Nearly two decades after arriving in Miami to pursue her dream of becoming an actress—and facing a difficult beginning, working as a cleaner and nanny—Brazilian Carolla Parmejano is celebrating a consolidated and international career. Recognized for her roles in The Black Belt (HBO Max), Solteira Quase Surtando (Single Girl Almost Surting), and for her voice roles in Chica Vampiro and La Casa de las Flores, as well as her Oscar nomination for Best Voice Actress (SOVAS) for Dead Space: Aftermath, the artist now stars in the Prime Video feature film Blow for Blow, released on September 18.
In the film, Carolla plays Martha, a mother who represents a caring and protective perspective in a story about bullying and overcoming it through jiu-jitsu. The actress also plays Jaclyn in Secrets of an Influencer, another Prime Video thriller that discusses the impact of social media and cemented her reputation as an international star. Between sets in the United States and a new project filming in Brazil, Carolla reaffirms her talent, versatility, and determination—turning obstacles into inspiration and bringing Brazilian charisma to screens around the world.
Your journey is marked by immense courage—from living on the streets to earning a place in international productions. Looking back, what moves you most about this journey between vulnerability and resilience?
What moves me most is realizing how much each pain and each fall prepared me for where I am today. I once lived on the streets, and at that moment it seemed like the end, but today I understand that it was there that I began to build my strength, my empathy, and my human perspective. When I look back, I feel gratitude—because without those vulnerabilities, I would never have known the power of overcoming.
In Blow for Blow, you play a mother who represents care and strength within the family. What was it like building this character who combines affection and firmness in a context of bullying and self-discovery?
Constructing this mother was very special because she’s the heart of the story. She represents the love that heals, but also the love that educates, that sets boundaries with gentleness. I sought to convey the truth of many women I know, who face similar situations with their children and live through the pain with dignity and courage. In a way, this character teaches a new way of caring.
The film is about discipline, respect, and transformation through jiu-jitsu. Is there a personal philosophy you hold that helps you rebuild, just as your character inspires her son?
I firmly believe in the philosophy that life is a gentle struggle—we fall, learn, and rise again with greater awareness. In jiu-jitsu, as in life, it’s not about defeating others, but defeating yourself. I carry with me the discipline of faith and gratitude. Even on the hardest days, I choose to believe that there is a purpose in everything.
In Secrets of an Influencer, you delve into a world of appearances and illusions on social media. What personal reflections did this experience bring to you about truth, image, and authenticity in the digital age?
Secrets of an Influencer made me reflect on how, sometimes, image can become a prison. Social media shows brilliance, but it doesn’t always reveal the truth. I left this project with an even greater desire to be authentic, to not hide my vulnerabilities—because that’s where true connection with people lies.
Jaclyn is an antagonist, a role far removed from her essence. What was the process of allowing yourself to be “other” without losing your authentic self as an artist and as a person?
It was a huge challenge to be Jaclyn, because she’s a woman driven by vanity, ambition, and insecurity—all things I’ve worked to heal within myself. But it was liberating. I learned that playing someone else isn’t about losing who you are, but expanding. As an artist, I always strive to bring humanity to even those who make mistakes.
You always mention the love you put into bringing a little piece of Brazil to international sets—including brigadeiro! What does this gesture represent to you, and how does Brazil live on in every project you do abroad?
The brigadeiro has become a symbol of my love for Brazil (laughs). It’s my way of bringing a bit of my culture, my childhood, and my affection to the sets. When I share brigadeiro, I share history. It’s a hug in the form of candy. Brazil lives within me every day—in my energy, in my way of speaking, feeling, and creating.
After so many years in the United States, what’s it like returning to the country and filming in Brazil again? Is there a different kind of emotion than when you’re on set at home?
Returning to film in Brazil is always a different emotion. It’s like breathing the air of my origins again. Hearing Portuguese on set, feeling the warmth, improvisation, and creativity of Brazilians… all of this touches me deeply. Abroad, I represent Brazil; here, I reconnect with it.
Your story is an example of resilience and faith in art. If you could leave a message for Brazilian artists who dream of following the same path, what would you say to them today?
I would say to every Brazilian artist: never give up on your dream, even when the world tells you it’s impossible. I am living proof that it is possible. Believe in your voice, in your story, and transform pain into fuel. The path is difficult, but art is greater than fear. And when you follow truthfully, the universe conspires in your favor.
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