In reality, Ramon Rodriguez, who plays a gangland son who infiltrates police ranks in “Gang Related,” doesn’t have the heart-stopping close calls, underworld gore or angsty divided loyalties that riddle this new series, but his childhood was a textbook example of how a father figure — or three — can help put a troubled boy on the right path. Laure JolietNew York Times News Service

In “Gang Related,” Ramon Rodriguez portrays Ryan Lopez, the adopted son of a crime lord who infiltrates the Los Angeles Police Department to help his family keep ahead of the law. But while Rodriguez’s real life doesn’t have the heart-stopping close calls, underworld gore or angsty divided loyalties that riddle this new Fox series, starting May 22, his childhood was a textbook example of how a father figure — or three — can help put a troubled boy on the right path.

“On the streets, hanging out with the fellows, there are things you learn that no book can teach you,” Rodriguez, 34, said of being raised by a single mother in New York City.

By seventh grade his behavior was sketchy at best, and he landed in summer school. There, a clever composition about a cockroach caught the eye of a teacher, who suggested that he test for the New York City Lab School of Collaborative Studies — a “major turn” that he says led him to a boarding school in northern Michigan, where a man introduced him to basketball and, with it, structure, a work ethic and values.

After playing ball at Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia for two years, Rodriguez transferred to New York University, where he majored in sports marketing and, demonstrating some trick basketball moves at a competition, caught the eye of a Nike representative who hired him for commercials.

In a recent phone interview with Kathryn Shattuck, Rodriguez — whose rakish good looks have carried him from a bit part in “Rescue Me” to the role of John Bosley in the short-lived ABC remake of “Charlie’s Angels” — talked about his journey from the streets to the set. Here are excerpts from their conversation.

Q: You just came off a featured role as a mechanic in the movie “Need for Speed.” And now “Gang Related” is your first starring role in a series. Were you in the market for a television show?

A: I wasn’t really excited about doing television, to be quite honest. I’d been in “The Wire” on HBO (as Renaldo, Omar Little’s boyfriend), and I was spoiled by the quality of a cable show. I didn’t think I’d find the same creative vibe or experience on a network. But Fox seemed to want to try to push the envelope. And they allowed me to have creative input.

Q: What attracted you to the script?

A: You get to see this tough little boy who lost his parents at a young age be taken in by a man who is well respected in the neighborhood. Growing up in New York City myself, there’s always a guy like that in the neighborhood. And when a person like that gives a young boy purpose, he starts to see his potential and becomes sold on the vision.

Q: How did you prepare for the role?

A: I spent a lot of time with gang members. I wanted to really understand what the mental and emotional state would be.

And I spent six weeks with the LAPD doing surveillance, weapons training and ride-alongs.

Growing up in New York, I was never a big fan of cops. But spending time with them out here, I gained a whole new respect for what they have to do and the constant pressure of their jobs.

Q: In 2001 you founded a group called Project Playground, kind of a younger version of the Harlem Globetrotters, and performed at NBA games. What’s your best trick?

A: I spin the ball on a pen and put the pen in my mouth and the ball keeps spinning. Basketball paid for four years of my education, and I am so proud of that. Then it got me into this business.

Q: What’s the moral of the story?

A: You don’t make it anywhere without someone helping you out. And now it’s my turn to help out.