Bruna Marquezine commands a global audience of over 60 million. At 30, she stands as a formidable force, seamlessly bridging Brazilian television and Hollywood cinema.
Born Bruna Reis Maia, she adopted her professional name from her Italian grandmother. This heritage grants her dual citizenship, a detail that hints at her international appeal.
Her career began in the vibrant heart of Rio de Janeiro when she was just five years old. That early start launched a remarkable 22-year journey in front of the camera.
She evolved from a child interviewer into a leading lady on beloved telenovelas. Decades of work in Brazil built the foundation for her recent international breakthrough.
Her role as Jenny Kord in the DC film “Blue Beetle” marked a pivotal turn. Signing with United Talent Agency in 2023 solidified her new chapter in American film.
Early Life and Acting Origins
Her story begins far from the spotlight, in the working-class suburb of Duque de Caxias. This area of Rio de Janeiro provided a grounded start for the girl who would become Bruna Marquezine.
Birth and Family Background
Born Bruna Reis Maia, she later chose her professional surname as a tribute. Marquezine honors her paternal grandmother of Italian descent.
Her family was a tight-knit unit that supported her dreams from the start.
- Her father, Telmo, worked as a joiner.
- Her mother, Neide, was her constant companion.
- Her younger sister, Luana, completed the family.
When she was nine, they moved to Barra da Tijuca. This shift within Rio de Janeiro marked a new chapter.
First Television Experience and Early Roles
Her career started at the age of five. In 2000, she became a child interviewer on the program “Gente Inocente.”
That same year, she filmed a commercial for the São Paulo Military Police. It was a message about suicide prevention.
This small role had a huge impact. It caught the eye of famed telenovela writer Manoel Carlos. An invitation to act in a soap opera soon followed.
Her mother Neide was crucial during this time. She accompanied her daughter to every audition, nurturing a young talent.
Breakthrough Roles on Brazilian Television
Brazilian audiences first embraced her talent during evening soap operas that showcased her remarkable range. This period defined her early career with consistent prime-time presence.
Debut in Telenovelas and Award-Winning Performances
Her 2003 debut as Salete in “Mulheres Apaixonadas” made her a household name. The same year, she appeared in “Xuxa Abracadabra,” showing early versatility.
In 2005, she joined the cast of “América” as Maria Flor, a visually impaired character. This role earned the Tiradentes Medal for addressing social issues.
She maintained steady work with roles in “Cobras & Lagartos” (2006) and “Desejo Proibido” (2007). Each show demonstrated her growing ability to handle diverse characters.
| Year | Show | Character | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Mulheres Apaixonadas | Salete | National breakthrough |
| 2005 | América | Maria Flor | Tiradentes Medal award |
| 2008 | Negócio da China | Flor de Lys | First protagonist role |
| 2011 | Aquele Beijo | Belezinha | Teen co-protagonist |
Transition from Child to Teen Actress
At age 13, a pivotal time arrived with her promotion to teenage actress status. Her first lead role came as martial arts fighter Flor de Lys in “Negócio da China.”
She continued with meaningful parts in “Araguaia” (2010) and “Aquele Beijo” (2011). Awards like the Troféu Imprensa recognized her consistent excellence during this growth period.
Diverse Career: Film, Television & Modeling
Beyond the telenovela sets, she cultivated parallel careers in cinema and the international fashion circuit. This expansion showcased her versatility across multiple creative industries.
Notable Film and TV Projects
In 2012, Bruna Marquezine faced a career crossroads playing Lurdinha in “Salve Jorge.” The character’s revealing wardrobe sparked intense objectification that nearly ended her acting journey.
Support from veteran TV Globo actresses helped her persevere during this vulnerable time. She continued with roles in “Em Família” (2014) and “I Love Paraisópolis” (2015).
The latter saw her become protagonist after a role swap with Tatá Werneck. This demonstrated her growing influence within the network.
Her 2016 series “Nada Será Como Antes” marked a bold artistic risk. Playing dancer Beatriz dos Santos involved her first nude scenes on television.
She called it her most challenging role. In 2018, she joined the cast of “Deus Salve o Rei” as medieval villain Catherine de Lurton.
The character drew public criticism but felt personally rewarding. Her film debut as protagonist came with 2019’s “Vou Nadar até Você.”
Modeling and Fashion Collaborations
September 2018 marked her fashion breakthrough walking for Dolce & Gabbana at Milan Fashion Week. She quickly became a regular at major international fashion shows.
New York, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks saw her consistent presence. Her social media following translated into lucrative brand partnerships.
She became the face of Miu Miu, Puma, Karl Lagerfeld, and H. Stern jewelry. These collaborations established her as a fashion icon beyond acting.
Her attendance at Chanel’s Paris Fashion Week show in 2025 confirmed her lasting industry status.
Bruna Marquezine’s Journey to International Recognition
A bold career gamble in 2020 set the stage for a remarkable international ascent. The actor chose not to renew her long-term contract with TV Globo, a move that signaled a new direction.
She quickly pivoted to streaming, joining Netflix for the series “Maldivas.” This kept her momentum strong during a challenging time for the industry.
Blue Beetle and Hollywood Milestones
An audition for Supergirl, though unsuccessful, placed Bruna Marquezine on Warner Bros.’ radar. It led directly to her breakthrough role.
On March 8, 2022, she was officially cast as Jenny Kord in the DC film “Blue Beetle.” This role was her first major international project.
Playing the love interest to Jaime Reyes, her character works in philanthropy. This aligned with the actor’s own values of resilience and helping others.
On the “Blue Beetle” set, she learned from veteran actor Susan Sarandon. A simple compliment from Sarandon moved her to tears, confirming she belonged.
In 2023, she signed with United Talent Agency and committed fully to Hollywood. She worked intensively with coaches to master American English speech.
She continues to balance projects, currently starring in and producing a rom-com for Star+. This demonstrates her sustained commitment to both Brazilian and international cinema.
Personal Life, Challenges, and Growth
Navigating fame’s spotlight meant confronting mental health struggles that few could see. The actor revealed in 2018 she had suffered from image disorders and depression.
Online comments about her body fueled these challenges. Self-esteem problems emerged during a vulnerable time.
Relationships, Public Image, and Media Scrutiny
At age 18, media attention intensified dramatically. Playing a character in “Salve Jorge” required revealing costumes that drew unwanted focus.
The pressure became unbearable during her relationship with soccer star Neymar. Constant public analysis from 2012 to 2018 transformed her into tabloid fodder.
She once told her mother she considered giving up acting entirely. The emotional toll of living under judgment reached a crisis point.
Bruna Marquezine learned to keep personal matters private. She returned to discussing only her work, reclaiming control over her narrative.
In 2019, she bought a mansion in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro. This demonstrated both financial success and her connection to home.
Now at age 30, she maintains over 60 million followers. She uses social media on her own terms, controlling her story rather than letting others define her worth.
Her current relationship with João Guilherme shows a new chapter. Both understand the entertainment industry’s unique pressures.
Reflections on a Dynamic Legacy
Twenty-two years of continuous work since childhood have forged an actor whose journey spans continents and formats. Bruna Marquezine’s filmography includes over twenty television series, multiple films, and streaming projects like Netflix’s “Maldivas.”
Awards like the Troféu Imprensa and Tiradentes Medal cement her legacy in Brazilian entertainment. Her DC audition brought tears of pride. “I was proud of myself in a way I had never been before,” she recalled.
About “Blue Beetle” filming, she said, “I enjoyed every second.” The scale amazed her compared to Brazilian productions. Leaving TV Globo after seventeen years was difficult but necessary for growth.
She identified deeply with Jenny Kord as “someone I’d love to be friends with.” Now balancing Los Angeles life with Brazilian projects, this actor maintains roots while building an international career.
