What is the best thing that I love about my work? What I love most about my work is that it gives me permission to be endlessly curious. Every character, every script and every new country asks me the same question: Who could you become if you stopped insisting on being yourself for a while? Acting has taught me that identity is much more flexible than we think. I get to borrow other people’s fears, dreams and contradictions, then return them a little more understood than I found them. It’s like traveling without moving and coming home as a slightly different person every time. The audience may think I’m pretending to be someone else, but the secret is that every role reveals something unexpectedly true about me. I never get bored because people are infinitely more complex than fiction can ever capture. My job is simply to keep chasing that mystery.
What is my idea of happiness? I think happiness is a side effect of living in alignment with your curiosity. For me, happiness is waking up excited about what I’m building, sharing a meal with people I love, getting lost in a great conversation, sleeping with my dogs, laughing until it hurts, and stepping on stage or onto a set without knowing exactly what will happen next. It’s the feeling that life is becoming larger instead of smaller. I like feeling slightly out of my depth—it usually means I’m growing. I don’t chase a perfect life; I chase an interesting one. The happiest versions of myself have always been the ones brave enough to start over. Maybe happiness isn’t certainty after all. Maybe it’s trusting yourself enough to enjoy the adventure.
What is my greatest fear? I used to think my greatest fear was failure. It turns out I recover quite well from failure. What worries me more is indifference—the day nothing excites me, nothing moves me, nothing makes me ask another question. I hope that day never comes. Curiosity has been my compass for as long as I can remember. As long as I still have that, I trust I’ll find my way.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? I can be surprisingly impatient with myself. I celebrate my achievements for about five minutes before asking, “What’s next?” It’s a useful engine, but not always a kind companion. I’m learning that growth doesn’t only happen in the climb; sometimes it happens in the pause. I still haven’t mastered that lesson, but at least now I know it’s one worth learning.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? I admire artists who have developed a voice that is unmistakably their own. Among directors, I deeply admire Greta Gerwig, Chloé Zhao, Sofia Coppola, Céline Sciamma and Justine Triet. Their films are different in style, but they all tell stories with courage, intelligence and emotional honesty. As an actress, I’m equally inspired by performers such as Sarah Snook, Elisabeth Moss and Cate Blanchett. They constantly surprise me with the depth, precision and humanity they bring to every role. Watching artists like these reminds me that originality isn’t about trying to be different—it’s about being truthful enough that no one else could have done it quite the same way. If I ever get to work with one of these amazing women, I will feel that everything was worth it!
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? Waiting. Actors spend an astonishing amount of time waiting. Waiting for auditions, waiting for callbacks, waiting for decisions that someone else makes. I’ve learned to make peace with it, but I refuse to waste those moments. Whenever I’m “waiting,” I’m usually learning something new, creating my own projects or planning the next adventure. I’ve discovered that the happiest actors are the ones who don’t put their lives on hold while the industry catches up. What I dislike most is the idea that actors should wait for permission to create. I think artists become much more powerful when they stop seeing themselves as people who wait to be chosen. Creativity doesn’t need an invitation.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? The happiest I’ve ever been at work has never been on opening night or at an awards ceremony. It’s in those rare moments when you completely forget you’re acting. I remember feeling that while playing May in Fool for Love in Mexico, performing in Spanish for the first time. I had left everything familiar behind, and suddenly I wasn’t thinking about language, technique or whether I belonged there. I was simply present. Those are the moments I keep chasing—not applause, but complete immersion. They don’t happen every day, which is probably why they feel so precious.
If I could, what would I change about myself? I wish I trusted timing a little more. I’ve always believed that if I worked harder, learned more or pushed further, I could somehow accelerate life. Experience has been gently proving me wrong. Some things simply arrive when they’re ready, not when we are. I’m getting better at recognizing that patience isn’t the opposite of ambition—it might actually be one of its greatest allies.
What is my greatest achievement in work? My greatest achievement has been proving that home isn’t where my career happens—it’s something I carry with me. I’ve had the privilege of building a career in Portugal, then beginning again in Mexico, and now preparing for a new chapter in the United States. Every move required me to let go of certainty and trust that my craft would travel with me. It did. Looking back, I realize my proudest achievement isn’t any single role. It’s having the courage to keep becoming a beginner.
Where would I most like to live? I’d love to build my life in Los Angeles because it’s where I hope to keep growing as an actress. But if my journey has taught me anything, it’s that home isn’t a place—it’s a feeling. Portugal shaped me, Mexico reminded me how exciting it is to begin again, and Los Angeles feels like the next chapter waiting to be written. I’ve realized I don’t fall in love with cities as much as I fall in love with possibilities. As long as I’m surrounded by curious people, meaningful work and stories worth telling, I’ll feel exactly where I’m meant to be.
What is my most treasured possession? My voice. Not just in the literal sense, although it has been my profession for many years. I mean the voice that keeps becoming more honest as I grow older. It has carried stories, characters and emotions that didn’t belong to me until they somehow did. Finding your own voice takes time. Learning to trust it takes even longer. It’s the one thing I own that becomes more valuable the more I use it. The voice carries something musical, ethereal. Much more than the body itself. It’s a sort of connection with an essence or divinity. I´m having voice lessons constantly and they are much more than just a technical tool…
What is my most marked characteristic? I think my most marked characteristic is my openness to change. I’ve never been very attached to the idea of staying the same person forever. Every meaningful experience has asked me to let go of an old version of myself and make room for a new one. Whether it’s learning another language, moving to a different country or stepping into a complex character, I’ve learned to see change as an invitation rather than a threat. I think that’s one of the reasons I love acting so much—it rewards people who are willing to keep evolving.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city? I’ve been incredibly lucky because I have more than one city that feels like home. Each of them has shaped a different version of me. In Lisbon, it’s the Chiado, where I lived for many years and where every street seems to whisper stories from another century. I still find its energy absolutely magical. In La Condesa, I discovered a different kind of inspiration—a beautiful balance between creativity and chaos, where life unfolds on every corner and no two walks are ever the same. And then there’s Franklin Village in Hollywood, the first neighborhood I called home when I arrived in Los Angeles. For me, it represents possibility. Each of these places reminds me that inspiration isn’t tied to geography—it’s tied to the version of yourself that a place invites you to become.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city? There is still one more place on the planet that I call home: Sesimbra, a small town by the ocean, half an hour south of Lisbon, where I spent many of my childhood years. In Sesimbra, I don’t even need to choose one restaurant. Any table in that village seems to know how to cook the best fish and seafood in the world.
What books influenced my life and how? Reading has probably occupied half of my life. Long before I traveled the world through my work, I traveled through books. Acting Without Agony worked as beacon for questioning setled techniques and be freer in my work. The Artist’s Way was a voyage within. Addicted to Love made me reflect on realtionships being mirrors of how we see ourselves. Many others but I will have to mention The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz that marks my humble visit through the xamanic path.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? I honestly can’t answer this question. I love music far too much to choose just one soundtrack. I’m constantly discovering new artists and new genres. If I had to describe my taste, it would probably range from classical music to EDM—anything that moves me emotionally or makes me want to dance. As for my last day on Earth… I’m not very good at imagining it. I fully intend to live to at least 120, and I certainly don’t plan on knowing when my last day is. If that day ever comes, I hope it catches me completely by surprise, with great music playing in the background and absolutely no idea that the concert is about to end.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Without a doubt, Mary Poppins. She flies in with an umbrella, fixes everyone’s life without making a fuss, sings a few songs, dances with chimney sweeps, and leaves before anyone gets too attached. That’s impressive time management! As a child, I wanted her magic bag. As an adult, I’d settle for her confidence, wit and ability to make the impossible look perfectly ordinary. She has always reminded me that imagination and discipline can happily live side by side—and that life is much more fun if you don’t explain all your tricks.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? My heroes and heroines are rarely famous. They’re the people who keep showing up—for their families, for their communities, for their dreams—even when nobody is applauding. I’m inspired by those who have the courage to be posiitve and constructive in times like these. Those who remain kind in difficult circumstances, and that keep their sense of humor when life doesn’t go according to plan. I’ve been lucky enough to meet many of them throughout my journey, and most of them would never call themselves heroes. I think that’s exactly what makes them one.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? I’d recommend Cinema Paradiso. Not because it’s about cinema, but because it’s about life. It reminds us that growing up often means leaving home, that love doesn’t always look the way we expect it to, and that memories become more valuable with time. Every time I watch it, I notice something different. To me, that’s the sign of a truly great film—it grows as you grow.
What role play stories in my life and work? Stories are how I make sense of the world. They’ve taught me that people are rarely just good or bad, strong or weak—we’re all far more complicated than that. As an actress, every character asks me to replace judgment with curiosity, and I think that’s one of the greatest gifts this profession can offer. Stories build empathy. They allow us to live lives we’ll never have, love people we’ll never meet and understand perspectives we might otherwise ignore. If a story can make someone feel a little less alone or a little more understood, then it has already changed the world in a small but meaningful way. That’s the kind of work I hope to keep doing.
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me? I love the idea, although I suspect life enjoys improvising far more than I do. I may be the storyteller, but life keeps changing the plot without asking for my approval. My job is simply to keep writing the next chapter with as much curiosity, courage and humor as I can.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My partner. My greatest fan, my toughest audience, my voice of reason and, every now and then, my partner in crime. Usually the first person to believe in my craziest ideas… and occasionally the one who reminds me to sleep before I try to conquer the world. I won’t say much more. Some of the best characters in a story are the ones who remain a little mysterious.
Which people or companies would I like to work with ? There are so many extraordinary artists I admire, but if I could choose a few dream collaborators, they would be Greta Gerwig, Chloé Zhao, Céline Sciamma, Justine Triet, Sarah Snook and Elisabeth Moss. I’d also love to collaborate with companies such as A24, NEON and Punchdrunk. And if I could add one more dream collaborator, it would be Frances McDormand. What connects all of them is their commitment to fearless, intelligent and deeply human storytelling. That’s exactly the kind of work I aspire to be part of.
What project am I looking forward to work on? I’d love to land on the set of a great television series filming in Los Angeles—preferably one where the writing is so good that everyone forgets to check their phones between takes. Whether it’s a drama, a dark comedy or something beautifully unexpected, I’m ready for the next adventure. The only spoiler I can reveal is that I’d like my character to stick around for more than one episode.
Where can you see me or my work? The easiest place to find me is through my Linktree, where you’ll find my showreels, social media, interviews and current projects all in one place. Beyond that, you might come across me on stage, on screen, behind a microphone, or somewhere in between. I enjoy working across theatre, film, television and voice acting, so I like to think my work has a habit of popping up in unexpected places. That’s part of the fun.
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? I love that sentence because I think it’s true. Passion doesn’t retire—it just changes outfits. It evolves, surprises us and sometimes takes us somewhere we never expected to go. I fully intend to keep discovering new passions until I’m at least 120 years old. If I’m lucky, I’ll still be curious enough to start something new at 119.
Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story? Choosing only ten is almost impossible, but these are creative people whose journeys I’d genuinely love to read about: Isabel Medina, Ana Graham, Sarah Snook, Elisabeth Moss, Greta Gerwig, Céline Sciamma, Justine Triet, Chloé Zhao, Gabriela Pérez Negrete and Jorge Queiroga. They all have very different voices, but what they share is a remarkable commitment to their craft. I think their stories would inspire many people to trust their own creative path.
Links:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/rafaelacovas