier. Groomer Has It isn’t Nemo’s first foray into show biz. He has made several appearances on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, as well as other programs. Widely considered a canine trend-setter, Nemo has attended some of the best fashion shows in New York.