RIP Ruth de Souza

Actress Ruth de Souza dies at 98

First Brazilian actress nominated for an international film award, artist is also recognized as the first black woman to build a career in theater, film and television in the country

July 28, 2019

RIO - Actress Ruth de Souza , 98 , died on Sunday morning . Diagnosed with pneumonia, the artist had been admitted earlier this week in the Intensive Care Unit of the Copa D'Or Hospital in Copacabana, South Zone of Rio, where she was still without medical discharge.

First Brazilian actress nominated for an international film award (the Golden Lion at the 1954 Venice Film Festival), Ruth de Souza is also recognized as the first black actress to build a career in theater, film and television. At TV Globo, his last work was in the miniseries "If I close my eyes now" in early 2019.

The almost centenary actress was born Ruth Pinto de Souza, on May 12, 1921. Until she was 9 years old, she lived with her family in Porto do Marinho (MG) and, with the death of her father, she and her mother returned to live in Rio de Janeiro, in a village of washerwomen and gardeners in Copacabana. Already larger, became interested in theater and, through the "Rio Magazine", learned of the existence of a group of actors led by Abdias do Nascimento , the Experimental Theater of the Black .

Joining the ensemble, she plays Eugene O'Neill's "The Emperor Jones" on May 8, 1945, on the stage of Rio's Municipal Theater. She makes history by consecrating herself as the first black actress to perform at the important platform, paving the way for other artists.

- It was beautiful that day. People celebrating our debut, and the world celebrating the end of World War II. The city center was full of people, ”she recalled in an interview with O GLOBO.

Nominated by actor Paschoal Charlemagne, at the time a big name in the arts, received a scholarship from the Rockefeller Foundation and spent a year in the United States. There, she recalled, was a big step in her life: "I learned things that I would never have the opportunity to learn by staying in Brazil. I earned respect."

Nominated by Jorge Amado, in 1948, for the cast of "Terra violenta" , she made her film debut: the feature was the adaptation of "Terras do sem endless", by the Bahian author. Directed by American Edmond Bernoudy, the film also features Anselmo Duarte, Maria Fernanda, Heloisa Helena and Ziembinski. From then on, his career on the big screen gained prominence and began participating in several productions at the three major companies of the time: Atlantis, Maristela Films and Vera Cruz. For her performance in "Sinha Maça" (1953), Ruth becomes the first Brazilian actress nominated for an international award: the Golden Lion, at the 1954 Venice Film Festival, in which she plays with stars such as Katherine Hepburn, Michele Morgan and Lili Palmer. , for those who lose by two points.

In an interview with GLOBO , Ruth attributed her success to "people's generosity":

"I think people were kind to me." I did theater and cinema. By the time a contract was over, another invitation would appear and I would start working again the next day. I repeat: I never stood still. This is because, in the past, skin color was a very striking feature. Today, thank God, the situation has improved.

After years of dedicating herself to the cinema, she goes through radio soap operas, Tupi and Record teletheaters until, in 1966, she was hired by Rede Globo, where she worked until she died. Even retired, the veteran was still in the staff of the carioca station.

At Globo, she is part of the cast of the soap opera "A Cabana do Pai Tomás" (1969), being the first black actress to star in a pamphlet. Throughout his professional career, he has participated in more than 20 productions of television drama.

- It is a great joy to have the work recognized. People say I opened doors, but I never stopped to think about it. I worked a lot in these 70 years of career. I've never stopped, which is hard for any actor in the world, especially for a black actor, ”she said.

The biggest prize of Brazilian cinema came in 2004. Alongside Léa Garcia, Ruth de Souza won the best actress Kikito at the Gramado Film Festival for her performance in Joel Zito de Araújo's film "Daughters of the Wind" .

For years, he has continued to participate intensively in film and TV productions - and winning many awards - being his last appearance in a "If I Close My Eyes Now" (2019) plot.

Professional colleagues used social networks to mourn Ruth de Souza's death and highlight the actress's importance to other generations. "At 98 our beloved left, leaving a legacy, an incredible story and open doors for many young black artists," wrote actress Zezé Motta.

Born: 5/12/1921, Rio de Janiero, Rio de Janiero, Brazil

Died: 7/28/2019, Copacabana, Rio de Janiero, Brazil

O’Cabaeleira - 1963