EXCLUSIVE | Darwin Del Fabro: Finding Freedom in Art, Facing Fear with Courage

In an industry still grappling with representation, trans artists face a constant battle against erasure and misrepresentation. Beyond the screen, they confront systemic barriers to healthcare, legal recognition, and basic human dignity. Yet, amidst these challenges, voices like Darwin Del Fabro’s rise, shattering expectations and paving new paths. Del Fabro, a Brazilian actress, writer, and singer, embodies resilience and authenticity. From her early start in theater to her breakthrough role in “They/Them,” she navigates the complexities of identity and artistry with unwavering grace.

Del Fabro has achieved a lot of success in her career. However, it would be a travesty if we don’t talk about the challenges she faced and how she reached this point. Her journey is a testament to the power of authenticity and resilience. From her passionate advocacy for Brazilian cinema to her deeply personal transition, Del Fabro embodies courage. Her dedication to her craft, coupled with her commitment to fostering empathy and understanding, makes her an inspiring figure. I had the honor of talking with Del Fabro on how her artistic expression intertwines with her profound self-discovery. In this interview, we also discuss the transformative power of acting, the nuances of creative control in different mediums, and her experiences with transitioning.

Photo Courtesy: Instagran/@darwindelfabro)

Here’s the full interview: 

Aayush Sharma: Your journey as an artist is also a journey of self-discovery. How has acting helped you peel back the layers of who you are beyond societal expectations?

Darwin Del Fabro: Art is everything to me—it has shaped my identity and the way I navigate the world. My journey with art began when I was just three years old, singing, and from that moment on, I knew I never wanted to be confined to just one form of expression. Whether it’s singing, acting, or writing, art has always been my way of connecting with the world on a deeper level. More than just a passion, art has made me the person I am today. It has instilled in me a profound sense of empathy, allowing me to understand the lives and emotions of others in ways that words alone cannot express. Through art, I continuously grow into the kindest and most compassionate version of myself. It teaches me to see beyond my own experiences, to embrace different perspectives, and to create from a place of authenticity and understanding. Ultimately, art is not just a part of my life—it is the foundation of who I am.

Aayush Sharma: Many actors speak about the transformative nature of rehearsal. Do you find freedom in the exploration of a character, and does that sense of discovery mirror your own self-evolution?

Darwin Del Fabro: It depends. I started my artistic journey in theater, and I absolutely love it. On stage, there’s a unique sense of freedom—an immediate connection with the audience that allows for spontaneity and deep emotional expression. I have always been actively involved in producing my own work, especially smaller projects in Brazil, which has given me even more creative control over my performances. When you’re on stage, you have that freedom to shape each moment as it unfolds. The same can be true when performing in a show, particularly if you’re also a producer. However, cinema operates differently. Film is a medium where the final product is ultimately shaped by the editor and director. Unlike theater, where performances evolve in real time, cinema relies on the vision and decisions made in post-production. That being said, if you have a strong collaborative relationship with the director and editor, magical things can happen. The creative process in film may be different, but it still offers incredible opportunities for artistic expression. Ultimately, it all depends on the moment and the artists you work with.

Aayush Sharma: Has acting always been your passion, something you knew you wanted to pursue from the beginning, or is it a passion that developed over the years?

Darwin Del Fabro: I think my passion for the arts grew with me. My father started as a model before becoming an actor, and I was raised by my stepmother, who built a successful international career as a model before transitioning into acting and eventually hosting a TV show in Brazil. At first, I resisted following in their footsteps, but at the age of three, I won my first singing competition. That moment made me realize, Okay, I’m going to be a singer. However, I also loved acting, and my passion for musicals only deepened that love. Musicals led me to theater, and theater expanded my appreciation for plays. Growing up, I was constantly exposed to Hollywood shows and productions, which further fueled my artistic aspirations. I always knew that creativity was a part of me—I just didn’t know at the time how to channel it or which direction to take. In the end, I pursued all of them. Even now, I’m still exploring and evolving, which, to me, is the true beauty of artistry: the continuous journey of discovery.

Photo Courtesy: Instagram/@darwindelfabro

Aayush Sharma: Brazil recently experienced a proud moment when I’m Still Here was nominated for an Oscar, and Fernanda Torres received a nomination as well. I noticed on your Instagram that you were passionately advocating for the film and her performance. First, I’d love to hear your reaction when you found out about the nomination. Additionally, given that the film’s story is deeply connected to Brazilian culture and your own background, what emotions did you feel while watching it on screen?

Darwin Del Fabro: Oh, it’s a combination of so many things. First of all, her (Fernanda Torres) Oscar nomination felt like a World Cup victory—just like how a leader is celebrated, or how the carnival brings people together. Since we are currently in the middle of carnival season in Rio, everyone is celebrating this achievement with immense pride. She is only the second Brazilian actress to ever be nominated for an Oscar, and the first was her own mother. The film was directed by Walter Salles, who previously directed Central Station about 20 years ago. He also directed I’m Still Here, which stars her daughter, making this an incredibly significant and emotional moment in Brazilian cinema. Beyond the personal and national pride, the film itself is magical. It portrays an important period in Brazil’s history, specifically the dictatorship era from 1965 to 1983 (if my dates are correct). While the story follows the journey of a woman, it is also about artistry, history, and the things we either have or have lost as a society.

For me, this film is a powerful lesson on the importance of human rights and freedom—something that Brazil lacked during that era and something that many countries around the world still struggle with today. It serves as a reminder that self-expression and liberty must be fought for and celebrated. Cinema has the power to do that, and this film achieves it brilliantly. It is in Portuguese, which makes the nomination even more groundbreaking. Having an actress speaking Portuguese and being recognized in the main acting category, alongside the film’s nomination, is a monumental moment. She also won a Golden Globe for her performance, and I was really hoping she would win the Oscar as well. But regardless of the outcome, she is already a winner—someone who will be remembered for the rest of her life.

Aayush Sharma: You’ve spoken publicly about your transition, a deeply personal and transformative journey. What emotions did you go through as you prepared to share this part of yourself with the world? Was there a specific moment or realization that made you feel ready to open up about your story, and what impact do you hope it will have on others who may be on a similar path?

Darwin Del Fabro: As you said, it’s a very private conversation. I have always been a private person, largely because of my writing. Writing has always been my escape—I loved immersing myself in it, locking myself away with my computer, and keeping things to myself. The same was true with singing and acting; I closed myself off, rarely sharing personal aspects of my life. My name is Darwin, and I truly believe in the power of evolution—the freedom to grow, to evolve, and to become the best version of ourselves. I knew that for my transition, I needed financial stability. I had clear goals in life and was always very organized. I knew I wanted to move to America at 18. I knew I wanted to own a home before turning 30. And I knew that once I achieved that stability, I wanted to fully embrace my true self.

However, to do that, I had to take a step back for two years to go through the necessary medical processes. I chose to do it privately because, unfortunately, both in Brazil and in America, the healthcare system—while better in the U.S.—is still complicated. We’re seeing now, especially with shifting politics, how easily things can change. I didn’t want to keep waiting for a system to grant me permission to be who I am. That’s how everything started, and it’s still very recent. I’m now recovering from my surgeries and slowly returning to writing, acting, and singing. With all that said, I can confidently tell you that I have never been happier or stronger. I am grateful to have the freedom to be myself, and that is the most important thing.

Aayush Sharma: Your story is about more than just career success—it’s about self-discovery and freedom. Were there any personal or professional risks you had to take to fully embrace and express your identity?

Darwin Del Fabro: There’s always a risk in everything. Beyond being a trans woman and a woman, I am also Brazilian—I am a foreigner in this country, and I always have been. But I take pride in that. I am proud of my roots, and as an artist, I believe I have something valuable to offer to the world I am living in now. Yes, there are always challenges. Even in Brazil, when I was working as an actress, singer, or producer, I faced obstacles. The industry there is both wild and beautiful, but also very complicated. It’s no different here. However, I think the key—the hope that I carry with me—is something I discovered later in life: being happy and proud of myself and my journey has enriched my artistry in ways I never imagined. No matter the difficulties, I can confidently say that I am living a great life.

Aayush Sharma: our words capture the deep fear and resilience that come with existing in a world where powerful figures actively deny and erase identities. When you saw the applause for Trump’s statement and recalled Bolsonaro’s rhetoric, what was the immediate emotional and psychological impact on you? How do you personally navigate the exhaustion of constantly having to assert your existence in the face of such rhetoric?

Darwin Del Fabro: I think having the support of friends, family, and a strong community is essential. Building your tribe—surrounding yourself with people who remind you of your worth—makes all the difference. The reaction to my transition was, at times, terrible. But honestly, I don’t like to dwell on it. It’s just people denying who you are, and I find it exhausting to give any more attention to that kind of negativity. What matters is that I am here, I am happy, and I have never been stronger. That’s why I’m slowly opening up more about these deeply personal aspects of my life—like my transition—because I hope it fosters greater empathy and understanding.

At the end of the day, it’s about simply being present—having a seat at the table. I don’t feel the need to talk about it endlessly; what’s more important is that people see and acknowledge trans individuals in their everyday lives. Whether it’s a friend knowing a trans person or just being aware, that visibility matters. Growing up, I didn’t have many trans friends—in fact, I didn’t have many friends at all. I was very closed off, dealing with my own struggles, and working excessively from a young age. My life revolved around theater school, TV shows, and an endless cycle of work. Time just passed by in that whirlwind.

Aayush Sharma: Your first full-length role in movies came in “They/Them” which released in 2022. That was a huge moment for the LGBTQ+ community and Trans community. Then you had big names such as Kevin Bacon and Anna Chlumsky in the movie. How was the experience while working on the movie, and what kind of conversations did you have with Bacon and Chlumsky?

Darwin Del Fabro: I hold that movie so close to my heart. It all started with my connection to John Logan, who wrote and directed it. Before this, I had created a play in Brazil about the diaries of Lili Elbe, which were published in 1933. I wanted to adapt the play for an American audience, so I reached out to John to work on an adaptation. That’s how I first met him. We began developing the project, but then the pandemic hit. It feels like so long ago now, but at the time, everything came to a halt. We couldn’t perform the play in theaters, and the project fell apart. Then, John wrote a character specifically for me in this movie. It was an incredible, surreal moment—what a strange yet beautiful way to start my career in America.

The film, They/Them, means so much to me because it centers around queerness. Everyone in the crew was queer, and we had a non-binary protagonist leading the story. There was so much love on set, and since we were filming in the middle of the pandemic, we truly felt like a family. Kevin was amazing—he jumped into the project instantly. That’s why he’s such a remarkable actor. He’s always willing to take on different roles and explore new genres, which makes him the artist that he is. Anna has that same spirit, and I absolutely love her. Meeting her was such a joy. She speaks Portuguese, and on the first day we met, she just started speaking to me in Portuguese. I was completely caught off guard and thought, “Wait, what? How do you know this?” Turns out, she had lived in Brazil for a while. It was a magical experience, and I will carry those friendships with me forever.

Photo Courtesy: Peacock

Aayush Sharma: Apart from acting, writing has been your biggest passion. You are writing a play, and then you keep on writing article pieces as well. Was writing always your first love, or was it something that you developed with time?

Darwin Del Fabro: Writing wasn’t always something I considered seriously, though I always enjoyed it. When I graduated, I earned a degree in literature—specifically Portuguese literature. I didn’t go to school for acting because I had already been acting and singing since I was 12. In Brazil, my studies included some English, but I intentionally chose to focus on my country’s literature. I wanted to understand Brazil’s roots, especially since my ultimate goal was always to move to America. It was the same with music—I love Samba because it helped me discover the essence of Brazilian culture. Yet, at the same time, I was preparing for a career in America by immersing myself in its artistic landscape. Writing truly became a defining part of my journey when I met Joan Logan. She is my mentor, the person who told me, “Darwin, you are a writer, and you need to put your words out there.” That moment changed everything.

Now, I’ve written a play—a continuation of the original play that first connected me with Joan. This time, it’s a monologue, deeply personal, where I explore the intersection of Lili Elbe’s story and my own. I also wrote a horror movie because I’m a huge fan of the genre. And recently, I’ve been writing articles as well. Magazines have been reaching out, asking me to contribute, which has been an exciting new avenue for my writing. They have been reaching out me to have a little more understanding of one’s perspective. This is just one person’s perspective on this journey—every journey is different. But if I can share my story and people resonate with it, then why not put it out there?Of course, it comes with a lot of exposure, but given the state of the country I’m in and the rights that are being denied, I refuse to be silenced. I will not stay quiet. I will write, I will speak, and that is my goal.

Aayush Sharma: Your journey as an artist has been unique. Do you feel that your identity, background, or artistic approach has influenced your craft in ways that distinguish you from others?

Darwin Del Fabro: I don’t know—it’s such a difficult thing because it’s my perspective, right? I’m just living as authentically as I can, constructing my own path after being shaped by culture and family, then growing up and discovering my own journey. I’ve never seen it as trying to be unique; I’m simply following my instincts and pursuing what moves me. Of course, my background plays a role—I was born in Brazil, raised in a culture different from others, and I’ve traveled the world enough to experience a variety of perspectives. But at the end of the day, it’s just me. I’m not trying to be something; I’m becoming something. Whether that’s seen as unique or not is up to others to judge. This is just who I am. I’m not sure if that answers your question.