Hannah Zeitoune experiences a special moment in her career when she joins the cast of Dona de Mim. Initially invited to participate, the actress ended up staying longer in the plot, a surprise which deeply marked this new professional chapter.
In an interview with the Fábia Oliveira section, the artist opened his heart. “I was already very happy to be able to participate in this successful soap opera and when I learned that I was going to stay longer, it was an explosion of happiness,” he said.
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In the series, Hannah brings to life Erica, a character with whom she identifies in several aspects. “From the first contact, I understood that she is an affectionate woman, hardworking and passionate about what she does,” he said. The actress emphasizes that the character also passes through her personally, teaching her to look at the world with more generosity and spontaneity, which she defines as constant learning on and off the set.
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Hannah Zeitoune.
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Hannah Zeitoune.
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Brazilian audiences have known Hannah since she was very young. At the age of 12, she made her mark on the country by joining the cast of Avenida Brasil, an experience that remains alive in her memory. “I remember everything like it was yesterday,” he recalls.
After a period away from television to gain other experiences, study and also obtain a degree in administration, Hannah returned to the artistic world with more maturity and clarity of purpose. Returning to soap operas and about to complete her training in performing arts at CAL, the actress says she is ready to take on new challenges. “I feel like being back in the market now, older and more mature, makes me more aware of what I want to achieve,” she said.
Read the full interview:
How was receiving the invitation to join the casting of Dona de Mim?
It was very special, a gift in my career. I was already very happy to be able to participate in this successful soap opera and when I learned that I was going to stay longer, it was an explosion of happiness. This is the kind of opportunity we look for and hope that at some point it will present itself and that’s what happened!
What enchanted you the most about Erica? Do any of its characteristics speak to you personally?
From my first contact with Erica, I understood that she is an affectionate, hardworking woman who is passionate about what she does. I identify with her in this place where we do what we love with respect and responsibility towards those who are affected by our work. Erica also teaches me to look at the world with more generosity and spontaneity, which has been a learning experience for me.
You were 12 years old when you marked the country on Avenida Brasil. What is your most memorable memory from this experience?
I remember everything like it was yesterday. This experience will remain forever engraved in my life and I feel very privileged to have participated in such an important project in the history of Brazilian television. Acting alongside great artists and learning at a very young age how the world of soap operas works, from the preparation process, the studio recordings, the scenographic city… it was for me a very instructive and remarkable process.
What did this experience teach you that you still bring to the set today?
Avenida Brasil was my first experience recording a soap opera. Even at such a young age, daily check-in taught me lessons that I still carry into my professional and personal life today. Recording a soap opera is a dynamic and agile process, I learned early on the importance of being prepared, actively listening and being open to discussions with the crew and actors.
Was starting to work so young liberating, difficult, natural… or a bit of everything?
Starting work early was something very natural for me. I grew up in an environment full of art and always had encouragement from my parents, this desire only increased over time. I wanted to be on stage, to play, to dance, to sing. And, with each job, this desire grew even more. Each accomplishment has been an immense joy and personal accomplishment that has inspired me to continue.
Was there a time when you thought about pursuing other paths?
Because I started very young, at a certain point in my life I felt the need to try other paths, to know other regions, to live abroad and to discover myself beyond the art market. It was a period of great self-knowledge and maturity that helped me get to this point. In the meantime, I obtained a degree in administration, a degree that helps me in different areas of my life. All the experiences I had before returning to the artistic world were essential in shaping the person and professional I am today. Today I am sure that my goal is to work with art, that is what motivates me.
How was this period away from TV?
I needed to have other experiences, to broaden my references and to develop as a person and a professional. Even during this time away from television, I continued to practice artistically, study and prepare when a new opportunity presented itself. Coming back now has been very special because I feel this result comes from dedication and consistency in my work as an actress.
What was the audience’s reaction to your character in Dona de Mim?
Erica arrives in the last part of the series, while the plot is already heading towards its conclusion and full of twists and turns. She will reappear soon and I hope that the public will receive her with the same affection that I put into bringing this character to life.
What excites you about this new stage of your career?
I feel that being back in the market now, older and more mature, gives me greater awareness and clarity about what I want to achieve, which makes the process more exciting. I feel ready to take on new challenges and continue to develop as an actress. Of course, participating in the soap opera gives an extra boost, a good feeling of seeing that what I have built is yielding results, but an artistic career is made of ups and downs and you have to work on your resilience and strengthen your emotions to move forward and continue to pursue it.
What are the plans for 2026? Is there anything you can help us with?
This year I graduated in Performing Arts at Casa das Artes de Laranjeiras. I am finishing my monograph to receive my baccalaureate. This is the end of a very important cycle for my development as an artist, these have been years of a lot of personal and professional development. I plan to continue studying with the same intensity, developing my artistic identity and preparing for the next opportunity.
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