At age 9, actress Elisa Penido takes another important step in her career by joining the cast of Record TV’s blockbuster “A Vida de Jó.” In the drama, which premieres in August 2025 on Univer Vídeo and hits television in 2026, the young woman will play Yael, Job’s childhood daughter, a role that promises to thrill audiences and solidify her career already marked by theater and film experience.
Elisa, you’re only 9 years old and you’re already in a Record TV blockbuster. How did you feel when you learned you’d be playing Job’s daughter?
I was very happy because, in addition to participating in a biblical series, it would be my first job on TV, as the previous ones were for cinema and theater.
Your character, Yael, lives during Job’s childhood. What did you most enjoy learning about her and how did you prepare for the role?
Yael is a sweet and affectionate girl, the eldest of the three daughters. She’s undergoing a major change in her life and needs to adapt to her new reality. Regarding preparation, when I learned I was going to play one of Job’s daughters, I searched for as much information as possible about him and his family, and discovered that it’s a very touching story that teaches us a lot.
Besides television, you’ve also worked in film and theater. Is there a particular difference you feel about working in each of these fields?
Yes! When acting in theater, you’re right there with the audience, so you need to be very focused to avoid mistakes. In film, this is a bit easier, since there’s the possibility of making mistakes and being able to repeat them. Another feeling I have is that in theater and on TV, things move faster. In film, the pace is a bit slower. One thing I also learned about the difference in acting is that in theater, the interpretation is more expansive, while in film and TV, it must be more restrained because of the camera.
Your mother commented on social media that “no one gets anywhere alone.” Who were the most important people who helped you get here?
My parents are very important because they support me in my dreams. Another person I can’t forget to mention is my acting coach, Verônica Rodrigues, who has been with me since the beginning and is almost like a second mother to me. I’ve learned a lot from her, not only about acting, but about other aspects of life as well. Oh, and my friends and family, who always encourage and believe in me.
Between recordings, rehearsals and school, how do you organize your day to day to manage everything?
School always comes first. I can say that I have a great ability to memorize text; this helps me a lot with time management. Another thing that makes all the difference is the professionals who guide me, who help me build the character more objectively.
You also share your routine on social media. What behind-the-scenes moment from “The Life of Job” do you think fans will love to see?
We played and had a lot of fun! I think they would love to see those moments. Another thing I think is really cool is the sets, equipment, and costumes, as it’s a huge production. I think they’d love to see that too.
Acting in such an emotional story, was there any scene or moment that touched you in a special way?
There were two scenes that really touched me: one was when Job’s children realized how loved their father was in the city and the other was when his father was telling them about his childhood.
For you, what is the most fun and the most challenging thing about being an actress at such a young age?
I love being on stage! So, it’s fun when a character arrives and I have the opportunity to live a new story. The challenge is trying to feel how that character would feel.
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