Pedro Waddington is making waves in the world of Brazilian television as he takes on the role of Tiago in the much-anticipated remake of Vale Tudo, airing at 9 PM on TV Globo. At just 27 years old, Waddington is stepping into the spotlight in a significant role, embodying a sensitive young man caught in the turmoil of family disputes.
Born in 1999, Waddington comes from a lineage of artists; he is the son of actress Helena Ranaldi and television director Ricardo Waddington, who were married from 1994 to 2004. He is also the nephew of filmmaker Andrucha Waddington and actress Fernanda Torres, who is married to his uncle. Despite being new to the television scene, Waddington has previous experience in theater and modeling, often sharing glimpses of his personal life and behind-the-scenes moments on social media.
In the narrative of Vale Tudo, Tiago is the son of Heleninha, played by Paolla Oliveira, and businessman Marco Aurélio, portrayed by Alexandre Nero. Tiago is depicted as a young man raised in luxury but lacking emotional support, leading to an introspective personality. He has a passion for classical music and dreams of becoming a conductor. This sensitive nature puts him at odds with his father, who views him with suspicion and questions his masculinity. The dramatic core of Tiago's character revolves around his relationship with his mother, who provides unconditional support, and his romantic involvement with Fernanda, played by Ramille, while also facing competition from André, portrayed by Breno Ferreira.
In a recent episode aired on April 4, 2025, Marco Aurélio explicitly instructs his sister, Cecília, to keep Heleninha away from Tiago. This refusal to accept Heleninha at the TCA, the airline company at the center of the plot, leads to a crisis for Tiago when his father reveals that his mother has left the clinic. The episode culminates in an emotional reunion between Tiago and Heleninha.
As the plot unfolds, another character, Maria de Fátima, played by Bella Campos, is determined to climb the social ladder. After realizing her modeling career isn't progressing as she hoped, she sets her sights on Marco Aurélio, the powerful executive. Fátima manages to secure an invitation to a lavish party at his home, where she attempts to charm him, despite his commitment to another woman, Cláudia. The tension escalates when Cláudia catches them together, leading to a confrontation.
In a broader context, the portrayal of the airline industry in Vale Tudo has stirred controversy. Jerome Cadier, the CEO of Latam Airlines, recently criticized the way airlines are depicted in the soap opera, arguing that it perpetuates a negative perception of the industry in Brazil. In a reflective post on LinkedIn, Cadier noted that the TCA, the fictional airline in the show, is run by unscrupulous individuals, which may contribute to the public's unfavorable views of airlines. He questioned whether the depiction of the airline in the show has influenced perceptions, suggesting that while some may argue that Brazilian airlines operate poorly, a deeper analysis may reveal a more complex picture.
As the drama unfolds, viewers are also left to ponder the evolving themes of sexuality within the series. In a recent episode, Tiago's sensitivity is highlighted when he is seen crying while watching the classic film A Bela e a Fera (1946), directed by Jean Cocteau. This moment raises questions about his sexuality, especially in light of his father's conservative views on masculinity. During a heated exchange, Renato, another character, challenges Marco Aurélio's discomfort with Tiago's emotional display, asking, "What's the problem if, if that's the case, Tiago likes dating boys?" This exchange opens the door for discussions about gender roles and identity in contemporary Brazilian society.
The original version of Vale Tudo, which aired from 1988 to 1989, portrayed Tiago as heterosexual, involved in a romance with Fernanda. However, the remake has the potential to explore Tiago's character in a more nuanced way, possibly introducing LGBTQIA+ themes that resonate with today's audiences. The series, written by Manuela Dias, aims to update its narrative to reflect modern societal issues, leaving viewers curious about how Tiago's story will unfold.
As Vale Tudo continues to air from Monday to Saturday at 9:20 PM, it captures both the nostalgia of its original run and the fresh perspectives of today's storytelling. With its rich character development and timely themes, the remake not only pays homage to a classic but also invites a new generation of viewers to engage with its complex narratives.
In conclusion, Pedro Waddington's debut as Tiago in Vale Tudo marks a significant moment in Brazilian television, blending family drama with contemporary social issues. As the characters navigate their relationships and the challenges posed by their environment, the series remains a reflection of the society it portrays, engaging audiences with its emotional depth and relevance.
