Anthony Garotinho

Anthony Garotinho is a Brazilian politician and former radio broadcaster who served as the Governor of Rio de Janeiro. Born Anthony William Matheus de Oliveira in 1960, he legally adopted his stage name which originated from his time as a sports announcer. His career trajectory shifted dramatically after a severe car accident in 1994, an event he attributes to his conversion to evangelical Christianity. This faith became the cornerstone of his public identity and political platform.

He currently remains an active figure in Brazilian politics despite facing significant legal challenges that have impacted his eligibility for office. Garotinho is widely recognized as one of the most influential evangelical politicians in the country, known for his populist style and direct communication with voters. His wife Rosinha Matheus has been a constant partner in both his personal life and political career, serving as First Lady during his governorships. [edit]

Before entering the national spotlight, Anthony Garotinho built a foundation in media and law enforcement. He worked as a sports radio broadcaster in Rio de Janeiro, where his energetic delivery and youthful appearance earned him the nickname "Garotinho," meaning Little Boy. This moniker eventually became his official surname by legal decree. His path to governance was not linear; prior to his election victories, he served in the Military Police of Rio de Janeiro, gaining experience in security and administration that would later inform his political strategies.

The pivotal moment that defined his future occurred in 1994 when he survived a serious car crash. Doctors initially gave him little hope, but his recovery led to a profound spiritual transformation. He credits this incident with his deep conversion to evangelical Christianity, which reshaped his worldview and motivated his entry into elective office. This period marked the transition from a media personality to a man driven by religious conviction and a desire to serve in government. [edit]

Garotinho's political ascent began in earnest in the 1990s. In 1995, he was elected Governor of the State of Rio de Janeiro, a position he held until 1999. During his first term, he implemented policies aligned with his evangelical values and gained a reputation for a strong, populist leadership style. Although he ran for re-election in 1998, he lost to Marcelo Alencar. Following his governorship, he continued to serve as a federal deputy, maintaining his presence in the national legislature.

A major milestone in his career came in 2002 when he successfully campaigned for Vice President alongside Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Despite their loss to José Serra, the campaign elevated his profile on the national stage. He returned to the governorship in 2014, winning the election for Rio de Janeiro again. However, his second term faced significant obstacles. On November 30, 2018, he was arrested on corruption charges related to the Operation Car Wash investigation, specifically concerning alleged irregularities in fuel procurement during his first term. This arrest led to imprisonment and suspension from public office, yet he remained a key figure in the Party of the Republic (PR) and continued to influence Brazilian politics through various legal battles and appeals as of 2026. [edit]

Garotinho projects a persona of a devout Christian leader fighting for moral values against corruption. Supporters view him as a charismatic figure who bridges the gap between religious communities and government policy. Critics, however, point to his legal troubles and controversial statements as evidence of hypocrisy. His media presence is characterized by direct, often confrontational communication, particularly on social media platforms where he actively campaigns and defends his positions. His image is polarized, reflecting the broader divisions in Brazilian society regarding religion and politics. [edit]

As of October 2026, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated this person, but they do not currently hold a placement in the published rankings. He is not featured on the August 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. While he lacks a traditional pop culture fandom, he commands a dedicated political base among evangelical voters in Rio de Janeiro and across Brazil. His supporters engage through political rallies, social media interactions, and community organizing rather than music or film rituals. His cultural impact is defined by his role in the evangelical wave in Brazilian politics, influencing legislation and public discourse on social issues. [edit]

The nickname "Garotinho" was originally given to him by listeners of his radio show because of his youthful appearance and energetic style before he made it his legal surname. A story often retold among his supporters involves his 1994 car accident, which he describes as the moment he "met God" and was reborn spiritually. His son Wladimir Garotinho followed in his footsteps, being re-elected as a city councilor in Campos dos Goytacazes in 2024. Garotinho is known for his distinctive beard and casual attire that aligns with his evangelical identity. He frequently uses social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube to communicate directly with his base regarding his legal defenses and political campaigns. [edit]

Anthony Garotinho has been married to Rosinha Matheus since 1991. Their union is central to his personal narrative, with Rosinha serving as First Lady of Rio de Janeiro during his governorships and later as a state deputy. The couple has nine children together, a mix of five biological sons and four daughters, along with four adopted children. They are widely recognized for their joint evangelical activism and shared commitment to family values. The family resides in Rio de Janeiro, where they maintain a low-profile private life outside of their public duties. [edit]

Rosinha Matheus, Wladimir Garotinho, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Marcelo Alencar, Party of the Republic. [edit]

Anthony Garotinho has been married to Rosinha Matheus since 1991. The couple's relationship is central to his personal narrative, with Rosinha serving as First Lady of Rio de Janeiro during his governorships and later as a state deputy. There are no publicly documented prior marriages or long-term romantic relationships outside of this marriage; Rosinha Matheus is his sole spouse. Their union has produced nine children together, and they are widely recognized for their joint evangelical activism. As of 2026, the couple remains married and continues to be politically active together. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Anthony Garotinho's net worth at approximately $2 Million. Unlike commercial entertainers, his wealth is derived primarily from his salary as a federal deputy and potential real estate holdings. Specific financial details are not consistently tracked by celebrity wealth aggregators due to his status as a politician. Estimates vary based on his public service income and private investments. His financial trajectory has been influenced by his long tenure in public office and business interests accumulated over decades. [edit]