Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carolina Palhares. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Carolina, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I remember the first time I walked into an audition room in the U.S. With fluorescent lights humming over a row of actors who all seemed to fit the mold, effortlessly blending into a system they had grown up in. Meanwhile, I stood out. My Brazilian roots, my accent, my cultural instincts; everything about me signaled that I was different.
I spoke fluent English, but my accent gave me away immediately. I quickly realized that in casting, where decisions are made in seconds, my voice could be the difference between being seen as a leading actor or being limited to the “Latina foreigner” stereotype. It wasn’t just about language. it was about perception.
So I got work, at first trying to fully blend in. I softened my accent, adjusted my mannerisms, and worked to fit seamlessly into the industry’s expectations. And for a while, it felt like that was the only way forward. But then I realized there was nothing wrong with the way I “originally was”. My background, my voice, my instincts; they weren’t obstacles nor limitations. They were assets.
That shift changed everything. I still refined my pronunciation and learned the behavioral unspoken rules of this new culture, but no longer to erase myself, only to expand what I could do.
Adapting, I learned, wasn’t about erasing where I came from. It was about learning how to navigate two worlds more fluidly. To essentially shape-shift without losing myself.
I found power in being versatile. I could walk into an audition and give them exactly what they were looking for, but I could also show them something they didn’t even know they needed. Something uniquely me.
Being the only one in the room that behaves or sounds like me used to feel like a disadvantage. Now I see it as my strength; an opportunity to bring a new perspective, to challenge expectations, and to grow with every experience.
I may not always feel like I belong right away, but l’ve learned that I don’t have to change who I am to prove that I do.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hi there! My name is Carolina Palhares, I am a Brazilian actress who grew up mesmerized by the magic of Hollywood, watching stars on screen and dreaming of being among them. I always knew I wanted to be an actress; not just to tell stories, but to live a thousand lives through as many characters as possible. I was born and raised in Brazil, where I lived until I was 18 before moving to Los Angeles to turn that dream into reality.
From a young age, I was immersed in the performing arts. I had extensive stage experience in Brazil, performing in numerous operas from the age of seven. But it wasn’t until I moved to the U.S. that I had my first opportunity to act for the camera. That experience was even more magical than I had ever imagined. The intimacy of the lens, the subtleties of expression, the way the camera captures the soul of a performance; it all felt like stepping into an entirely new dimension of storytelling.
Since then, l’ve been working on as many productions as I can, both on stage and on screen. Constantly pushing myself to explore new roles and perspectives. Every project is a new world, a new life, and a new chance to connect with audiences in a meaningful way.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my craft, collaborating with inspiring creatives, and bringing more diverse, dynamic stories to life. Whether it’s theater, film, or television, my goal is always the same: to fully immerse myself in each character and create performances that resonate.
For anyone following my journey, I hope my work reflects the passion that first brought me here and inspires others to chase their own “impossible dreams”.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I believe the three qualities that have been essential in shaping my path as an actress were: adaptability, perseverance, and authenticity. Each played a crucial role in helping me navigate the challenges of pursuing an acting career in a new country; and I believe they can make all the difference for anyone starting their own journey.
1st. Adaptability:
Moving from Belo Horizonte to Los Angeles wasn’t just about learning the nuances of a new industry scenario; it was about understanding a whole new culture. From the way people network to the subtleties of character behavior, I had to adapt quickly. Even though I spoke fluent English, I had to refine my accent to avoid being placed into narrow stereotypes. But adaptability didn’t mean losing myself; it meant learning how to move between different spaces while staying true to who l am.
Advice:
Don’t be scared to embrace change as part of growth. Whether it’s adjusting to a new environment, refining a skill, or learning how to present yourself in different settings, the ability to adapt without losing your core identity is invaluable. Be open to feedback, observe how things work, and allow yourself to experiment.
2nd. Perseverance:
Acting is a career of constant auditions, rejections, and unpredictable
opportunities. There were times when I questioned if I would even be considered for that character, but I kept going. I took every opportunity I could, whether it was on stage or in front of the camera, because I knew that every experience was making me improve.
Advice:
I always tell myself “you will receive 1000 nos before the big YES, so you might as well start getting them now. The faster you get them the closer your YES becomes”.
3rd. Authenticity:
At first, I tried to blend in thinking that was the only way to succeed. But over time, I realized that my background, my accent, and my unique perspective weren’t things to hide. They were my strengths. Once I embraced that, I was able to step into rooms with confidence, knowing that I wasn’t just giving people what they wanted; I was giving them something real.
Advice:
Own who you are and be proud of it. Don’t try to fit into a mold that wasn’t made for you. Instead, focus on what makes you unique and bring that to the table. The most compelling performers are the ones who are unapologetically themselves. The sooner you embrace your individuality, the sooner others will too.
I believe that no journey is ever a straight path and that everything happens for a reason; so if you stay adaptable, persevere through challenges, and remain true to yourself, you’ll be able to find your way to whatever it is that your heart desires.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes! I’m always looking for passionate creatives to collaborate with. I’m drawn to all kinds of projects, from gripping murder mysteries to heartfelt, Romeo-and-Juliet-style romances. For me, the magic of storytelling comes in its endless variety, and I love the challenge of stepping into different worlds and bringing characters to life.
I’m excited to work with anyone who, like me, has a deep passion for the arts and a drive to explore this industry.
Whether you’re a filmmaker, writer, producer, director, or fellow actor, if you have a project you’re passionate about, l’d love to hear about it. Let’s create something unforgettable together!
If you’re interested in collaborating, feel free to connect with me through my Instagram @carolpalhares_ (https://www.instagram.com/carolpalhares_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr). Let’s make great stories happen!
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