Pepê Rapazote

Pedro de Matos Fernandes is a Portuguese actor and voice artist known professionally as Pepê Rapazote. Born in Lisbon in 1970, he transitioned from a career in architecture to the performing arts, establishing himself as a versatile character actor across Europe, Latin America, and the United States. His fluency in four languages allows him to work seamlessly in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French productions.

Rapazote gained significant international recognition for his portrayal of Eliseo in the third season of the Netflix hit series Narcos. Before this global breakthrough, he built a solid foundation in Lusophone cinema with roles in films like Laços de Sangue and Pai à Força. He continues to work actively in film and television, including recent appearances in the Netflix series Turn of the Tide. [edit]

Before stepping onto the set, Pedro de Matos Fernandes spent several years working as an architect in Portugal. This period involved long hours at drafting tables creating blueprints, a profession he eventually decided to leave behind to pursue acting full time. He viewed this shift not just as a hobby but as his "new profession," dedicating himself entirely to performance arts. His early interest in storytelling led him away from design and toward the stage and screen in his native country.

His initial steps in the industry were grounded in Portuguese theater and local film production. He appeared in early credits such as Laços de Sangue (Blood Ties) and Pai à Força, where he demonstrated an ability to navigate both dramatic and comedic genres. These early projects helped him establish a reputation for range within the Lusophone community before he began receiving offers for larger international co-productions that would eventually take him abroad. [edit]

Rapazote's career trajectory shifted dramatically in 2017 when he was cast as Eliseo in Season 3 of the Netflix series Narcos. The role required him to portray a violent and charismatic member of the Cali Cartel, bringing him global attention and critical notice. Interviews from this period highlight the intense preparation he undertook to capture the psychological depth of the character. Following this success, he starred in the Argentine production Almost in Love in 2018 and appeared in Operation Finale.

In 2019, he joined the cast of the USA Network series Queen of the South for its fourth season, appearing alongside Alimi Ballard. Later that year, he signed with the APA agency to represent his growing portfolio. Throughout the 2020s, he expanded his work to include recurring roles in Shameless (US version) and La Reina del Sur. In 2023, he returned to streaming platforms with a role in the Netflix Portuguese series Turn of the Tide. Most recently, in January 2025, he was announced as part of the cast for the SPTV telenovela Broken Promise. [edit]

The public perceives Pepê Rapazote as a dedicated character actor who brings depth and intensity to supporting roles. He is frequently described as charismatic and versatile, capable of shifting between genres with ease. His rugged screen presence and multilingual abilities allow him to play complex characters that span cultural boundaries. Media coverage often highlights his successful transition from architecture to acting, framing it as a story of passion and reinvention. He maintains a professional image on social media, using his platform to showcase his latest work rather than engaging in personal drama or controversy. [edit]

Pepê Rapazote commands a distinct audience defined not by frenzied mobilization but by the quiet reverence of viewers who recognize his craft. His fanbase lacks an official moniker, operating instead as a dispersed network of cinephiles and international viewers who appreciate his seamless transitions between Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French productions. Unlike pop stars who cultivate organized campaigns or street-closing parades, Rapazote's supporters engage through critical appreciation of his screen presence rather than ritualistic devotion. There are no documented fan-funded billboard drives, charity tributes, or viral challenges tied to his name. The online discourse surrounding him remains professional, focusing on his performances in crime thrillers like Narcos rather than personal mythology. While he maintains a low profile regarding his private life, his role as José 'Chepe' Santacruz Londono left an enduring impression on American audiences, transforming him from a respected character actor into a recognizable face for global streaming platforms. This shift brought him recurring roles in major series such as Queen of the South and Turn of the Tide, cementing his status as a versatile performer capable of anchoring complex narratives across continents. Despite this growing visibility, the cultural footprint remains grounded in artistic merit rather than celebrity spectacle. Fans discuss his intense energy and unique portrayal of cartel figures with genuine admiration, yet no collective identity has emerged to organize their support. Pepê Rapazote is currently evaluated by iFANN but does not hold a placement in the published Global Top 1,000 rankings or any Top-100 scope list.[edit]

Pepê Rapazote speaks four languages fluently: Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French. This linguistic skill set has been instrumental in allowing him to work across different continents without needing dubbing or extensive accent coaching. He also works as a voice artist, lending his voice to various animated projects which adds another layer to his performance repertoire. Fans often discuss his intense on-screen presence, particularly regarding his character in Narcos, noting how he brought a unique energy to the screen compared to other portrayals of cartel figures. Despite his rising profile, he maintains a relatively low profile regarding his personal life and rarely shares details about his family or private affairs with the media. [edit]

Rapazote keeps his family life strictly out of the public eye. There are no widely reported details about his parents, siblings, or extended family members in credible sources. He does not have any publicly confirmed children or spouses as of 2026. While he divides his time between continents for work, he prefers to keep his domestic arrangements private. Unlike many peers who share glimpses of their home lives on social media, he focuses his online presence almost exclusively on promoting his professional projects and sharing behind-the-scenes moments from his sets in Portugal, Venezuela, the US, France, and Italy. [edit]

Netflix, USA Network, SPTV, APA Agency. [edit]

Public records regarding Pepê Rapazote's romantic life remain notably sparse. Unlike many actors who share details of their relationships, he maintains a strict separation between his public persona and private affairs. There are no verified reports of marriages, engagements, or long-term partnerships documented in credible sources up to 2026. He has never publicly confirmed a spouse or partner. As of 2026, he is reported to be single. He divides his time between continents for work but keeps his domestic life out of the spotlight. No children have been publicly acknowledged by him or his representatives. [edit]

As of 2026, research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts Pepê Rapazote's fortune at around $2 million. This estimate reflects his steady work in international film and television over the past decade. His income primarily comes from salaries for high-profile productions like Narcos, Queen of the South, and various Portuguese and Argentine co-productions. He also earns from voice-over work and residuals from international distribution deals. Unlike some A-list stars, he does not have widely reported business ventures, real estate holdings, or major endorsement deals contributing to his wealth. His financial profile remains consistent with that of a respected mid-career character actor who commands good fees for quality roles. [edit]