Giovanna Kagaochi is a passionate and driven young actor and model originally from Porto Alegre, Brazil. She moved to the United States at the age of eight and quickly adapted to a new culture and language, becoming fluent in English within just three months. Her linguistic abilities are impressive: she speaks fluent Portuguese and English, with additional knowledge of Spanish. Even at the age of five, her teachers in Brazil were amazed by her mastery of Portuguese, a testament to her early intelligence and focus.
Giovanna recently graduated from middle school, where she excelled academically, notably completing geometry, a high school–level course, while still in eighth grade. Beyond the classroom, she is an avid athlete and creative individual. Her interests include mixed martial arts, volleyball, track and field, horseback riding, and visual art, reflecting her energetic spirit and diverse talents.
She has also developed a love for travel and adventure, often exploring new places with her family. Giovanna has had the opportunity to visit many U.S. states as well as other countries, which has given her a broader cultural perspective. She has lived in three different states across the U.S., experiences that have shaped her adaptability and curiosity about the world.
From a young age, Giovanna has been captivated by the entertainment industry. Her appreciation for both the on-screen magic and the behind-the-scenes effort has fueled a deep desire to become an actress. She is especially drawn to horror films and teenage drama series, and dreams of portraying compelling characters that resonate with audiences. The hard work it takes to bring a role to life inspires her, and she is eager to take part in that transformative creative process.
In the future, Giovanna hopes to turn her passion for acting and modeling into a full-fledged career. Her aspirations include working alongside directors and designers, building a name for herself, and ultimately winning awards for her performances.
Giovanna is part of NYLA Talent, the world’s leader in the talent development and consulting space where she trains with Connor Weil (Disney’s: KC Undercover) for acting.
We chatted with this rising star to talk acting and excitement for iPOP! Los Angeles
HELLO GIOVANNA KAGAOCHI, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! WHAT GOT YOU INTO ACTING AND MUSICAL THEATRE THAT MADE YOU REALIZE THAT IT WAS YOUR CHOSEN PATH?
Since I was little, I dreamed of acting and always admired story plots. How an actor can take a script and form it into a character was something I hoped to accomplish.
WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER ACTORS?
What makes me different is my background and drive. I was born in Brazil, moved to the U.S. at eight, and became fluent in English in just a few months. That experience taught me how to adapt quickly and connect with different people. I’m passionate about acting—not just being on screen but bringing real depth to a character. I’m also very active in sports like MMA, volleyball, track and horseback riding, which helps me stay focused and prepared. I treat acting as more than a dream, it’s something I’m committed to turning into a career.
WHAT KIND OF TRAINING HAVE YOU RECEIVED WITH NYLA TALENT AGENCY?
Monologue, commercial, self tape, and acting prep. The online meetings prepared me for iPOP! Los Angeles this summer.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ROLES YOU’VE BEEN INVOLVED IN?
I have had a few opportunities to act in school plays; but my favorite was Alice in Wonderland, where I played Alice.
WHAT ACCENTS AND DIALECTS CAN YOU DO?
I am fluent in English and Portuguese and can speak a bit of Spanish. By living in three different states, I don’t have a stereotypical accent from any of these places, but this makes it so I can adapt easily to different accents.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE PROJECTS THAT YOU TYPICALLY PREFER?
I believe that everything is a part of learning. I have acted on stage, but I dream of acting in shows and movies. My favorite genres to act in are horror and teenage drama.
WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS WHEN PREPARING FOR AN AUDITION?
I seek to understand the character and what they are feeling. When having the script, I try to deepen the character and make it more human.
HAS THERE BEEN ONE PARTICULAR MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER THAT YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Being at iPOP! is already something I’m incredibly proud of, but I’m also proud to have received a $2,000 scholarship for the event and to have landed the lead role of such an iconic character, Alice.
WHO ARE YOUR INFLUENCES GROWING UP THAT HELPED TO MOLD YOU INTO WHO YOU ARE TODAY?
My parents. They’re kind and devoted. They motivate me to pursue my dreams and are proud of me regardless of any situation.
IF YOU HAD ONE MESSAGE TO GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I would tell her to move past mistakes and keep trying hard. And to use whatever tools you have to achieve what you want. Life is too short to worry about minor things.
IF YOU WEREN’T A PASSIONATE ACTOR, WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU BE DOING?
I would be a full time student, studying to go to Stanford and major in economics.
AS A YOUNG PERSON NAVIGATING HOLLYWOOD, HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR ROOTS AND HERITAGE WILL INFLUENCE YOUR WORK AND THE ROLES YOU CHOOSE?
My Brazilian roots and moving to the U.S. at a young age have shaped how I see the world. I’ve learned to adapt, connect with different people, and bring real emotion to my roles. I’m proud of my heritage and hope to take on characters that reflect diverse stories and help bring more representation to the screen.
IN TODAY’S HOLLYWOOD, THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT PUSH FOR GREATER INCLUSIVITY AND REPRESENTATION. HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR WORK CONTRIBUTING TO THIS MOVEMENT, AND WHAT CHANGES DO YOU STILL HOPE TO SEE IN THE INDUSTRY?
I believe that once we see each person as just another human being, with equal respect. When that happens, I believe the world will be much more inclusive without feeling forceful.
FOR FUN! IF YOU WENT BACK TO THE GOLDEN ERA OF HOLLYWOOD, WHICH ACTOR DO YOU RESONATE WITH MOST AND WHY?
Even though I haven’t watched anything from the golden era of Hollywood, I believe I would resonate with Marilyn Monroe. She was put down just because of her beauty and made many efforts to show that she was more than a pretty face.
HAVE YOU SET ANY 2025 PROFESSIONAL GOALS TO ACHIEVE?
My 2025 professional goals would be to get an agent and book my first job, either as an actress or model.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR IPOP!?
Meeting new people with the same passion to work in industry and to learn from every professional and participant. I am so excited for the chance to work in what I love.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO FOLLOW YOU ONLINE?
I can be found on Instagram @giovannakagaochi
