At just 11 years old, actor Guilherme Baleixo begins a new chapter in his career by joining the cast of the musical “Meu Filho é um Musical” (My Son is a Musical), in which he will portray Paulo Gustavo as a child. Sharing the role with two other actors, the young artist has training in TV, film, and theater, as well as experience in dubbing and musicals. In an interview, Guilherme talks about the challenge of playing one of the biggest names in Brazilian comedy and about his growing dedication to the arts from a young age.
Guilherme, playing Paulo Gustavo as a child in such a special musical is a huge challenge. How did you receive this news and what was your first reaction?
It was really funny! First, Aunt Renata Borges is a great actress because she tricked me by saying that unfortunately, thanking and saying goodbye to those who didn’t get the part was part of the process. She spoke very sadly. Suddenly, she yelled that it was a lie and that I would be Paulo Gustavo! It was very fun and emotional; unforgettable! My first reaction was extreme happiness. I felt so much joy that I wanted to hug everyone! I cried with emotion!
Paulo Gustavo has touched generations with his talent and charisma. What do you find most appealing about him as an artist and as a person?
What strikes me most is his authenticity. We often look to artists for inspiration. He achieved everything by being himself! I absolutely love his impersonations of Dona Déa and all the characters he played. He was incredible! It’s an honor and a privilege to be able to represent him.
You’re going to portray a very important phase in the life of someone so beloved by the public. How has it been building this character in rehearsals?
It’s been very interesting! Doing this musical is introducing me to very interesting new things about his life! I’ve seen a lot in films and documentaries, but this musical has even more new information and it’s all very cool! Besides that, it’s been great because there are so many talented people and I’m learning so much from everyone!
In a role like this, what is most challenging for you: portraying a real person, entering the world of musicals, or dealing with the emotion that the story carries?
Dealing with the emotion that the story carries. It’s a beautiful and hilarious story, but we know it has a moment of immense sadness! It’s all very moving! This is very challenging, but at the same time, exciting! I’m working very hard to honor this spectacular guy!
You already have experience in theater, voice acting, dance, and even swimming. How do all these experiences help you when you go on stage?
Dubbing helps me a lot to have a firm voice with “vocal presence.” I have a lot of experience and a great passion for theater. Because of this, doing this work makes me feel at home. I’m in my natural habitat! Dancing helps me a lot to have a good understanding of space and the stage. It also helps with blocking scenes, since the positions on stage often resemble choreography on stage. I think swimming made me an actor with focus, discipline, and a lot of commitment, characteristics of a high-performance athlete. Combining that with my passion for the arts, I think the result is really cool!
The stage demands presence, emotion, and truth. What do you feel you’ve learned most about acting so far, even at such a young age?
We have to bring a lot of truth to the scene. We don’t have to act. We have to truly live the scene. We don’t have to think about what to do to look similar. We have to believe that everything is real and that we are experiencing it in that moment!
What’s it like for you to be part of a project where three actors alternate playing the same character? Does that inspire you to create your own version of the role?
Absolutely! Each actor does it their own way. When we experience the scene, we bring our own way of acting, thinking… we have our impulses according to our personal experiences… so, each of us will bring a different version of Paulo Gustavo. However, they are all beautiful, because my colleagues are very good! Let’s do a great job!
Looking at everything you’ve done so far, from the stage to the dubbing studios, what kind of artist do you dream of becoming in the future?
I want to be a complete artist: I sing, dance, act… I’m even thinking about being a director and screenwriter in the future! I love every bit of it and I’ve been working and studying hard to become a better version of myself! I know it’s work, but I see it all as my great playground!
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