In Landman, San Antonio native Rylie Rodriguez (right) portrays the youngest daughter of a couple played by Jon Hamm and Demi Moore.

The first time San Antonio native Rylie Rodriguez took the stage as part of a theater class when she was a kid, she immediately fell in love with acting.

She had participated in dancing and singing classes prior to that, but it wasn’t until she experienced acting that she felt a thrill from performing.

“Dancing and singing just weren’t my thing,” Rodriguez, 21, told the Current during an interview. “Theater was very exciting to me. It was something new.”

While taking classes at Performing Arts San Antonio, Rodriguez got the opportunity to audition for a short film being produced by students at the University of Southern California. She landed the role and was flown to Los Angeles to make her screen debut.

“It was my very first audition ever, and I was fortunate enough to book it,” Rodriguez said. “I knew from then on that I wanted to dedicate myself to the craft of on-screen acting.”

Now, Rodriguez finds herself in the first major TV series of her career. Set in the West Texas oil business, Landman follows a group of roughnecks and billionaires at the forefront of an economic boom.

Co-created and written by Taylor Sheridan (Yellowstone) and based on the Texas Monthly podcast Boomtown, Landman stars Billy Bob Thornton (Sling Blade), Jon Hamm (Mad Men) and Demi Moore (Ghost). Thornton plays Tommy Norris, an oil executive, while Hamm plays Monty Miller, a Texas oil giant. Rodriguez portrays the youngest daughter of Miller and his wife Cami (Moore).

During our interview, Rodriguez, a graduate of North East School of the Arts, discussed booking the show near the end of the casting process and what it was like working on set with celebrities. She also talked about why she might make a move from San Antonio to Hollywood.

Landman premiered Nov. 17 on Paramount+.

What drew you from acting on stage to acting on screen when you were a kid?

I was in middle school when I did theater. Then, I studied cinematic arts in high school. In middle school, I definitely competed in the UIL a couple of times. It was definitely a thrill being on stage. However, I eventually realized that on-screen acting was my passion. They’re two beautiful arts, but I think they’re very different.

Since you studied cinematic arts in high school, did you also work behind the camera?

Yes, I also got to taste what it’s like behind the scenes, which has helped me so much as an actress — to understand that perspective. I’ve directed and produced and done casting. It allows you to use different creative elements. I know there’s some amazing directors who also star in their own films. So, I think someday in the future, I’ll probably end up doing something similar.

What was the audition process for Landman like for you, and how did you learn you got the part?

They requested that I submit a tape of myself. About two weeks later, I got the news from one of my agents that I booked it. Initially, they were only casting one daughter for Demi and John’s characters, so I really wasn’t going to be involved at all. I guess at the last minute, they decided they were going to give their characters two daughters. So, I’m the second daughter; the younger of the two.

I noticed that your character doesn’t have a name. Or did I miss it?

Since I was added at the last minute in the casting process, I’m currently referred to as “Monty’s daughter.” But I’m still thrilled. I’m looking forward to seeing how my character is going to develop in future seasons.

So, what was it like having Demi and Jon as parents?

It was a dream come true. They are incredibly kind and down to earth and very generous with their time and advice. Watching them work was like a master class in acting. I love them and their professionalism. Their dedication to the craft is truly inspiring. You forget they’re celebrities when you’re talking to them because they’re just so kind.

These days, you don’t have to live in Los Angeles to make TV shows and movies. Do you plan to stay in San Antonio or would you like to see what else is out there?

I’ve thought about that a lot. I 1,000% agree that you don’t need to live there anymore. I think [moving to LA] would be more for the lifestyle. I love San Antonio, [but LA] has lots of things going on. I think it would be really fun. I might move during my 20s, [but] maybe not for the rest of my life.

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