Becoming a reference in the Brazilian performance, Johnny Massaro detailed the latest and future projects in the exclusive chat to Rolling Stone Brazil, as well as sharing references and remember the trajectory!
In August, Johnny Massaro was in the studios of Rolling Stone Brazil to talk about Oxygen masks will not automatically fallHBO series that portrays the HIV epidemic in Brazil in the 1980s. In the plot, the actor plays Fernando, a flight attendant who smuggle Azt for AIDS patients, when the drug was not yet allowed in the country.
Directed from MARCELO GOMES and Carol Miném and scripts of Patricia Corso and Leonardo Moreirathe five -episode series, which is also available in the HBO Max catalog, addresses courage, friendship and struggle for life. In this interview, Massaro comments on the preparation for the role, the contact with the real history and the advances of Brazilian TV in the representation of LGBTQIA+protagonists. Check it out:
The series gives voice to LGBTQIA+protagonists, historically neglected. What is the importance of bringing these stories to Brazilian TV today?
I like a phrase from Marcinha Rachid, our AIDS and HIV consultant: “Art is a safe way to transform how people see the world.” We need to update the perception of living with HIV. Today, those who are undergoing treatment have an expectation of an equal to or greater life than those who do not live with the virus, and do not transmit the disease. Still, about 10,000 people die from prejudice and misinformation. The series fulfills this role and celebrates life.
How do you believe the series contributes to reflection on LGBTQIA+ community rights and access to health in Brazil today?
The series shows a time when the medicine was not yet allowed in Brazil, and my character smuggles these medications. It is a huge contrast to today, 40 years later, when SUS guarantees full and free access to those who live with HIV or want to prevent, including PREP, PEP and even condom – something unique in the world. I want to greet these professionals and the public system. Often fear comes from the unknown; To know is to stop Temer.
Do you feel that Brazilian television has advanced in the way you represent the LGBTQIA+ community since its first works?
It would be inconsistent to say no. I started acting at age 12, and for a long time could not talk about my sexuality for fear of losing work. Today, fortunately, I interpret homo and heterosexual characters with freedom – and this is a source of celebration. There is still much to move forward, tragedies happen and mentalities need to change. But it is also fair to recognize progress.
How was the preparation to interpret Fernando, considering the social dimension of HIV and the emotional burden of those who break laws to save lives?
This story affected me deeply. He carried prejudice and ignorance about AIDS/HIV, and being able to approach them for my work helped me demystify the topic. I participated in a flight cabin training with commissioners of the time. It was an intense and very enriching process.
How do you feel part of this tribute to the legacy of people who died victims of AIDS and were invisible?
It is my second work on AIDS/HIV; The first was The first soldiers. I always found it essential to honor those who came before, especially those who fought in this front And they made it possible to be here today. Without respecting these people, work loses depth.
What was it like to receive the direction of Carol and Marcelo?
The most important thing for me is the one with me telling the story. Marcelo is a filmmaker I have always admired, and Carol has become an amazing partner. Working with them was an honor, especially because it was Marcelo’s first series and he knows that time intensely. Their direction is delicate and accurate, and the result confirms how they managed to portray the time with authenticity and emotion.
The series also has a heavy cast. How was it contracted with these actors and what was the coexistence in rehearsals?
What thrills me in this project is to meet Bruna Linzmeyer and Icaro Silva, artists I have known for over 15 years. We have already interpreted everything together, and here, in this queer work, this partnership has gained a special load. Friendship and confidence are reflected on the screen. And the whole cast – Hermila Guedes, Kika Sena, Verônica Valentino – is just amazing.
Since The first soldiersyour first project after speaking openly about your sexuality, do you feel more freedom to choose and interpret papers?
I think, as an artist, we need to commit to our truth – discovering, honoring and living what is true to us. Talking freely about who we are makes us more coherent and consistent artists. The more time goes by, the more doubts arise, and I don’t put myself in drawers like gay or “bi”. I celebrate being able to talk about it, because for a long time it was not possible. And yet, I can live straight characters, homo… and life goes on.
Well, you have several projects, right? Could you talk about what are and how do you reconcile all this?
It’s a lot [risos]. We see each other in a place we always dreamed of being, but forget to celebrate the path you have made to get here. Even so, insecurity never disappears.
In addition to Masksdebut this year The son of a thousand meninspired by the book of Walter Hugo Motherthat I love. We have just recorded Radioactive emergency For Netflix, based on real facts of “cesium 137” in Goiânia, should debut next year. I also participated in DelegateCinemascope series in Recife, with Alice Carvalho.
Johnny, to finish, has any role or story you still dream of telling?
It has, for sure. Many actually. I’m open to what comes: if the story is good and the team too, let’s go there. There is still a lot of good history to tell.
Also read: Johnny Massaro will be the protagonist of the radioactive emergency miniseries, on Netflix

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HBO MAX
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Johnny Massaro
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Oxygen masks will not automatically fall
Source: Rollingstone

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