Introduction
Wagner Moura is a Brazilian actor, director, and musician who gained international fame for his portrayal of Pablo Escobar in the Netflix series Narcos. In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into his personal life, career, and the recent controversy surrounding his weight gain.
Wagner Moura’s Personal Life
Family and Children
Wagner Moura was born on June 27, 1976, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. He is the son of a journalist and a nurse and has two siblings. He is married to the Brazilian journalist and photographer, Sandra Delgado, and they have three children together.
Education and Early Career
Moura studied journalism at the Federal University of Bahia but dropped out to pursue a career in acting. He started his acting career in the theater and later moved on to television and film. He gained critical acclaim for his role in the Brazilian film, Elite Squad, which won the Golden Bear at the 2008 Berlin International Film Festival.
Wagner Moura’s Career
Breakthrough Role in Elite Squad
Moura’s breakthrough role came in the 2007 film, Elite Squad, directed by José Padilha. The film follows the story of a special police force in Rio de Janeiro and their fight against drug trafficking. Moura played the role of Captain Nascimento, a tough and conflicted police officer who is tasked with leading the team. The film was a critical and commercial success and won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Narcos and International Fame
Moura gained international fame for his portrayal of Pablo Escobar in the Netflix series Narcos. The series tells the story of the rise and fall of the notorious Colombian drug lord and Moura’s performance was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. He received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Television Series Drama for his role in the series.
Controversy Surrounding Wagner Moura’s Weight Gain
The Role of Sergio Vieira de Mello
Moura gained weight for his role in the upcoming film, Sergio, which tells the story of the United Nations diplomat, Sergio Vieira de Mello, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Iraq in 2003. Moura plays the role of Vieira de Mello and gained around 45 pounds for the role.
Criticism and Response
Moura’s weight gain has been criticized by some who argue that it is an example of Hollywood’s unhealthy obsession with physical transformation for roles. Moura has defended his decision to gain weight, saying that it was necessary to accurately portray the physical transformation that Vieira de Mello went through during his time in Iraq. He has also stated that he is committed to losing the weight after filming is completed.
Conclusion
Wagner Moura’s personal life, career, and recent controversy surrounding his weight gain demonstrate the complexity of the entertainment industry and the challenges that actors face in portraying real-life characters. Despite the controversy, Moura’s talent and dedication to his craft continue to make him a respected and admired figure in the film and television industry.
