Mayte Michelle Rodriguez(born July 12, 1978), known professionally as Michelle Rodriguez, is an American actress. Following on from her breakthrough role in 2000′s Girlfight, she is best known for playing tough-girl roles and starring in Hollywood blockbusters such as The Fast and the Furious, Resident Evil, S.W.A.T., Avatar, Machete and Battle: Los Angeles, as well as for her role as Ana Lucia Cortez in the television series Lost (2005–2006, 2009–2010).

Was raised in Texas, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and in Jersey City.
Is of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent.
She beat out 350 other girls for the role of Diana Guzman in Girlfight (2000).
Girlfight (2000) was her first acting audition, and she got the role. The Fast and the Furious (2001) was her second audition, and she also got that role.
Is an avid in-line skater.
Didn’t have a driver’s license before filming The Fast and the Furious (2001) and had to obtain one during her training for the car chase sequences.
Plays the piano.
Has two half-sisters on her father’s side.
Has two older twin brothers named Raul and Omar.
Dropped out of high school at 17, but later obtained a G.E.D. equivalency certificate.
Ranked #77 in Stuff magazine’s “102 Sexiest Women In The World” (2002).
Ranked #34 in Maxim’s “100 Sexiest Women” (2002).
It was announced in 2005 that she would be joining the second season cast of the hit ABC drama “Lost” (2004).
She was the original choice for the title role in Æon Flux (2005).
When interviewed to join the cast of “Lost” (2004) as a tough LAPD cop, she insisted that she would only sign on for one year because she is a “nomadic spirit”. The producers came up with a story line and sold the idea of the short contract to the network.
Is often seen singing karaoke alongside Lindsay Lohan, Bo Barrett, Emile Hirsch, and Nicole Richie at Beverly Hills hot spot “Guys” .
Has Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
Was considered for the part of Christine Thayer in Crash (2004/I).
Good friends with Jason Sarayba and Nicole Eggert.