At just 11 years old, child actor Fernando Mello is making a name for himself in Brazilian audiovisual media, drawing attention for his ease, charisma, and naturalness in front of the cameras. After starting his career as a photographic model at age 8, Fernando saw his talent expand into new projects, joining the cast of the web series “School Friends,” where he played the character Hugo for three seasons—an experience that also led him to the feature film derived from the plot.
The young artist’s versatility is evident in different formats: the actor participated in the short films “A Volta do Fim 01” and “A Volta do Fim 02,” playing Nostra, and also took to the stage in productions such as “Coisas de Teatro” and the reinterpretation of “Divertidamente,” expanding his training and technical skills. In 2024, Fernando took a new step in his career by being cast as Joaquim in the children’s film “Clarice Vê Estrelas,” an adaptation of Letícia Pires’ work produced in partnership with the Instituto Vini Jr., which addresses themes such as identity, emotions, and anti-racism, with a theatrical release scheduled for 2026.
Now, in 2026, Fernando celebrates another achievement by being invited to join the cast of “Os Farofeiros 3,” one of the most anticipated comedy productions in the country, marking his entry into a major national project and reinforcing this special moment in his career. With a rapidly rising trajectory and opportunities that keep arising, Fernando Mello stands out as one of the promising talents of the new generation of Brazilian dramaturgy, accumulating expectations for his next steps in audiovisual media.
You started your career as a photographic model at the age of 8. Do you remember what it was like the first time you were in front of the cameras? What went through your mind that day?
Yes. It was a photo I took at the beach. It was so much fun! In my head, I imagined being recognized by people, taking pictures and giving autographs. But I knew that was still a while away (laughs). After that, of course, I enjoyed the beach!
In the web series School Friends, you played Hugo for three seasons and even participated in the movie based on the story. What did you learn most from spending so much time with the same character? Does he resemble you in any way?
I learned from Hugo that sometimes we don’t have to agree with everything our friends do, and that we can find a middle ground. Yes, I see a lot of myself in him, both in his attitudes and in the way I imagine him at school every day.
You’ve also acted in theater, in plays like “Theater Things” and the remake of “Inside Out.” What changes when you’re on stage, with the audience right there in front of you, compared to filming for movies and TV?
I was very nervous because there were so many people. However, with the support of the teachers, I calmed down and loved the play! What scared me the most was the possibility of making a mistake in front of the audience. But then I learned from the teachers that making mistakes is normal, making mistakes is human.
In the film Clarice Sees Stars, you play Joaquim, in a story full of emotion, magic, and important messages about identity and anti-racism. Is there a scene or moment from the filming that you will never forget?
Yes! The final scene, when we filmed with some little stars, was super fun! The twinkling stars… I loved that scene and I’m sure it will be a memorable one.
Now you’ll also be in Os Farofeiros 3, which is a very well-known comedy in Brazil. Do you enjoy making audiences laugh? Is humor part of your daily life as well?
I love making the audience laugh. When I realize people are laughing, I feel like they found what I did funny. If my goal was to make people laugh, then I succeeded! When an actor sees the theater laughing, or the cinema laughing, he’s happy because he achieved his goal. And yes, that happens to me quite often, especially at school. When I’m with my friends, we laugh, joke, and have a lot of fun.
You’ve already done web series, feature films, short films, and theater. Where do you most enjoy being so far: on a film set, on a theater stage, or backstage with your colleagues between scenes?
Look, I like being in many places, but I think the coolest place I’ve ever been, recently, is on a film set. I used to say it was the theater, but now I prefer the set: seeing the cameras, the director… I love all of that!
At just 11 years old, many people already see you as a promising talent in Brazilian drama. How do you feel when you hear that? Does it bring you joy, butterflies in your stomach, or a bit of both?
I get very happy when I hear people saying these things. Thinking that I can be a really good actor, like Tony Ramos or Murilo Benício, and that I can realize this dream—which is already starting to come true—makes me very emotional. It gives me butterflies in my stomach, yes, because many people trust me to be a great actor. But I also have confidence that I will make many people laugh and cry with my characters.
If you could choose any character to play in the future—from any story, book, movie, or even one you invented—who would it be and why?
Wow, there are so many, it’s hard to choose! But I think one character I’d really like to play is The Little Prince. I’ve already done a monologue about him, and since he’s a character that so many people love, I’d adore playing him.
Relive the first two films in the “Os Farofeiros” franchise:
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