From playing toxic villains to transforming lives through powerful LGBTQ+ narratives, Rodrigo Tardelli is redefining independent filmmaking and digital storytelling.
Who Is Rodrigo Tardelli?
Rodrigo Tardelli is a Brazilian actor, director, and producer best known for his bold performances and fearless approach to storytelling in LGBTQ+ media. He’s not just creating content — he’s changing the way queer stories are told.
With an award-winning performance in the viral web series Estranho Jeito de Amar (Strange Way of Love), Tardelli has become a rising international voice in queer cinema and digital content creation.
Breaking Boundaries in Queer Media with Estranho Jeito de Amar
In 2024, Tardelli wrote, directed, produced, and starred in Estranho Jeito de Amar, a YouTube Original series that explores the complexities of toxic and emotionally abusive relationships — a theme rarely addressed so directly in LGBTQ+ media.
Tardelli’s portrayal of Gael, a manipulative and emotionally abusive character, was both chilling and thought-provoking.
The series quickly went viral, surpassing 10 million views on YouTube, earning 12 international festival nominations, and sparking global conversations about emotional abuse, codependency, and the hidden dangers in relationships — especially within the queer community.
From Viral Success to Award-Winning Actor
Rodrigo’s performance in Estranho Jeito de Amar earned him four Best Actor awards and widespread acclaim. But for him, the true reward was watching audiences around the world connect with the story on a personal level.
Elevating LGBTQ+ Voices Through Independent Filmmaking
Beyond his on-screen presence, Tardelli is also the founder of a successful independent production company focused on telling authentic queer stories. His studio was recently honored with seven nominations at a major film festival in Los Angeles — a sign that his work is not only powerful but also globally relevant.
Rodrigo is on a mission to make sure LGBTQ+ characters are portrayed with honesty, depth, and humanity.
A Safe Space on Social Media
With over 129,000 followers on Instagram and 248,000 on TikTok, Rodrigo uses his platform to connect with fans on a deeper level. He shares astrology insights, humor, and personal reflections on identity, love, and mental health.
He’s more than a content creator — he’s building a supportive digital community where people feel seen and heard.
What’s Next for Rodrigo Tardelli?
Rodrigo is currently developing the next season of Estranho Jeito de Amar and working on new projects aimed at global audiences. His focus remains clear: to use art not just to entertain, but to heal, educate, and inspire.
“I believe in the power of stories. But I also believe in the power of discomfort — because that’s where growth happens,” Rodrigo affirms.
Final Thoughts
In a world hungry for authenticity and representation, Rodrigo Tardelli is proof that independent LGBTQ+ creators can do more than disrupt the industry — they can lead it.
Whether through a villain’s haunting performance or a heartfelt Instagram post, Tardelli continues to transform lives through the power of fearless storytelling.
