‘Fast X’ star Michelle Rodriguez reveals how her fear of pregnancy led to developing a tomboy style

Actress Michelle Rodriguez opened up about how her apprehensions of becoming a teen mother motivated her to adopt a tomboy style.

The 44-year-old — known for her iconic role as the hardcore character Letty Ortiz in the Fast and Furious franchise — recently shared this revelation with PEOPLE magazine as part of the outlet’s “Beautiful” issue set to be released this week.

In the discussion, Rodriguez disclosed that growing up in a low-income neighborhood in San Antonio, Texas, she saw many teens “having kids.” The star said that she would still consider herself a “very feminine creature” despite the tomboy style she has adopted over the years.

“I grew up in the ghetto. You grow up quick when you’re in poverty and see kids having kids — teen moms are a big thing. I was such a tomboy because I was scared of getting pregnant. But if you dig deep, underneath all of that armor, I’m a very feminine creature.”

Further in the interview, Rodriguez also shared that as she has gotten older, she’s realized the essential things in life, including one’s personal relationship with themselves and others. She stated,

“The older I get, the more I realize that everything needs to be nurtured. Your relationships, your animals, your body, your physical spirituality, your psychology, all of it needs to be fed, watered and loved. It’s an ongoing thing. And it starts with you loving yourself.”

Rodriguez has had a very busy year so far. The actress has starred in the newly released Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves alongside Chris Pine, Regé-Jean Page, Justice Smith, and Hugh Grant, and is set to reprise her role as Letty Ortiz in the tenth installment of Fast and Furious franchise, Fast X. 

Fast X follows Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his family as they endure the wrath of drug lord Hernan Reyes’ son following his untimely demise. The movie also stars Vin Diesel, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Nathalie Emmanuel, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Jason Momoa, John Cena, Brie Larson, and many others.

Fast X is set to debut in theaters on May 19.