The global spotlight is shining brightly on João Gabriel Marinho, the Brazilian actor who has captured hearts worldwide with his role in the hit Netflix series, Surviving Summer. His portrayal of the charming surfer Marlon Sousa has turned him into an international sensation, sparking curiosity about the man behind the character. From the beaches of Rio de Janeiro to screens across the globe, here is everything you need to know about this rising star.
From Rio's Waves to Netflix Fame: João's Journey
João Gabriel Marinho was born on 16 July 1999 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Growing up near the ocean, he developed a deep passion for surfing from a very young age, a skill that would later become central to his breakout role. Beyond the waves, Marinho also cultivated a love for the arts. He learned to play the drums at just eight years old and often entertained his family with small performances, hinting at the creative career that lay ahead.
His path to acting saw an early potential breakthrough in 2019 when he was cast as the lead in a new season of the long-running Brazilian teen drama, Malhação. Unfortunately, this project was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, his big break was just around the corner.
Landing the Role of a Lifetime in Surviving Summer
In 2022, Marinho's career trajectory changed forever when he landed the leading role of Marlon Sousa in the Netflix teen drama Surviving Summer. He secured the part through an online audition during the pandemic. Demonstrating serious commitment, he then travelled to Australia and completed a mandatory 15-day quarantine before filming could begin.
His character is a Brazilian surfer who relocates to Australia, and Marinho's real-life experience growing up near the beaches of Rio brought undeniable authenticity to the role. He appeared in both seasons of the show, totalling 18 episodes. Notably, Marinho is also a skilled musician and singer, and one of his original songs was featured in the series. According to his IMDb profile, Surviving Summer remains his primary acting credit to date, marking a spectacular debut.
Personal Life and Relationship Status
Fans are often eager to know about the romantic life of their favourite stars. As of now, João Gabriel Marinho is single and not in a publicly confirmed relationship. However, he has been the subject of dating rumours linked to his co-stars. Speculation swirled about a potential romance with Australian actress Savannah La Rain, as well as with Lilliana Bowrey, fueled by their convincing on-screen chemistry. Neither Marinho nor the actresses involved have ever confirmed these rumours, leaving his relationship status firmly unattached.
Quick Facts and Profile Snapshot
Here is a quick summary of key details about the actor:
- Full Name: João Gabriel Marinho
- Age: 26 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of Birth: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Ethnicity: Latino
- Height: 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
- Profession: Actor and Musician
- Instagram: @joaogabmarinho (with over 165,000 followers)
João Gabriel Marinho represents the fresh wave of talent emerging from Brazil onto the global entertainment stage. With his authentic charm, musical talent, and the surfing skills he honed in Rio, he perfectly embodied the role that made him famous. As he continues his journey, the world eagerly watches to see what this promising actor will do next.
