José Castelo Branco Biography: Movies, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Controversy

José Castelo Branco is a Portuguese television personality, actor, and socialite who gained prominence for his eccentric style and public persona.

Born in Mozambique, Castelo Branco became widely recognized in Portugal and New York City for his unapologetically flamboyant fashion choices and appearances on reality TV shows.

He became a subject of public fascination due to his unique gender-fluid identity and extravagant lifestyle.

His marriage to Betty Grafstein, a wealthy American socialite, further cemented his place in high society, and he continues to maintain a presence in both the media and fashion industry.

Profile

•   Full name: José Alberto Castelo Branco da Silva Vieira  
•   Date of birth: December 8, 1962
•   Age: 61 years old
•   Gender: Male  
•   Place of birth: Tete, Mozambique (then a Portuguese colony)  
•   Nationality: Portuguese
•   Profession: Actor, TV personality, socialite  
•   Parents: N/A  
•   Siblings: N/A  
•   Spouse: Betty Grafstein
•   Children: Guilherme Castelo Branco  
•   Relationship status: Married  
•   Religion: N/A  
•   Ethnicity: N/A  
•   Net worth: $1 million – $5 million

Early Life and Education

José Castelo Branco, now 61 years old as of 2024, was born on December 8, 1962, in Tete, Mozambique, a Portuguese territory during the colonial period.

When he was young, his family relocated to Lisbon, Portugal, and he spent much of his formative years there. Although little is publicly available about his parents or siblings, it is clear that he grew up in an environment that allowed him to explore his interest in fashion and high society from a young age.

Personal Life

José Castelo Branco married Betty Grafstein on November 27, 1996, in Portugal. Grafstein is an American socialite and former diamond heiress, significantly older than Castelo Branco.

Their marriage, marked by a significant age gap, drew public attention, but the couple has remained together for nearly three decades. Despite public scrutiny, the two share a close bond and wardrobes. Before his marriage to Betty, Castelo Branco was married to Maria Arlene.

Career

José Castelo Branco initially gained attention in the Portuguese nightlife scene during the 1980s, adopting the persona of Tatiana Romanov. His connections with high-profile Portuguese figures, like socialite Lili Canecas, opened doors for him in the fashion and media industries.

However, his participation in reality television shows like “Quinta das Celebridades” in Portugal shot him to stardom. His public appearances have often been characterized by his outlandish fashion sense, with which he regularly challenges traditional gender norms.

Castelo Branco remains influential in Portuguese and New York social circles, consistently making headlines for his unconventional lifestyle.

Net Worth

José Castelo Branco’s estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $5 million. His wealth is primarily derived from his television appearances, his involvement in the fashion industry, and his high-profile marriage to Betty Grafstein, who also brings considerable wealth from her diamond heiress background.

Controversy

José Castelo Branco has been the centre of several controversies, primarily involving his provocative public behaviour and legal issues.

In 2024, he faced allegations of domestic violence involving his wife, Betty Grafstein. He was arrested under suspicion of mistreatment and subsequently banned from having any contact with her, although the case drew widespread media attention and divided public opinion.

In addition to legal troubles, Castelo Branco’s gender-fluid presentation has also attracted criticism and debate, particularly in conservative circles, with some labelling him as too provocative or controversial for traditional Portuguese media.

However, he maintains a solid following, especially among those who view him as a trailblazer for self-expression and defiance of societal norms.

Social Media

•   Instagram: @jose_castelo_branco
•   Twitter: @JoseCasteloB  

Filmography

•   Al Fachada (2013)
•   Trio Maravilha (2006)  
•   1 Block (2020)