José Castelo Branco is a Portuguese television personality, actor and socialite known for his eccentric style and public persona.
Born in Mozambique, Castro Blanco is widely recognized in Portugal and New York City for his unabashedly flashy fashion choices and appearances on reality TV shows.
He became the subject of public attention due to his unique gender-fluid identity and lavish lifestyle.
His marriage to wealthy American socialite Betty Grafstein further cemented his status in high society, and he continues to maintain a presence in the media and fashion world.
contour
- Full name: Jose Alberto Castro Blanco da Silva Vieira
- Date of birth: December 8, 1962
- Age: 61 years old
- Gender: Male
- Birthplace: Tete, Mozambique (then a Portuguese colony)
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Occupation: Actor, TV personality, socialite
- Parents: Not applicable
- Siblings: Not applicable
- Spouse: Betty Grafstein
- Children: Guillerme Castello Blanco
- Relationship status: Married
- Religion: Not applicable
- Race: Not applicable
- Net worth: $1 million to $5 million
early life and education
José Castelo Branco was born on December 8, 1962 in Tete, a Portuguese territory in the colonial period of Mozambique. He is 61 years old as of 2024.
When he was young, his family moved to Lisbon, Portugal, where he spent most of his formative years. Although there is little public information about his parents or siblings, it is clear that his upbringing allowed him to explore his interest in fashion and high society from an early age.
personal life
José Castelo Branco married Betty Grafstein on November 27, 1996 in Portugal. Grafstein is an American socialite and former diamond heiress who is much older than Blanco.
The huge age gap in their marriage attracted public attention, but the couple had been together for nearly thirty years. Despite the public attention, the two still share a close bond and wardrobe. Before marrying Betty, Castro Blanco was married to Maria Arlene.
Profession
José Castelo Branco first came to attention in the Portuguese nightlife scene in the 1980s with his portrayal of Tatiana Romanov. His connections with prominent Portuguese figures such as socialite Lili Canecas opened doors for him in the fashion and media industries.
However, his participation in reality TV shows such as Portugal’s “Quinta das Celebridades” made him a star. His public appearances were often characterized by his eccentric fashion sense, which he often used to challenge traditional gender norms.
Castelo Blanco remains influential in Portuguese and New York social circles, constantly making headlines for his unconventional lifestyle.
net worth
José Castelo Branco has an estimated net worth between $1 million and $5 million. His wealth comes primarily from his television appearances, involvement in the fashion industry, and his high-profile marriage to Betty Grafstein, who also brought considerable wealth from her diamond heiress background .
dispute
José Castro Blanco has been the center of several controversies, mainly related to his provocative public behavior and legal issues.
In 2024, he faced domestic violence charges involving his wife, Betty Grafstein. He was arrested on suspicion of abuse and subsequently banned from having any contact with her, although the case attracted widespread media attention and divided public opinion.
In addition to legal issues, Castelo Blanco’s gender fluidity speech has also sparked criticism and debate, especially in conservative circles, where some believe he is too provocative or controversial for traditional Portuguese media.
Yet he has a solid following, especially among those who see him as a pioneer of self-expression and defiance of social norms.
social media
- Instagram: @jose_castelo_branco
- Twitter: @JoseCasteloB
film chronology
- Alpha Chadha(2013)
- Maravilla Trio(2006)
- 1 block (2020)
