At just 8 years old, actress Maria Clara Janhsen from Minas Gerais is already forging a promising path in Brazilian television drama. The young actress makes her debut on TV Globo playing Zilá as a child in “Coração Acelerado,” the network’s new 7 PM telenovela. In the story, she takes the first steps in developing the character who will later be played by Leandra Leal, and also shares scenes with singer Paula Fernandes. Between filming, studies, and typical childhood games, Maria Clara balances lightness and professionalism while emerging as one of the new talents of Brazilian television.
When you found out you were going to be in the soap opera “Coração Acelerado,” what did you do right away? Who did you tell first?
I was overjoyed and grateful to God. My mother gave me the news, and the first person I told was my father.
Who is Zilá to you as a child? If you had to describe her in three words, what would they be?
It’s just a child wanting attention. Since she doesn’t get it, she gets angry. The words that best describe her are: strong, brave, and determined.
What was the most fun part of filming? Was there any scene you finished and thought, “Wow, I did that!”?
The swim in the river. It was a lot of fun. It was very hot that day, so I got wet and cooled off. As for the hardest part, there was the scene where I come back from my mother’s wake and find my father very sad, sitting on the sofa.
Was there any part that was difficult or that gave you butterflies in your stomach? What do you do to calm yourself down when you get nervous?
No. It was all a lot of fun. To calm myself down, I just take a deep breath.
What was it like acting alongside Paula Fernandes? Did she help you with anything on set? Do you have any funny or sweet memories with her?
It was really cool. There was a scene where she’s sitting on the balcony and starts singing and playing the guitar. It was very moving and beautiful. A great experience. Everyone was touched. She’s very affectionate, and that puts me at ease. As for the funny memories I have, they’re from our stroller rides.
What did you learn most from filming your first telenovela at Globo? (It can be something small, like “waiting my turn,” “memorizing lines,” “listening to the director”…)
I need to listen more. There, I need to hear the director’s instructions.
When you’re not filming, what’s your “child’s day” like? What do you enjoy most: tag, drawing, studying… or do you have another favorite?
I wear doll earrings, I play with my brother, I go to school and I do sports (swimming and artistic gymnastics). My favorite game is tag.
If you could send a message to other children who dream of acting, what would it be? And what is your biggest dream now: to play another character, to sing, to dance, to be in a movie…?
Never give up on your dreams. And yes, what I most desire is to play other characters.
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