Brazil lost one of the most prominent names in national performing arts in the early hours of this Saturday (21). Actor, author, and director Juca de Oliveira passed away at 91 years old in São Paulo, victim of pneumonia associated with a cardiac condition. The information was confirmed by the family’s press office to TV Globo, the outlet that reported the death.
According to the press office, Juca de Oliveira had been hospitalized since March 13 in the Intensive Care Unit of Hospital Sírio-Libanês, in São Paulo, where he did not survive the combination of illnesses. In a statement released to the press, the family thanked for the “expressions of affection and solidarity” received during the hospitalization period.
In the statement, the family paid homage to the artist’s career. “With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of actor, author, and director Juca de Oliveira, which occurred in the early hours of March 21, 2026, at 91 years old. Recognized as one of the great names in Brazilian performing arts, Juca de Oliveira built a solid and admired career in theater, television, and cinema,” says an excerpt from the text.
Born in São Roque, in the interior of São Paulo, José Juca de Oliveira Santos was born on March 16, 1935—five days earlier he had turned 91. His connection with performing arts began in the 1950s, when he took his first steps in theater, and extended over more than seven decades of uninterrupted career.
Throughout his artistic life, Juca de Oliveira amassed an impressive body of work. He participated in more than 30 soap operas and miniseries for television, was part of the cast of more than ten feature films, and was involved in more than 60 theatrical productions, both as an actor and as a playwright.
On television, the role that brought him the greatest popular recognition was that of geneticist Dr. Albieri, the central character in the soap opera O Clone, by Glória Perez. In the plot, his character was responsible for creating a human clone, a theme that at the time generated wide debate on ethics and science.
The artist’s wake was held on Saturday (21) at the funeral home in the Bela Vista neighborhood, in downtown São Paulo. The ceremony was restricted, with limited access to close friends and family.
Source: brasil247.com