Juan Perales isn’t just another handsome face gracing our screens; he’s a beacon of authenticity and relatability in today’s entertainment landscape. Born on September 23, 1999, in Madrid, Spain, Juan’s story didn’t begin in a drama class or on a Hollywood soundstage. It began—like many modern-day stars—with a phone camera, a bit of charm, and an Instagram account.
He first gained attention as a model and social media influencer, capturing followers with his love of fashion, fitness, and travel. His Instagram, @juaanperales, became a visual diary of a young man finding his place in the world—shirtless beach days, sleek editorial shoots, sweaty gym selfies, and the occasional goofy smile. Before long, Juan was also winning hearts on TikTok, where his charisma and ease in front of the camera turned followers into devoted fans.
@juaanperales :,(
But Juan was never content to be just a pretty face online. His breakout acting role came in the eighth season of Élite, where he played Bernat—a small but memorable part that hinted at deeper dramatic talent. It was clear he was ready for more than trending dances and filtered snapshots.
Now, Juan is taking on his most complex role yet in Netflix’s upcoming Spanish drama Olympo. Set in an elite athletic training center in the Pyrenees, the series explores the lives of young athletes under intense physical and emotional pressure. But at its heart, Olympo is about identity—who we are when no one’s looking, what we hide from the world, and how deeply we crave connection.
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Juan plays one of those athletes. And while we don’t know everything about his character yet, what we’ve seen so far is already striking a chord—especially with queer audiences. He brings something rare to the screen: honesty. His portrayal of a young man figuring himself out in a world built on strength and silence feels incredibly real. He doesn’t play the queer-coded athlete for drama or pity—he plays him like someone trying to make sense of it all in real time.
And that hits home. It’s not about coming out in some grand, cinematic explosion. It’s about the small things—the lingering glances, the breath held just a second too long, the soft brush of a hand. It’s about the risk of staying after practice just a little too long, hoping for a moment that might mean something more. These are the quiet, powerful truths that queer people know by heart—and Juan delivers them with remarkable tenderness.
Yes, he’s beautiful. Obviously. The man could break hearts just by walking past a mirror. But what makes him unforgettable is what he gives beyond that: vulnerability, warmth, and the kind of emotional depth that feels like a memory you didn’t know you still carried.
Off-screen, he’s just as grounded. Juan is known for his down-to-earth personality and commitment to health, often sharing his workout routines and day-to-day life with followers. He inspires not just with his looks, but with a lifestyle that values balance, well-being, and self-acceptance.
As Juan Perales continues to grow as an actor, he’s also growing as a symbol—especially for young queer viewers who finally see themselves not just represented, but centered. His performance in Olympo isn’t just a role—it’s a reminder of how powerful it is when queer characters are allowed to be messy, emotional, strong, scared—and still take up space.
So yeah, maybe we’re projecting a little. Maybe we see in Juan what we wish we’d seen more of when we were younger. But that’s kind of the point, right? To see someone like you and feel less alone.
Juan Perales isn’t just a rising star—he’s a new kind of leading man. And that, honestly, is worth getting excited about.