Guilherme Leonel , known for his versatility as a model, actor and businessman, shared exclusive details about his professional journey in a recent interview. During the conversation, he reflected on his natural transition from model to entrepreneur and actor, revealed remarkable experiences on the reality show “De Férias Com o Ex ” and discussed the challenges of reconciling an artistic career with business. Additionally, Leonel spoke about his future plans as an entrepreneur and exciting projects he is currently involved in, offering an intimate look into his personal and professional life. This exclusive interview offers a revealing look at Guilherme Leonel’s multifaceted journey and his determination to conquer new horizons.
How was the transition from model to actor and businessman?
The transition was natural; When I realized it, I was already involved in it. I started working very young, at 14, with my father. At 18, I opened a pizzeria. At 20, I stopped and returned to the modeling/acting business. And when I saw it, I was already doing it again.
What was the most memorable experience you had during the reality show “De Férias Com o Ex “?
The experience of living with strange people was something I had only experienced once, when I moved to São Paulo to go to an agency, but it didn’t last long. When I found an apartment, I went to live alone. In the reality house, I was forced to live for 30 days with extremely difficult people: vain people, wanting to appear at all times, arguing unnecessarily, just to create drama. This was a remarkable experience that made me realize that I don’t feel very good in confined environments, full of ego, lies and falsehood. That’s why I didn’t participate in any more reality shows.
What is it like to balance your acting career with business life?
Today, I prioritize life as an entrepreneur much more, it’s where I work every day, all day long. The business of acting is thankless; you spend months without working, without practicing, and suddenly your phone rings to take a test. The test is sent overnight, where you have to absorb the character in less than 24 hours, memorize the text and face all the cameras and professionals, all without time to prepare. I often say that it is a cowardly market, that does not provide opportunities, does not allow mistakes and does everything on purpose. Why don’t they send the text in advance? A soap opera or film takes months or years to produce, so why does the test need to be so immediate? These things end up discouraging; We love the profession, but these attitudes distance us in a certain way.
Could you share with us any challenges you faced when entering the world of acting?
My biggest challenge when entering acting (and that was why I decided to study theater) was breaking my shyness. I was extremely introverted, I barely responded to people, I couldn’t even say “good afternoon” . But thank God and persistence, this improved day by day.
How would you describe the role that Mister Tupã played in your career?
When I signed up, I had the idea of something much bigger, that would have a huge impact, that would be mega organized. In fact, I entered a dirty universe, where the organizers did several things, it almost became a police case at the time.
What is your biggest goal as an entrepreneur?
Set up a construction company. I have some land and houses rented, as well as a project for a resort in Jalapão. The next step is running the resort and then my construction company to scale things up.
What do you enjoy most about working in the entertainment industry?
The fact of being able to transform dreams and stories into “reality”, take great stories off paper, give life to people who may have already passed away or who often didn’t even exist, but who become loved or hated through character development.
What is your work dynamic like with your wife, Carol Nakamura?
We work together, we travel together, we sleep together, we drink water together… we are together all day long.
What are your future plans in acting?
I don’t usually make plans, the fact that I plan a lot, especially when acting, can generate frustration. So I live one day at a time, and whatever is mine will find a way to get to me.
Can you tell us about any exciting projects you are currently working on?
Currently, my biggest project is my house, which we are building. My focus today is completely on her, so that Carol can develop her ideas, travels and work with a fresh head. I gave up a little of myself so that she can be calmer now.
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