Actress Raini Rodriguez returns for comedy sequel, 'Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2'

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- From television to movies, Raini Rodriguez is already an old pro in Hollywood -- all at the ripe age of 21.

Since she first arrived in Los Angeles from Texas almost 10 years ago, Rodriguez has proudly been able to call herself a working actor.

"I like doing everything," Rodriguez admits. "Being able just to work as an actor is a big thing for me!"

She's juggled her role on the Disney Channel's sitcom "Austin & Ally" with work on the big screen, including the comedy sequel, "Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2." The film takes place six years after the first movie with Rodriguez's character headed off the college. Before she goes, dad and daughter take a road trip to Las Vegas.

"There's a mishap, a shenanigan, if you will, going on at the hotel that he finds out about," Rodriguez said. "Maya gets herself into trouble, Blart has to come to the rescue. And scene!"

The cast and crew had fun shooting the film in Las Vegas, but legal limitations made things a little tricky whenever Rodriguez was called to set.

"We wrapped the movie five days before my 21st birthday," Rodriguez said. "I actually had to have the PA's (production assistants) on the set hold my hand when we walked through the casino, because legally I wasn't 21."

But the limitations didn't bother Rodriguez.

"I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't gamble," Rodriguez said. "It was just very funny to me that I couldn't get on the carpet because I wasn't 21."

Rodriguez has razor sharp focus on her career. The same goes for her younger brother, Rico, who stars on "Modern Family." But Raini is also passionate about helping others regarding something that's touched her own life: bullying.

"Knowing that I have the power to even change one kid's life is so inspiring," Rodriguez said.

"Everyone was like, 'You're not funny enough. You're not pretty enough. You're not going to be successful.' I was like, 'Well, I could take that, not move to California, not follow my dreams, or I could just choose to ignore it, do what I want to do anyways, because that's what makes me happy,'" Rodriguez added.

Rodriguez has her eye on the big picture. As much as she loves acting and plans to continue with it, she's also already directed an episode of her sitcom and wants to do more work behind the camera as well.

"Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2" is in theaters Friday.