Nicolás Furtado built an international acting career by transforming from a local television hopeful in Montevideo into one of the most recognizable faces in Latin American gritty drama and streaming cinema. Best known for his iconic portrayal of Juan Pablo "Diosito" Borges in the hit crime series El Marginal, Furtado earned critical praise for playing complex, high-intensity characters. Rather than sticking to a single archetype, he expanded his range across comedies, biographical series, and international streaming platforms.
Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1988, Furtado originally pursued architecture before pivoting entirely toward the dramatic arts. He studied at the Escuela del Actor under Ricardo Berio from 2006 to 2008, cutting his teeth in local theater and minor television spots. Understanding that the regional hub for television production lay across the river, he made the permanent move to Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2012. That relocation proved vital, positioning him to land roles in major telenovelas like Dulce Amor and Somos Familia.
The Breakout Role: Diosito and El Marginal
Furtado's career trajectory shifted permanently in 2016 when he joined the cast of El Marginal, a gritty prison drama broadcast on Argentine public television and later distributed globally by Netflix. He played Diosito, an unhinged, deeply flawed, yet strangely sympathetic gang member with a distinct physical cadence and dyed hair.
The role demanded extreme physical and emotional commitment. Furtado didn't just play a criminal; he crafted an entire subculture dialect, idiosyncratic mannerisms, and a vulnerability that made a violent character magnetic. The performance won him a Tato Award for Best Supporting Actor and catapulted him into international stardom, turning El Marginal into a multi-season phenomenon that ran through 2022.
Expanding Horizons Beyond Crime Dramas
While El Marginal defined his early international reputation, Furtado actively avoided typecasting by stepping into entirely different genres. In 2016, he showcased his comedic timing as "El Bicho" in the tele-comedy Educando a Nina.
His versatility showed further in biographical and historical projects. In 2021, he appeared in the Amazon Prime Video biographical series Maradona: Blessed Dream, portraying legendary Argentine football player and manager Daniel Passarella. This shift proved he could hold his own in high-stakes prestige drama without relying on street-tough theatrics.
Transitioning to Global Streaming Films
In recent years, Furtado shifted focus toward feature films and international streaming releases across Latin America and Europe. He starred in the Netflix original film Goyo, directed by Marcos Carnevale. In the film, he played an autistic museum guide whose structured routine is upended by unexpected romance. The project marked a deliberate turning point, letting him explore quiet, emotionally restrained performances far removed from the explosive energy of El Marginal.
His filmography expanded further with comedies and action-adventure projects like Me he hecho viral in Spain and the adventure series Bandidos on Netflix. By maintaining a steady presence across Argentina, Spain, and Mexico, Furtado positioned himself as a transnational actor capable of moving fluidly between local indie cinema and massive global platforms.
Common Mistakes in Analyzing Career Trajectories
Observers often misinterpret actors who break out in gritty crime roles as one-note performers. Critics frequently assumed Furtado could only play marginal, violent urban characters after his success in El Marginal. However, analyzing his complete body of work reveals a calculated pivot toward romantic comedies, historical dramas, and neurodivergent character studies. Another common oversight is ignoring his Uruguayan roots; while his career flourished in Buenos Aires, his formative training took place entirely in Montevideo, shaping his distinct professional discipline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Nicolás Furtado born?
He was born on February 6, 1988, in Montevideo, Uruguay, where he also completed his initial theatrical training before relocating to Argentina.
What is Nicolás Furtado's most famous role?
His most famous and critically acclaimed role is Juan Pablo "Diosito" Borges in the hit prison crime drama series El Marginal.
Did Nicolás Furtado star in any Netflix projects?
Yes. Aside from the global distribution of El Marginal, he starred in the Netflix original film Goyo and the adventure series Bandidos.
How did he transition from television to film?
After establishing himself in popular Argentine telenovelas and prestige series, he took on diverse cinematic roles in international co-productions across Spain and Latin America, intentionally seeking out romantic and dramatic character studies.
