Christian Malheiros

Christian Malheiros (born 14 August 1999 in Santos, São Paulo) is a Brazilian actor who emerged from the vibrant street‑theater scene of his hometown. From the age of nine he stepped onto makeshift stages, honing a raw intensity that would later define his screen presence. His early immersion in community theater granted him a disciplined work ethic and a profound empathy for characters living on society’s margins, a quality that resonated powerfully when he debuted in the 2018 feature film Sócrates. In that film, Malheiros portrayed a 15‑year‑old black teenager navigating extreme poverty, the loss of his mother, and the crushing weight of homophobia; his performance earned him a nomination for Best Male Lead at the 34th Independent Spirit Awards and drew praise from critics worldwide. Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter called the portrayal “stunning,” while Dennis Harvey of Variety highlighted his “terrific turn” that made the protagonist credibly tough and mature beyond his years. The New York Times noted his “charm and energy,” and the Los Angeles Times remarked on his “facial gestures oscillating between stoicism and crushing wails.”

Beyond Sócrates, Malheiros solidified his television credentials by starring as Nando in Netflix’s Brazilian crime‑teen drama Sintonia, a series created by Kondzilla that premiered in August 2019 and received positive reviews for its gritty realism and dynamic cast. In 2020 he collaborated with director Luiz Päetow on Transmission, a film that further showcased his ability to convey complex inner turmoil with subtlety. As of today, he continues to be active in both film and television, consistently selecting roles that explore social injustice, identity, and the resilience of youth, affirming his status as one of Brazil’s most compelling young actors.