Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudio Olegario.
Hi Claudio, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I was born in the countryside of Brazil, always knowing I wanted to be an actor. My fascination with cinema began when my mother took me, at the age of 7, to see the movie Titanic at the only cinema in town. By the end of the film, tears streaming down my face, my mother asked if I was sad because Jack had died or because the ship had sunk. I replied that I was crying because I hadn’t heard about any auditions for the role of the little boy who dies with his sister on the ship.
Before delving into my theatrical studies in the bustling city of São Paulo, I earned a degree in advertising in Brazil.
I embarked on my artistic journey at the age of 21. At 28, I signed a contract with the largest Brazilian television company to star in the soap opera ‘Run for Your Lives,’ portraying the gymnast Eric.
From there, my career blossomed. I’ve had the privilege of appearing in several Netflix productions, including ‘The Last Hangover,’ which won the International Emmy, where I portrayed one of Jesus Christ’s apostles named Thaddeus.
At the end of this April, the film ‘Tinted Glass,’ directed by Pedro Varela, will premiere.
In this movie, I play the character Rick James, a friend of Mary, portrayed by actress Ellie Bamber. The film is based on true events and follows Mary, an expatriate living in Rio de Janeiro, who experiences a lightning kidnapping with her boyfriend and endures a night of terror under the control of their captors inside a van roaming the city.
I moved to Los Angeles in January 2023 to study at Stella Adler’s Casting Conservatory, renowned for its association with Marlon Brando. My life has been one of intense study, dedicating four hours every weekday to my training at the conservatory. I am fully committed to laying the groundwork for my future success. While my intention is to establish myself in Los Angeles, I also view Brazil as a potential work opportunity.
I’m currently in the final stages of writing a feature film. It’s a project that has lingered in my imagination for many years. Here in the U.S., I met the screenwriter Guilherme Pedra, a graduate of NYU in Film and TV Production. Through our collaboration, we’ve been able to bring the script to life. The process has been incredibly exciting and challenging.
In addition to this project, I’ll be premiering my second stage play here in the U.S. at the end of May. It’s an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s ‘Cymbeline,’ where I portray the villain Iachimo. Undoubtedly, this is the greatest challenge of my career thus far. Shakespeare’s language is archaic, and every word matters; sometimes, these words aren’t universally understood in the English language. I study with a specific glossary of Shakespearean terms, a demanding yet immensely rewarding endeavor
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My first year after moving to L.A. was incredibly challenging: I sorely missed the comfort of being close to my family, friends, and my own culture. There were many times I questioned whether moving to a new country and daring to act in English was sheer folly. The imposter syndrome often plagued me. It took me a while to grasp the dynamics of the conservatory, and despite being fluent in English, the language barrier remains a significant hurdle for most international actors living in the U.S. However, I’ve been broadening my horizons more and more here. Los Angeles is the land of networking; I’ve connected with many industry professionals who provide support and opportunities for me to continue living and working as an actor here. I like to think that I can represent my country proudly in this city.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I know it might sound cliché, but I take immense pride in taking the leap to move to another country and challenge myself to perform in a language other than my own. I like to believe that I represent my country and can bring a touch of Brazilian culture to American soil. We are unique, passionate, and intense. I love the blend of American technique with Latin passion. I aim to carve out my own space, always prioritizing inclusivity, respect, and love for the art. I’ve adored American culture since I was young. Being here, pursuing my dreams, is a privilege that I remind myself of every morning when I wake up in Hollywood.
We’d love to hear what you think about risk-taking.
It’s not so much a risk, as I like to think of it as a long-term investment in my future. But it feels like I’m starting from scratch all over again. It took me 10 years to find the right professionals who could assist me in my career in Brazil. The process is almost the same here. I have to improve my English and gain confidence on stage and in front of the camera. I still think in Portuguese while I act, so switching between languages can be quite confusing, but it’s been working out.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudiolegario/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claudio.olegario/
Image Credits
Roberta Sampaio
Mess Santos
Paulo Macedo
