Every year, in the last few weeks, we end up saying unexpected goodbyes to public figures who leave us. And in Brazil, we close 2024 with the sad news of the death of Ney Latorraca, one of the most talented and charismatic actors in the country. With a career that spanned more than 60 years, he built a trajectory that spanned generations, whether in theater, television, or cinema. Latorraca passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 80, leaving Brazil in mourning for the loss of one of its greatest artistic icons.

Synonymous with talent and versatility, the actor marked the history of national pop culture. My memory of having seen him on stage more than once (a privilege) ranges from the frightening and seductive Edgar in Shakespeare’s King Lear to losing my breath laughing with him and Marco Nanini in The Mystery of Irma Vap. These are roles so virtually opposite that they make me mourn his passing. The actor was hospitalized in Rio to treat prostate cancer and died on the morning of December 26th, as a result of pulmonary sepsis.

An actor who shone in drama or comedy, stage or screen

Born in Rio de Janeiro in January 1944, Ney Latorraca began his artistic career at a very young age, influenced by the city’s cultural and artistic environment and his parents, who were a crooner and a chorus girl in casinos. His godfather was the actor Grande Otelo.

His career really began to take shape in the 1960s, when he enrolled in the School of Dramatic Arts (EAD) at the University of São Paulo (USP), one of the most traditional centers for training actors in Brazil. During this period, he devoted himself to the in-depth study of theater, and his passion for acting was quickly recognized.

In his early 20s, Ney Latorraca began his career in amateur theater and later joined important professional theater companies. His talent and dedication earned him prominent roles in several productions. He began to stand out in more experimental and classical plays, always seeking to explore his versatility and broaden his horizons as an actor.

TV and Theater: a perfect combination

National fame could only – and did – come through television, where he shone in several soap operas and specials on TV Globo. His first major success was in 1978, with Dancin’ Days, and from then on, he established himself as one of the great names in Brazilian television.

For decades, the actor maintained a regular presence on stage while also doing TV. Latorraca also stood out in the cinema with films such as O Beijo no Asfalto, Anchieta, José do Brasil, and Irma Vap – O Retorno, to name a few.

Since 2019, when he announced his retirement, he has stayed away from major television productions but has been active in theater projects. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Latorraca began to focus more on his health and carry out some more private activities.

Controversies and Praise

Ney Latorraca has always been a controversial figure but in a good way. He could provoke audiences and critics with his acid humor and frank opinions. In several interviews, the actor expressed his views on Brazilian politics and social issues, becoming, in a way, an authentic and unfiltered voice, which generated both admiration and criticism.

Still, he was widely praised for his versatility and ability to reinvent himself throughout his career. Whether in drama or comedy, he always delivered remarkable performances, winning over both audiences and critics. His charisma and his ability to make people laugh and openly move people were the key to his success.

His humility was also frequently highlighted by those who worked with him. Latorraca never let himself be seduced by the lights of stardom, always remaining accessible, generous, and human. He was loved by his colleagues, who saw him as an example of commitment and dedication to his work.

Legacy

Ney Latorraca leaves an immense legacy for Brazilian entertainment. His ability to touch the audience and completely transform himself into his characters made him a true master of acting. He was not just an actor, but a presence that filled any stage or screen with authenticity and charm.

His death at the age of 80 leaves a significant void, but his work lives on, as a testament to his unquestionable talent. Future generations will certainly continue to get to know Ney Latorraca through reruns of his soap operas, films, and plays, and his contribution to Brazilian culture will always be remembered with affection and admiration. May he rest in power.

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