The young São Paulo actor Felipe Melquiades is taking his first steps in the artistic world when he makes his debut in Globo’s telenovela “Terra e Paixão”. At the age of 10, Felipe recently moved to Rio de Janeiro with his family to record the plot, where he plays the character Cristian, son of the characters of Débora Falabella and Ângelo Antônio. In this story, the young man faces the challenge of bullying at school due to the fact that he is an albino.
Thrilled with this opportunity, Felipe expresses his happiness at participating in the soap opera and praises the cast and crew, who treat him with great affection. Furthermore, he reveals his desire to take a theater course to further hone his artistic skills. Both Felipe and his mother, Denise, are pleased to be tackling an important topic like albinism and having the opportunity to raise awareness about the issue.
Felipe Melquiades’ participation in “Terra e Paixão” is a milestone in his career, showing his talent and dedication from the beginning. His performance in the role of Cristian promises to bring up relevant issues about bullying and accepting differences, as well as inspiring other young people facing similar situations.
How has your experience been playing the character Cristian in the telenovela “Terra e Paixão”?
It’s been wonderful. I’ve been learning a lot with the whole team, everyone is very nice to me and I’ve been wanting to continue in this profession more and more.
How important is it to address issues such as albinism and bullying in the telenovela’s plot?
I was very happy to be able to play this character, who is an albino boy just like me. Talking about Albinism is very necessary. Many people send me messages, they identify with Cristian, because they went through similar situations.
How did you prepare for the role of Cristian? Did you have any specific challenges?
I’ve had a lot of help from our casting coach, Tatiana Muniz. She helps me in every scene, to interpret what Cristian is. He’s not just an albino boy, who, like me, has specific needs, but he’s a sweet, smart, funny boy and a little tough, right lol
What has it been like to work alongside experienced actors like Débora Falabella and Ângelo Antônio?
Very fun. They are incredible and teach me a lot, they make me feel at ease on and off the set. We rehearsed, we talked and I am very grateful to them.
What do you hope people will learn or understand from watching your performance?
That we albinos are normal people and, like everyone else, we deserve respect. Cristian brings a lot of that, because he does what every kid his age does. Who is albino, has to take special care, no big deal. I want people to understand that bullying is something for uninformed people.
Besides acting, do you have any other artistic interests, like music or dancing?
I haven’t stopped to think about it yet, I’m enjoying and making the most of this new experience. I’m focused on learning from the team and interpreting Cristian better every day.
How has your family supported your artistic career? What are their expectations about this?
My parents encourage me a lot, accompany me and talk to me a lot about it. But they always ask if I’m enjoying it.
Do you have any idols or inspirations in the acting world? Who are your role models?
Ângelo Antônio and Débora are perfect on stage, they are my idols, without a doubt. Now my favorite child actress is Maria Carolina Basílio.
What is your long-term goal in your artistic career? Do you intend to continue acting?
Yes, I intend to continue. I’m taking acting classes and I want to do more characters, I’m really enjoying the artistic world and I don’t intend to leave it any time soon.
What would you like to say to young people who also dream of entering the artistic world?
That anything is possible! And always, amazing people will show up to help you accomplish them, people who will teach you a lot. We don’t need to rush anything, everything happens at the right time.
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