Jordana Brewster’s Ethnicity: From Brazil to New York City

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Jordana Brewster was born in Panama City, Panama, on April 26, 1980. She boasts a rich ethnic tapestry, with her father having English, Scottish, and Irish roots and her mother having Portuguese-Brazilian descent.

Her early years were cosmopolitan, moving from Panama to London and then Rio de Janeiro before settling in New York City at ten.

Jordana Brewster, at the age of 10, excitedly moved from Rio de Janeiro to New York City, leaving behind her cherished Brazilian lifestyle and family. Her initial understanding of America was formed through popular culture, like “Baywatch” and items her parents brought from abroad.

Jordana Brewster was born in Panama City, Panama, and has a diverse ethnic backgroundJordana Brewster was born in Panama City, Panama, and has a diverse ethnic background (Credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock)

“My mom is Brazilian and I lived in Brazil from the age of six to 10. I consider it a huge part of myself, because those were formative years growing up. And as a kid, it was funny, because when I came to New York at the age of 10, I always felt very Brazilian, and then in Brazil, I always felt very American—so I always felt a little bit out of place,” she told HuffPost in 2012.

The cultural transition was challenging, from adjusting to a new school system to dealing with the differences in interpersonal dynamics, like the customary greetings.

Despite feeling out of place, Jordana always valued her Latina heritage for the broader perspective it provided her. Now residing in Los Angeles and being a mother to her sons, Julian and Rowan, she strives to immerse them in Brazilian culture, ensuring they grow up with a deep appreciation for their roots, just as she did.

Jordana Brewster's father is of English, Scottish, and Irish descent, while her mother is of Portuguese-Brazilian originJordana Brewster’s father is of English, Scottish, and Irish descent, while her mother is of Portuguese-Brazilian origin (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)

“Despite how different I felt at times from my peers, I always considered being Latina one of my greatest assets. Living in Brazil before settling in the United States gave me such a broader perspective of how different people live,” she wrote in an article published by PopSugar.

“My sons, Julian and Rowan, don’t have the same luxury. They were born in the US, but I’m doing everything I can to infuse my Brazilian culture into them. I’m creating a mini Rio in Los Angeles for my boys. I speak Portuguese to Julian. Every weekend, we have a feijoada, or Brazilian barbecue, with goiabada tarts and brigadeiro. I want them to enjoy the same things I relished growing up.”

Her father, Alden Brewster, is an American investment banker, while her mother, Maria João Leão de Sousa, once graced the cover of Sports Illustrated as a model from Brazil.

Notably, Jordana’s family lineage includes her grandfather, Kingman Brewster, Jr., a former President of Yale University and U.S. Ambassador to the U.K.

Jordana Brewster Wows in Navy Monochrome Look at PaleyFest Fall TV Previews

Jordana Brewster elegantly donned a monochromatic Tory Burch ensemble to promote her new Fox series Lethal WeaponJordana Brewster elegantly donned a monochromatic Tory Burch ensemble to promote her new Fox series Lethal Weapon (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

In September 2016, Jordana Brewster attended the 10th Annual PaleyFest Fall TV Previews at the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills.

The then-36-year-old actress wore a monochromatic look from Tory Burch while promoting her upcoming Fox series “Lethal Weapon.” She wore a navy button-down shirt with sheer lace sleeves tucked into a pair of navy shorts.

Jordana Brewster's outfit consisted of a navy button-down shirt with sheer lace sleeves, paired with matching navy shorts at Paley Center for Media's PaleyFest 2016 Fall TV Preview - "Lethal Weapon" in Beverly HillsJordana Brewster’s outfit consisted of a navy button-down shirt with sheer lace sleeves, paired with matching navy shorts at Paley Center for Media’s PaleyFest 2016 Fall TV Preview – “Lethal Weapon” in Beverly Hills on September 8, 2016 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

Jordana kept the look pretty simple with minimal jewelry, including just a couple of rings. She highlighted her slender legs with a pair of wedge sandals by Tory Burch.

Jordana Brewster wore her wavy hair loose and opted for bold mascara, eyeliner, and a dash of red lipstickJordana Brewster wore her wavy hair loose and opted for bold mascara, eyeliner, and a dash of red lipstick (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

The “Fast & Furious” star left her long, wavy tresses to cascade past her shoulders. Her heavy mascara, eyeliner, and red lipstick rounded out her look.

Jordana Brewster styled her Tory Burch top and shorts with shoes from the same designerJordana Brewster styled her Tory Burch top and shorts with shoes from the same designer (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

Jordana slipped into a pair of Tory Burch “Trinity” wedge sandals.

Jordana Brewster showed off her feet in Tory Burch “Trinity” wedge sandalsJordana Brewster showed off her feet in Tory Burch “Trinity” wedge sandals (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

These sandals feature suede front straps, peep toes, and leather adjustable ankle straps.

Jordana Brewster's sandals, highlighting suede front straps and leather adjustable ankle straps, added to her stature with their jute-trimmed embroidered platformsJordana Brewster’s sandals, highlighting suede front straps and leather adjustable ankle straps, added to her stature with their jute-trimmed embroidered platforms (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

They added about four inches to her height with jute-trimmed embroidered platforms and wedge heels.

Tory Burch "Trinity" Platform SandalsTory Burch “Trinity” Platform Sandals, $295