Henry Zaga, born Henrique Chagas Moniz de Aragão Gonzaga on April 30, 1993, in Brasília, Brazil, is a Brazilian actor who has gained international recognition for his compelling performances in film and television. Known for his adaptability and magnetic screen presence, Zaga’s career spans a variety of roles that highlight his versatility as an actor. As a rising star in Hollywood, he continues to captivate audiences with his talent, cultural depth, and commitment to his craft.
Early Life and Background: A Foundation for Creativity
Henry Zaga was born and raised in Brasília, the capital of Brazil, into a family deeply rooted in law and politics. His father, Admar Gonzaga, is a prominent politician and former Justice of the Superior Electoral Court of Brazil. His mother, Sônia Gontijo, is a respected lawyer. Despite the family’s professional focus on the legal and political fields, Zaga’s upbringing encouraged creativity and self-expression. From an early age, he was drawn to the performing arts, finding an outlet for his imagination through acting.
Growing up alongside his sister, Fernanda Gonzaga, who became a poet and lawyer, Zaga was exposed to a blend of artistic inspiration and disciplined values. His parents’ support for his artistic pursuits included enrolling him in local drama classes and fostering an environment where creativity was celebrated. During his youth, he also developed a love for American films, which ignited his dream of pursuing a career in Hollywood.
In addition to his passion for acting, Zaga grew up speaking multiple languages, including Portuguese, English, and Spanish, which would later become an asset in his international career. His multicultural upbringing and exposure to diverse perspectives shaped his ability to adapt to different roles and resonate with audiences worldwide.
The Journey to Acting: From Brazil to the United States
After completing high school in Brasília, Henry Zaga decided to pursue acting professionally. Recognizing the limited opportunities for aspiring actors in Brazil’s local film and television industry, he moved to Los Angeles, California, to chase his dream of making it in Hollywood. This bold decision marked the beginning of a challenging but rewarding journey.
Zaga attended acting schools in Los Angeles and took on various auditions to establish himself in the competitive entertainment industry. During this time, he faced cultural and professional hurdles, including adapting to the fast-paced nature of Hollywood and finding his unique voice as an actor. However, his determination and charisma eventually paid off, as he began landing roles in both television and film.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Henry Zaga made his professional acting debut in 2015, appearing in the short film The Wing. Shortly afterward, he ventured into television, gaining his first significant role in NBC’s comedy-drama series The Mysteries of Laura, where he played Theo Barnett. This marked his introduction to American audiences and demonstrated his natural acting ability.
Zaga’s breakout role came when he was cast in MTV’s supernatural drama series Teen Wolf in 2015. He portrayed Josh Diaz, a recurring character during the show’s fifth season. The role introduced him to a larger fan base and showcased his talent in portraying emotionally layered characters. Following his success on Teen Wolf, Zaga began to secure roles in more high-profile projects, setting the stage for his continued rise in Hollywood.
Film Career: Taking on Dynamic Roles
Henry Zaga’s transition into film allowed him to explore a variety of genres and characters. He quickly made a name for himself as a versatile actor capable of handling dramatic, romantic, and action-packed roles.
XOXO (2016):
Zaga made his feature film debut in the Netflix drama XOXO, playing Jordan alongside Sarah Hyland and Graham Phillips. The film, centered around the lives of young adults navigating a music festival, provided Zaga with an opportunity to showcase his charisma and talent.
The New Mutants (2020):
One of Zaga’s most prominent roles came in The New Mutants, a Marvel Comics-inspired superhero film set in the X-Men universe. Zaga portrayed Roberto da Costa/Sunspot, a young mutant with the power to harness solar energy. This role highlighted Zaga’s ability to handle physically demanding roles and brought him further recognition as a rising star in Hollywood. Additionally, Zaga’s casting as a Brazilian superhero was significant for representation in mainstream superhero films.
Beyond the Universe (2022):
Zaga starred in Netflix’s romantic drama Beyond the Universe as Gabriel, a compassionate doctor who falls in love with a pianist battling lupus. The role required Zaga to perform in both Portuguese and English, showcasing his linguistic versatility and emotional depth. His heartfelt performance resonated with audiences and solidified his status as a leading man in international cinema.
Television Success: Expanding His Portfolio
In addition to his film roles, Henry Zaga has been a standout performer in several television series, bringing complexity and charisma to his characters.
13 Reasons Why (2017):
Zaga appeared as Brad, the boyfriend of Tony Padilla (Christian Navarro), in the critically acclaimed Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. Though his role was relatively small, Zaga’s performance added nuance to the show’s exploration of identity and relationships.
Looking for Alaska (2019):
Zaga played Jake, a recurring character in the Hulu miniseries adaptation of John Green’s novel. His portrayal added depth to the emotional narrative, contributing to the show’s success.
Trinkets (2019–2020):
Zaga took on the role of Luca Novak, a key character in Netflix’s teen drama Trinkets. Appearing in 13 episodes, Zaga captured the complexities of Luca’s personality and relationships, earning praise for his performance.
The Stand (2020–2021):
In the CBS adaptation of Stephen King’s The Stand, Zaga portrayed Nick Andros, a deaf and mute character navigating a post-apocalyptic world. This role challenged Zaga to convey emotions and intentions without spoken dialogue, allowing him to demonstrate his range and dedication to his craft.
Recent and Upcoming Projects
Henry Zaga remains an active presence in Hollywood, taking on exciting new roles that continue to elevate his career. Among his most anticipated projects are:
- The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024): Zaga will appear as Captain Binea in Guy Ritchie’s spy-action comedy, a role that is expected to showcase his ability to tackle action-oriented performances.
- Warfare (2025): Written and directed by Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland, this war film will further highlight Zaga’s versatility and dramatic range.
Personal Life and Cultural Impact
Off-screen, Henry Zaga is known for his humility, charisma, and connection to his Brazilian roots. He has spoken about the importance of representation in film and the challenges faced by international actors breaking into Hollywood. Zaga remains a source of pride for Brazilian audiences, as his success exemplifies the possibilities for global talent in the entertainment industry.
Legacy and Aspirations
Henry Zaga’s journey from Brasília to Hollywood reflects a combination of raw talent, perseverance, and an enduring passion for storytelling. As he continues to take on diverse roles, he is carving out a lasting legacy as one of Brazil’s most successful actors on the international stage.
