Richard Deere Biography: Age, Height, Family, Career, Net Worth, Mister USA & Eros VFX Studios Journey (2026 Update)

Richard Deere is a Brazilian-American model, actor, fitness trainer, and entrepreneur best known for his modeling career, his role as Mr. Georgia at Mister USA 2024, and as the founder of Eros VFX Studios in Hollywood. Born in Brazil and now based in Los Angeles, he has built a multifaceted career spanning fashion, entertainment, fitness, and visual effects, inspiring many with his resilience and creative drive.

From his early life in a small Brazilian town to becoming a recognized face in West Hollywood and the U.S. pageant circuit, Richard Deere biography reflects ambition, survival, and reinvention. As of 2026, he continues to expand his influence as a digital creator, personal trainer, and VFX studio owner.

Quick Facts

If you follow Brazilian-American models and fitness influencers, you may also be interested in trending personalities with similar career paths such as Francisco Lachowski, Marlon Teixeira, Andre Hamann, Pietro Boselli, and Garrett Neff, who have also blended modeling, fitness, and entrepreneurship in the U.S. market.

Early Life & Education

Richard Deere was born on December 14, 1994, in Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil. He was raised in a small town where his parents, Ernani and Karla, worked building rides for local fairs, which meant the family moved from city to city every few months. This nomadic childhood exposed him to diverse people and cultures early on and sparked his love for travel and photography.

Growing up, Richard was an active child. He trained in Karate and Judo, practiced gymnastics for several years, and developed skills in acrobatics and stunts that he later showcased on social media. His mother, Karla, had him when she was just 17 and became a major inspiration in his life. Despite early challenges, she later finished high school, left his father, and opened two restaurants in Brazil, showing Richard the value of hard work and perseverance.

Richard attended school in Brazil and later enrolled in college to study Civil Engineering. During his college years, he dreamed of moving to Europe. He saved money from his first job to travel to Paris at age 18, and later fell in love with Italy, where he lived on and off during college breaks. He initially planned to finish his engineering degree in Italy. He is multilingual, speaking Portuguese, English, and Italian fluently, conversational Spanish and French, and has studied the basics of Russian and Arabic online. He also studied English and Spanish formally and took French classes at age 15.

His life took a different turn when he met an American visitor in São Paulo. After a long-distance connection and several visits, Richard decided to move to the United States instead of Italy, settling first in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2016 to pursue new opportunities and improve his English through community college courses in English, American history, and public speaking.

Career Journey: From Brazil to Hollywood and Beyond (2026 Update)

Richard Deere career is a story of reinvention across multiple industries — from engineering student to model, trainer, bartender, actor, author, and now visual effects entrepreneur. His biography is often cited for its resilience and adaptability in the competitive Los Angeles landscape.

Beginnings and Move to America (2016-2018)

After moving to the U.S. in 2016, Richard faced significant personal and professional challenges. He initially lived in Charlotte and later Atlanta, Georgia, where he worked various jobs to support himself. In Atlanta, he worked as a host and later manager at Van Michaels Salon, a high-end hair salon, and as a bartender at Ten, one of the busiest gay bars in Midtown Atlanta. He also worked for two years in a State Farm insurance office, where he developed strong sales and people skills that later helped him as an influencer and entrepreneur.

His early interest in photography and travel naturally led him to Instagram, where he began sharing content from his trips around the world. His following grew steadily, laying the foundation for his modeling career after he moved to Los Angeles.

Modeling, Acting and Influencer Breakthrough

Once in Los Angeles, Richard pursued modeling and acting full-time. He has been featured in both print and digital publications, worked with local artists in music videos, and collaborated with brands as a digital creator. His athletic build, tattoos, and fitness-focused content helped him stand out, leading to a partnership with C4 Energy, a sugar-free energy drink brand, among other fitness and lifestyle brands.

He is listed on IMDb as a model and actor and has built a presence across Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms where he shares fitness, lifestyle, and behind-the-scenes content. His social media growth has been closely tied to his modeling career, with his Instagram handle @iamdeere becoming his primary brand platform.

He also authored a book titled A Spark of Inspiration, where he reflects on his career journey and personal growth, offering motivation to readers facing their own challenges.

Fitness Trainer and Bartender in West Hollywood

Alongside modeling, Richard became a certified personal trainer and has worked as a full-time trainer at Crunch Sunset, a popular gym in West Hollywood. He also bartends at The Abbey, widely regarded as one of the most famous gay bars in America, located in West Hollywood. These roles allowed him to network extensively in Los Angeles, meet creatives, and support his artistic ambitions while building a loyal client base.

In interviews, he has said that fitness became a central part of his brand in LA, helping him partner with major brands and grow his following within the health and wellness community.

Entrepreneurship: Founding Eros VFX Studios (2024-2026)

A major turning point in Richard Deere career came with his entry into visual effects. Passionate about film, technology, and storytelling, he studied VFX for two years at prestigious schools Gnomon and Rebelway and invested heavily in high-end equipment.

In 2024-2025, he founded Eros VFX Studios, a Hollywood-based visual effects company that provides cinematic-quality VFX for films, music videos, and streaming projects. The studio focuses on delivering high-end, immersive visuals with speed, precision, and affordability, aiming to bridge the gap for productions that cannot afford large Hollywood studios or want to avoid outsourcing overseas.

As of 2026, Eros VFX Studios operates from Los Angeles and has positioned itself as an independent studio known for personal, hands-on creative collaboration. Richard has described the studio’s mission with the slogan “From Hollywood to wherever your imagination can take you.” He envisions expanding the company into original content creation, developing films and series under the Eros banner, and partnering with investors to scale the business.

He has also been vocal about misconceptions in the VFX industry, emphasizing that Hollywood-level VFX remains human-driven despite the rise of AI tools. He notes that tools like auto-roto in After Effects or AI-generated backgrounds are only starting points and still require skilled artists using software such as Houdini, Nuke, and Unreal Engine.

Mister USA 2024 – Representing Georgia

In 2024, Richard gained national attention as Mr. Georgia in the Mister USA competition, one of the biggest male modeling pageants in the United States. The Mister USA pageant, held annually in Hollywood, celebrates culture, diversity, intelligence, and empowerment, with the winner representing the USA at Mister Universe.

The 2024 competition was held on August 11, 2024, in Hollywood. Richard used the platform to share his personal story of overcoming domestic abuse, homelessness, and starting over in a new country. He spoke about how his time in Georgia shaped him, humbled him, and gave him strength, and how representing the state was an honor that reflected his own journey of diversity and resilience.

He has said that if he won the prize money, he planned to help bring his mother to America, donate to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) which supported him during difficult times, and invest in his VFX business.

Recent Activity in 2026

As of 2026, Richard Deere remains active across multiple fronts. He continues to model and create digital content, train clients at Crunch Sunset, and lead Eros VFX Studios, which is taking on more film and music video projects. He regularly shares behind-the-scenes VFX breakdowns on Instagram @erosvfxstudios and on his personal channels. He is also developing original stories and has expressed interest in starting a family in the coming years.

His recent activity in 2026 includes expanding his studio’s client base, collaborating with independent filmmakers, and using his platform to advocate for survivors of domestic violence and LGBTQ+ support organizations.

Watch Richard Deere’s latest content on his official YouTube channel @RichardDeere for fitness, modeling behind-the-scenes, and Eros VFX Studios breakdowns.

Career Stats & Notable Works

While Richard Deere is primarily known as a model and influencer rather than a traditional film actor, his portfolio includes several notable projects and appearances:

• Modeling: Print and digital publications, brand campaigns including C4 Energy, fashion shoots in Los Angeles and Atlanta
• Music Videos: Featured in music videos with local Los Angeles artists
• Book: A Spark of Inspiration – Author (available on Google Books)
• Pageantry: Mr. Georgia – Mister USA 2024 (Top contestant, Hollywood)
• Business: Founder & VFX Artist – Eros VFX Studios (2024–present), specializing in Nuke compositing, Houdini FX, and Unreal Engine visuals
• Fitness: Certified Personal Trainer – Crunch Sunset, West Hollywood (2019–present)
• Hospitality: Bartender – The Abbey, West Hollywood & Ten, Atlanta

Personal Life

Richard Deere personal life has been marked by both hardship and triumph, which he has openly discussed to help others facing similar struggles.

Family

Richard comes from a close-knit Brazilian family. His father is Ernani and his mother is Karla, who is his biggest inspiration. He has two younger siblings: a brother named Deivid and a sister named Larissa. His mother had him at age 17 and later rebuilt her life, opening two restaurants in Brazil with her partner after Richard moved to America. Richard has spoken about his desire to bring his mother to the United States and help her establish a new life there.

He also credits chosen family and friends in America who supported him during difficult times, including Monica Bifano, Frank Abraham, Francesco Paolo, and Jordan Bishop, as well as a woman in Atlanta who took him in like a son after he experienced abuse.

Relationships, Girlfriend and Dating History

Richard Deere is openly gay and currently single as of 2026. He has stated he is open to dating when the right person comes along, ideally someone with an entrepreneurial mindset and drive.

His dating history includes a previous marriage to an American man he met in São Paulo. The relationship began positively but later became abusive. Richard has shared in detail how his husband used his immigration status against him, was unfaithful, and became physically abusive, including incidents where he was choked, beaten, and had his passport taken. After enduring mental and physical abuse, he obtained a protective order and eventually left the relationship after his husband was arrested in court. He spent time rebuilding his life from zero in Atlanta with support from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and therapy.

Since then, he has focused on healing, career growth, and helping others who have experienced domestic violence. He has not publicly announced a new long-term partner or girlfriend/boyfriend as of 2026 and keeps his current dating life private.

Awards & Achievements

• Mr. Georgia – Mister USA 2024 Contestant, representing Georgia at the national pageant in Hollywood
• Founder of Eros VFX Studios – Recognized independent VFX studio in Hollywood (2024-2026)
• Published Author – A Spark of Inspiration
• Brand Ambassador – C4 Energy and other fitness/lifestyle brands
• Certified Personal Trainer – Built a successful client base at Crunch Sunset, West Hollywood
• Featured Model – Multiple print, digital, and music video appearances
• Community Advocate – Recognized for sharing his survivor story and supporting AHF and LGBTQ+ causes

Physical Statistics

Richard Deere height and physique are central to his modeling and fitness career.

• Height: 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm)
• Weight: 165 lbs (75 kg)
• Body Type: Athletic, muscular
• Chest: Approx. 42 inches
• Waist: Approx. 32 inches
• Biceps: Approx. 15 inches
• Hair Color: Dark Brown
• Eye Color: Brown
• Tattoos: Multiple tattoos on arms, chest, and neck including “life is too short” in Italian on his neck
• Shoe Size: 10.5 US

Quotes

“Life is too short. I want to live each and every day, I want to touch as many hearts as I can. I want to be remembered when I leave this world.”

“You can teach people skills, but you can never teach the will.” – Advice from his late State Farm boss that shaped his professional philosophy.

“You made my vision look bigger than my budget.” – Favorite client feedback about Eros VFX Studios, which Richard says sums up his mission to help creators dream bigger without limitations.

Controversies

Richard Deere has not been involved in major public controversies. His most discussed personal issue is his experience as a survivor of domestic violence, which he has spoken about openly not as a controversy but as an advocacy effort. He has used his platform to raise awareness about abuse within LGBTQ+ relationships, the misuse of immigration status as control, and the importance of support systems like AHF.

There have been no verified scandals related to his professional work as a model, trainer, or VFX artist as of 2026. He maintains a positive public image focused on motivation and creativity.

Favorites

Earnings & Net Worth in 2026

Richard Deere net worth is estimated to be between $600,000 and $1 million USD as of 2026. This estimate is based on his multiple income streams and industry benchmarks for professionals in his fields. No official net worth has been publicly disclosed by Richard himself.

Income Sources:

• Modeling & Brand Deals: Paid shoots, print/digital campaigns, and sponsored Instagram partnerships (e.g., C4 Energy). Influencers with his following can earn $1,000–$5,000 per sponsored post.
• Personal Training: Full-time trainer at Crunch Sunset in West Hollywood, where top trainers charge $80–$150 per hour.
• Bartending: Bartender at The Abbey, a high-volume West Hollywood venue where experienced bartenders can earn $60,000–$90,000 annually with tips.
• Eros VFX Studios: Founder income from VFX projects for films, music videos, and streaming content. Independent VFX shots can range from $500 to $10,000+ per shot depending on complexity.
• Book Sales: Royalties from A Spark of Inspiration.

His investment in VFX education at Gnomon and Rebelway and high-end equipment represents a significant business investment that is expected to increase his earnings as Eros VFX Studios grows in 2026 and beyond.

Interesting Facts

• He saved money from his first job as a teenager to fulfill his dream of visiting Paris by age 18, but ended up falling in love with Italy instead.
• He can perform acrobatics and stunts due to years of gymnastics training as a child.
• He speaks five languages to varying degrees: fluent Portuguese, English, Italian; conversational Spanish and French; and basic Russian and Arabic.
• He has a tattoo on his neck that says “life is too short” in Italian.
• He worked as a host and then manager at Van Michaels Salon in Atlanta before moving to LA.
• He initially planned to open his own State Farm agency in Los Angeles before pivoting to fitness and modeling.
• He loves showing friends around LA, with a personal tour that includes the Hollywood Sign, Bossa Nova Brazilian restaurant on Sunset Blvd, Venice Beach, Runyon Canyon, and Malibu sunset views.
• He is a fan of Avril Lavigne and credits her songwriting for helping him through emotional stages of life.

Did You Know Already?

• Did you know Richard Deere moved to the U.S. in 2016 with limited English and learned the language through community college?
• Did you know he represented Georgia at Mister USA 2024 and used the platform to advocate for domestic violence survivors?
• Did you know he is the founder of Eros VFX Studios and trained at Gnomon, one of the top VFX schools in Hollywood?
• Did you know he worked at both The Abbey in West Hollywood and Ten in Atlanta, two of the most popular gay bars in America?

Social Media Links

Connect with Richard Deere on his official and verified platforms:

• Instagram (Personal): @iamdeere – https://www.instagram.com/iamdeere
• Instagram (Studio): @erosvfxstudios – https://www.instagram.com/erosvfxstudios
• Website (Personal): https://www.richarddeere.com / https://www.iamdeere.com
• Website (Studio): https://www.erosvfxstudios.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamdeere
• X (Twitter): @iamdeere
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RichardDeere
• ShareGrid / Professional: Richard Deere on ShareGrid as VFX Artist / Nuke Compositor

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Richard Deere biography is a powerful example of resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurship. From a small town in Brazil to the runways of Mister USA and the studios of Hollywood, he has turned challenges into opportunities and built a diverse career that spans modeling, fitness, and visual effects. As of 2026, his journey continues to inspire, whether through his work at Eros VFX Studios or his advocacy for others. If you found his story inspiring, share this biography with friends and follow his latest updates on Instagram @iamdeere and @erosvfxstudios.

Key Sources: True Hollywood Talk interview on Mister USA 2024, Business Stories Magazine founder interview on Eros VFX Studios, Shoutout LA fitness trainer profile, WikiAlpha biography overview.