The young actor João Victor Gonçalves, 23 years old, makes his debut in Globo's telenovelas playing Maurício, known as Mau Mau, in the telenovela "Who loves, cares." With talent and naturalness, he portrays a sensitive young man who goes through a process of discovering his own sexuality, trying to understand his own feelings and find his place in a family that does not always welcome him as he is.
The character is the younger brother of Adriana, played by Leticia Colin, who serves as his main source of support in the plot. The telenovela shows the tense relationship between Mau Mau and his grandfather Otoniel, played by Tony Ramos, a conservative man who, despite loving his grandson, cannot hide his discomfort with the young man's demeanor.
João Victor Gonçalves's performance stands out for not resorting to a stereotypical portrayal in building the character. The debate about homophobia arises precisely from the way the telenovela approaches the story, treating the subject with sensitivity and naturalness. The actor is at the center of one of the most delicate storylines in the production, generating repercussions on how Brazilian television addresses issues related to sexual orientation.
