Miguel Ângelo, a prominent child actor in the soap opera ‘A Infância de Romeu e Julieta’, plays the role of Romeu Monteiro, son of Vera (played by Bianca Rinaldi) and Bernardo (played by Fábio Ventura). The young actor, from Cidade de Deus, a favela on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, moved to São Paulo with his mother, Vânia Regina da Silva, to play his first protagonist on open television. At just 12 years old, he recognizes the responsibility he carries and becomes an inspiration to other black children seeking similar opportunities.
In the plot of ‘The Childhood of Romeo and Juliet’, Romeu is part of the wealthy and powerful Monteiro family, who resides in the luxurious Residencial Verona condominium, built by his grandfather, Leandro Monteiro, on the Torre side of the Castanheira neighborhood. This context allows the dramaturgy to explore reflections on concepts and opportunities for the next generations.
Just like his character, Miguel Ângelo is passionate about sports and adventures. Both share the determination to achieve their goals, without fearing challenges. In the middle of the plot, Romeo falls in love with Julieta, a resident of an old townhouse in Vila, belonging to the Campos family, enemies of the Monteiros. The story reflects the rivalry between the families and the obstacles faced by the couple. To prepare for the role, Miguel Ângelo needed to learn tennis, a sport different from his preferences, such as football and basketball.
Despite his young age, Miguel Ângelo already has an established trajectory in the artistic world. His first steps were taken in 2014, in the series ‘O Caçador’, and since then, he has participated in different productions, such as the short ‘Our Legacy’, shown by the UN in New York, and the film ‘Barba, Cabelo e Mustache’ , on Netflix, in 2022. In addition, he acted in the Netflix series ‘Candelária’, still unreleased. In theater, Miguel was in ‘The Wizard of OZ’ and in the play ‘Love as Revolution’, based on the book of the same name by pastor Henrique Vieira, directed by Rodrigo França and co-produced by Lázaro Ramos.
Throughout his career, the young man participated in several short films and music videos, such as ‘Mais Jovem, Mais Bela, Mais Linda’, by Thiago Martins, and collaborated with the album ‘Proteja os Seu Sonhos’, by Conceição Evaristo. His current experience at SBT has been rewarding, and he celebrated passing the test on the day of Saint Cosmas and Damian with his family. Recognized for his talent, Miguel won the Young Brazilian Award in the Young of the Future category and was nominated for the Noticiasdetv.com Award and the 1st ArteBlitz Soap Opera Award, where he competes as Best New Actor.
His inspiring journey stands out amidst the challenges faced by a black boy, from humble origins in the outskirts, raised by a single mother. His success and the space he gained in art make him a relevant figure for new generations.
What was it like for you to play Romeu Monteiro in the soap opera “A Infância de Romeu e Julieta” and what were the main inspirations for bringing this character to life?
It has been a great experience for me to play this beloved character. My main inspiration is Lázaro Ramos, for being able to portray several characters with excellence, from comedy to drama.
What was your preparation like for the role of Romeo, which involved learning to play an elite sport like tennis?
Preparation requires a lot of study and dedication. Sometimes, this means stopping being with friends at parties, having fun… This experience of learning to play tennis has been splendid! Even because it is a sport that few have the opportunity to learn.
You mentioned the importance of representing characters that generate reflection on concepts and chances for the next generations. How do you hope your performance will influence younger audiences?
Showing that we are a great power and that we just need opportunities to generate more. It’s UBUNTU: ‘I am because we are’.
With an already diverse career in cinema, television and theater, what have been the most notable challenges you have faced so far as a child actor?
Moving to another state, recording every day with a large volume of scenes, as the other jobs were a maximum of four times a week. But I’m loving this experience, because it’s bringing me another baggage: maturity.
Being recognized by awards such as the Young Brazilian Award and the ArteBlitz Novela Award, how do you feel about this recognition and what do these awards mean to you?
The Youth Award was an incredible experience, because this is my first work on a soap opera. Receiving the award shows that concepts about the future are changing. More people like me will be in this place. And about the other awards I was nominated for, I think they are recognizing my work, they like what I’m doing. So, I feel very flattered just by the fact that I’m participating.
How do you see your role as a reference for other black children seeking opportunities in the world of entertainment?
I see and understand that it is not easy, as I started when I was four years old. Dreams were made to be realized, projects to be executed. Focus on your studies, your goals, and go! Always remember: have your foundation as the basis for everything, family.
What was it like for you as an actor, exploring the complexity of a character who falls in love with someone from a rival family, such as the story of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet?
It’s been really fun, because between Romeo and Juliet, there’s no rivalry. Quite the contrary, they try in every way to unite families.
In the midst of an artistic career full of achievements, which moment or role do you consider the most memorable so far in your career?
Playing Romeu Monteiro is an achievement and a very remarkable experience, especially because it completely deviates from the stereotype of a black family that we are used to seeing on TV.
You mentioned your identification with the character Romeo in terms of sporting tastes. How did these similarities help in the construction of this role?
He is very competitive, and I am very competitive too. He is a trailblazer, friend, affectionate, loyal. So, I didn’t have much to add. In some scenes, I lend Miguel to him. Then, we make this exchange.
In addition to acting, you were present in music videos, short films and musical projects. How did these experiences contribute to your development as an artist and influence your work as an actor on television?
The theater prepared me for improvisations. The clips prepared me to know how to position myself for the camera when recording. And everything linked to art, I love!
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