Jean Wyllys Biography: Age, Net Worth, Parents, Career, Education, Wife

Jean Wyllys de Matos Santos also known as Jean Wyllys is a respected Brazilian lecturer, journalist, politician, and human rights advocate, widely recognised for his trailblazing win on Big Brother Brasil season 5 and his bold defence of LGBT rights in public office.

Through academic pursuits, media engagements, and legislative efforts, he has cemented his influence in Brazil’s cultural and political spheres, often drawing parallels to global icons of activism.

Profile

• Full Name: Jean Wyllys de Matos Santos
• Stage Name: Jean Wyllys
• Born: March 10, 1974
• Age: 51 years old
• Birthplace: Alagoinhas, Bahia, Brazil
• Nationality: Brazilian
• Occupation: Lecturer, Journalist, Politician, and Human Rights Activist
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Mr and Mrs de Matos Santos
• Siblings: Six
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $1 million USD

Early Life and Education

Jean Wyllys is a respected Brazilian lecturer, journalist, politician, and human rights advocate. He entered the world on March 10, 1974, in Alagoinhas, Bahia, Brazil.

Growing up as one of seven children in a modest household without basic amenities like electricity or clean water, he faced hardships including hunger and the loss of a sister to typhoid fever.

His parents, a washerwoman mother and an alcoholic car painter father, instilled resilience amid challenges. At age 10, he sold popcorn on the streets to help out.

A boarding school scholarship opened doors to quality education, surpassing local norms. He later relocated to Salvador, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the Federal University of Bahia, which sharpened his analytical skills and commitment to social issues. His heritage is Brazilian of African descent, with Christianity informing his values.

Career

Jean Wyllys first captured public attention as the champion of Big Brother Brasil 5 in 2005, clinching victory with 55% of votes at age 30 and marking a milestone as the show’s inaugural openly gay winner amid widespread controversy. This platform propelled him into academia and journalism, where he lectured on literature and communication.

In 2010, he secured a federal deputy seat for Rio de Janeiro under the Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL), leveraging party vote mechanics from ally Chico Alencar; re-elections followed in 2014 (over 100,000 votes) and 2018.

From 2011 to 2019, he championed LGBT rights, clashing with figures like Jair Bolsonaro—once spitting at him during an impeachment vote—and proposing reforms on prostitution regulation, marijuana legalisation, and transgender healthcare funding.

Facing escalating death threats and a smear campaign in 2019, he resigned, succeeded by David Miranda, and relocated to Portugal for safety.

He joined the Workers’ Party (PT) in 2021, pursued doctoral studies on fake news at the University of Barcelona by 2022, and returned to Brazil in July 2023. Recent activities include endorsing Simone Tebet for 2026 presidency and featuring in the 2016 documentary Entre os Homens de Bem, which explores his activism and political battles.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @jeanwyllys
• Facebook Handle: Jean Wyllys
• Twitter Handle: @jeanwyllys

Personal Life

Jean Wyllys, 51, is a respected Brazilian lecturer, journalist, politician, and human rights advocate. Openly gay since his youth, he has maintained privacy around romantic partnerships, with no confirmed spouses or children.

His tenure drew intense scrutiny, including police protection from 2013 threats and the 2018 murder of close friend Marielle Franco, deepening his resolve. He refuted baseless accusations of pedophilia and anti-Christian bias via his website.

Now single, he balances advocacy with scholarly work, often reflecting on family bonds forged in adversity.

Net Worth

Jean Wyllys, is a respected Brazilian lecturer, journalist, politician, and human rights advocate. His net worth stands at an estimated $1 million USD, derived from parliamentary salary, lecturing fees, book contributions, and media appearances.