Actress and singer Giovanna Vilarinho, known for her roles in musical theater and television, shared details of her artistic career, influences and future plans in an exclusive interview. With a career that began at the age of 7 in the musical “Les Misérables”, Giovanna recalls how this experience shaped her passion for the performing arts and helped her define her professional path.
Currently residing in Madrid, Giovanna shared how moving to Europe influenced her development as an artist. “I recorded with several Netflix directors and learned new ways, techniques and perspectives to act. This was the biggest difference and learning I gained in Madrid compared to Brazil,” she explained. The actress worked with renowned directors such as Carlos Sedes and Andres Cuenca, expanding her knowledge and acting techniques.
In addition to her acting career, Giovanna is an accomplished lyrical singer and released her debut album in 2016. Her compositions are deeply personal and reflect her life experiences. Giovanna also commented on her participation as a judge on Rede Record’s “Canta Comigo” program, highlighting the importance of resilience and empathy when evaluating new musical talents.
With promising future projects, Giovanna Vilarinho continues to explore new opportunities in both music and acting. “I can’t reveal my projects yet, but I guarantee that in the coming months there will be lots of new things coming to the screen!” she announced, leaving fans excited for her next endeavors. Giovanna Vilarinho, with her passion and dedication, continues to delight the public and conquer her space in the artistic scene, promising many surprises and future successes.
You started your career in musical theater at age 7 with Les Misérables. How did this experience shape your passion for the performing arts?
I began my artistic career professionally when I was just 7 years old in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway. In the musical, I played the child protagonist, “Little Cosette”, where I was able to combine my two passions: acting and singing at the same time. Since then, I defined: “This is really what I want to do for the rest of my life.”
In my “rest” days in the musical, I also played “Little Éponine”, who had a huge contrast in personality compared to “Little Cosette”. There were two extreme poles, with Cosette being a very poor character, orphaned and mistreated by her adoptive family, with a very painful life, while Éponine was a rich, spoiled and arrogant young woman who even mistreated Cosette in the musical. Playing two very different characters in the same musical awakened in me a deep love for the performing arts. Since then, acting has naturally become my eternal passion.
In addition to acting, you are also a talented lyrical singer. How do you balance these two artistic passions in your career?
Singing and acting are my passions and they go hand in hand. Many roles I played required musical resources, such as the piano, to interpret the character. An example would be the character Vanessa in the SBT soap opera Marisol. Being an actress allows me to move between these two worlds, and that’s incredible.
Currently living in Madrid, how has your experience in Europe influenced your development as an artist compared to Brazil?
Living in Madrid, my love for acting has multiplied a thousand times! I recorded with several Netflix directors such as Carlos Sedes (director of Jaguar, Alto Mar, The Telephonists), Andres Cuenca (casting director), Juanma Lopez and Menna Fitte (directors of the global hit series Elite).
Each director has their own way of working and conducting recordings, and this is incredible because you learn new ways, techniques and perspectives with each one to act and do a good job. This was the biggest difference and learning I gained in Madrid compared to Brazil. Brazil follows a standard direction format and techniques in films, series and soap operas. It works great, but expanding my knowledge was wonderful.
His debut album in 2016 was very well received. What are the themes and inspirations behind your songs?
Behind all my compositions there is a real life story that I experienced at some point in my life, and that is what makes people connect and identify with the work. Many situations in my love life are a reflection of what thousands of people have also experienced, creating a bond of welcome.
You participated as a judge on Rede Record’s “Canta Comigo” program. What was the experience of evaluating new musical talents like?
Being a judge on Canta Comigo was an incredible and emotional experience. As she is also a singer, it was important to have the resilience to put herself in the candidate’s shoes. Often, the first seconds of presentations are crucial to gaining the trust of the judges and the public, but at the same time, we have to understand that it is not easy to face a panel with 100 judges. It is necessary to take into account the nervousness of each participant. Furthermore, I discovered that the choice of repertoire is essential and 100% affects the candidate’s performance throughout the program.
What are the challenges and rewards of working on Netflix productions in Spain? Is there any particular project that you would highlight as significant to your career?
Working with directors at Netflix is challenging, as they are big names and this comes with a certain pressure of responsibility. At the same time, the results and all the effort are worth the total dedication to the work. Regarding new projects, I can’t disclose it yet, but you can be sure that very good things are coming for this second half of 2024.
How do you see the role of social media, especially Instagram, in connecting with fans and promoting your artistic work?
Social networks are nowadays the most practical and informal way for artists to connect with their fans. We can respond to them directly or through lives, allowing the fan to connect with the artist by getting to know him better and identifying with him. Whether we like it or not, we have great power to influence many people, and I believe that this should be used to make a better world.
What are your future plans in music and acting? Is there an upcoming project you’re especially excited about?
I can’t reveal my projects yet, but I guarantee that there will be lots of new things on screen in the coming months!
You mentioned on your social media about traveling and spending time with your family. How do these personal experiences influence your art?
My mother has always been by my side at every moment of my career. I believe that this family support is an extremely important foundation. Having my mother’s support for me is everything! My mother is my everything! She is my strength, my peace, my guardian angel, my best friend… simply everything!
What would you say to young artists just starting out in their careers, especially those who want to explore both theater and music?
I would say: “Believe it happens!” The first most important thing is the love for music and/or acting. When we do something we truly love, we do our best because it is something that brings joy to our soul.
Although I started very early, still without studies in both careers, I believe that study and professional training are extremely important to consolidate the actor’s work. We can never stop studying; In both music and performance, new techniques and forms are discovered all the time. To successfully carry out our work, we need to be up to date. For singers, one of the valuable tips I give is to always seek out a speech therapist to monitor the health of your vocal cords.
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