Meet the Cast

Brian Martins is one of the co-founding members of The Portuguese Kids comedy troupe. Having been trained at Boston’s famed Improv Asylum, and New York's very own UCB Theater, Brian has over 20 years of experience with sketch writing and improv. He’s beyond thrilled to be spearheading Portuguese Problems along with fellow founding member Derrick DeMelo, and Cinematographer Dean Camara. Of course all this wouldn’t be possible without the support from his wife and daughter. His late father José Manuel, for always pushing him to go bigger and better. Lastly his mother Idalina, for never having her filter on and keeping it real with him. He would be lost without them all.

Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, Derrick DeMelo is a founding member of The Portuguese Kids comedy group and has spent two decades touring the Portuguese diaspora with their live performances, effortlessly connecting with audiences worldwide. He honed his comedic skills at Improv Asylum in Boston and attended classes at the esteemed Upright Citizens Brigade in New York City to further his craft. With an illustrious career spanning two decades, Derrick's performances infuse laughter, nostalgia, and a heartfelt connection to his Portuguese heritage, making him an invaluable contributor to ethnic comedy and a cherished representative of the Portuguese-American experience.

Mike Rita has firmly established himself as a standout in the comedy world, captivating audiences all over North America with his one-of-a-kind brand of 420 Ethnic comedy. He is a true road warrior, constantly on tour, bringing his hilarious and captivating performances to stages big and small across the continent. Mike's talent has landed him on some of the greatest stages in comedy, such as the prestigious Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, TV’s Roast Battles Canada, sharing the screen with comedy heavyweight Russell Peters and opening up for renowned comedians like Joe Rogan, Tommy Chong, Gilbert Gottfried and more.  With his rapid rise in both stand-up and television, Mike Rita is not to be missed.

Vanessa Medeiros is no stranger to the acting scene, involving herself in over 100 productions over the last two decades.  She owes her acting credit to her high school theater director, the late Mr. Thomas Marcello, who told Vanessa: “You have great comedic timing, don’t lose sight of that.” Vanessa has been involved with The Portuguese Kids for 10 years, with her initial debut in a parody music video, followed by a role in “My Big Fat Portuguese Wedding” dinner show.  She has a passion for helping others, advocating for people who cannot advocate for themselves, and, of course, making people laugh. Vanessa has always loved her Portuguese culture and loves that she is able to bring a light-hearted sense of humor to it all. When she is not helping youth in the schools or cracking a joke or two, she is enjoying her time by traveling and writing poetry. Vanessa is thankful, beyond words, for her family, girlfriend, friends, and of course Brian and Derrick, who have supported her in everything she has done. Haja Saúde!

Taylor Amarante is a Portuguese-American Stand-Up Comedian from Santa Clara, CA who has been touring across the U.S. & Canada alongside the Portuguese Kids, since 2014. The son of Portuguese immigrants from the island of São Jorge, Taylor's comedy & story-telling shines the light on what it's like to be brought up in a crazy Portuguese family! Taylor's been featured on well known Bay Area stages such as The Improv, Rooster T Feathers and Tommy T's. Outside of stand-up comedy, Taylor is an on-air personality, tv host and In-Stadium Show Host for a professional soccer club in Major League Soccer. Most recently he hosted a tv program on NBC Sports Bay Area.

Chantell is a current resident in Rhode Island and first generation American. Over her lifetime, Chantell has performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, has sung back up for Josh Groban, and is currently the voice of Waddle for Pollywog Pond on RIPBS.  She has also toured nationally and internationally in the “My Big Fat Portuguese Wedding” dinner show. She has been singing since the age of 3 and is pursuing musical theater.  Chantell is the Box Office Manager at Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket, RI where she also performs in their in-house productions.  "I will never take for granted the love of my family, the love and support of my amazing husband, and every blessing given from God. Força!"

Graça Pinhancos, born in Sao Miguel, Azores,discovered her love for theater at the age of 13 while acting with Liga dos Amigos da Covoada in Portugal. At 19, she immigrated to the United States, seeking new opportunities. Despite working in various fields and later establishing a flourishing florist and design business, her passion for theater endured. Upon retiring, Graca redirected her creative energy back to theater. Outside of her acting pursuits, she finds joy in horseback riding, kayaking, and hiking, embracing a well-rounded life that mirrors her diverse interests with her family. Graça Pinhancos exemplifies a journey from humble beginnings to a fulfilled life of artistic expression and entrepreneurship.

Dean Camara, was born and raised in Modesto, California as a first generation Portuguese-American. He attended film school at San Francisco

State University. Dean is a two-time Emmy Award winning cinematographer that has produced content for brands such as NFL, UFC, History Channel, ESPN, PBS and more.