Nicole Gomes is a Brazilian actress and creator with a background that spans theater, film and television. She began her career in Brazil, co-founding the theater group O Bando, and later expanded her experience internationally. After several years working in the U.S. entertainment industry, she recently returned to Brazil, where she continues to build a dynamic cross-continental career in both Portuguese and English-language projects. Here’s our interview with her:
Q. You recently returned to Brazil after working in the U.S. as an actress. Tell us — how does it feel to be back?
A. After spending years in Los Angeles absorbing everything I could about acting for the camera — and working on all sorts of productions, from independent short films and commercials to large-scale projects like a History Channel series — I felt it was the right time to bring that experience back home. Being back in Brazil has been creatively refreshing. I’m rediscovering the local industry with new eyes and a deeper sense of purpose, and it’s exciting to see how my international experience is already shaping the projects I’m involved in here.
Q. How has your international experience influenced your work now that you’re back in Brazil?
A. It made me more adaptable, but also much more intentional. Being immersed in a different culture and language challenged me to access emotional truth with fewer crutches — I had to rely on presence, breath, and instinct, especially when words felt unfamiliar. That sharpened my awareness of how my body, voice, and energy communicate beyond language.
Now that I’m back in Brazil, I carry those tools into every rehearsal and every set. I approach characters from a more layered and grounded place, where technique and intuition meet. It also gave me a more global mindset: I no longer think of performance as something that belongs to one culture or industry — it’s a universal exchange. That perspective has brought depth to my work and a real sense of confidence in navigating different creative environments.
Q. You were recently a speaker at the 2025 Curitiba Festival. What was that experience like?
A. It was a huge honor. Being invited to speak about acting at a festival that is not only one of the biggest in Latin America but also one I’ve admired since the very beginning of my career felt like a full-circle moment. I had the chance to share more than just technique — I talked about the personal and professional challenges of navigating different audiovisual markets, and the unique perspective you gain as an actress moving between Brazil and abroad. It was both emotional and empowering to be part of such a meaningful cultural event.
Q. What kind of roles or projects excite you the most right now?
A. I’m drawn to layered female characters who carry contradictions. I also love working on independent films that push boundaries — especially when they’re directed by new voices or led by women and LGBTQIA+ creators.
Q. You’ve also been active behind the scenes — writing and producing. Can you tell us more about that?
A. Absolutely. I’ve co-written and produced plays, including an online theatrical piece called Make Morte Pop Again during the pandemic. I also hosted a podcast called Gesto Comum, which was nominated for Best Podcast at the 2023 Rio Webfest.
Q. What challenges have you faced coming back to Brazil?
A. After years abroad, it’s like reintroducing who I am — not just to the industry, but also to myself. One of the biggest challenges was to re-learn how the Brazilian entertainment market works: the rhythms, the connections, the casting processes. But I feel incredibly fortunate that this transition has already brought amazing results.Since I returned, I’ve filmed two short films — Tilápia and O Quarto de Giovanna — which are now in post-production. Being back and already immersed in local sets and creative environments has meant a lot. It’s reassuring to know that the work I’ve done abroad resonates here and is helping to open doors.I also feel supported by my Brazilian agent, who’s constantly on top of everything — always sending me to auditions that match my profile, advocating for me, and making sure I’m seen by the right people. I’m active and excited about everything that’s unfolding.
