Mourning in Brazilian art: Legendary actress Laura Cardoso passes away at 98
The entertainment world is in mourning following the confirmation of the passing of Laura Cardoso, one of the most iconic and respected figures in Brazilian acting. The news was announced by her family members early Tuesday morning, reporting that the veteran artist lost her life on the night of Monday, August 17, in São Paulo.
As detailed by Fátima Cardoso, the actress’s daughter, the death occurred after Laura experienced health complications while at her residence, located in the Sumaré neighborhood.
Our great star has said goodbye to us. Laura Cardoso will be in our hearts forever. Thank you for everything, our beloved and eternal Laura Cardoso.
Official statement from the family
An unparalleled eight-decade trajectory
Born in 1927, Cardoso’s career began at age 15 through radio soap operas, later making the leap to television in 1952 with the program Tribunal do Coração. Throughout a career spanning more than 80 years, the actress established herself as a fundamental piece of Brazilian theater, film, and television, participating in more than 60 soap operas.
Among his most memorable performances that left a mark on several generations are:
- Women of Sand: Where she brought to life Isaura, the mother of the twins Ruth and Raquel.
- The Journey: In her role as Guiomar.
- Explode Heart: As the endearing Soraya.
- Chocolate with Pepper: Playing Carmem.
- India: A Love Story: Where she stood out as the strict Laksmi Ananda.
His commitment to acting remained active until his final days, participating in 2025 in the short film Dona Rosinha, a work that addresses the issue of elderly abandonment.
Acknowledgments and legacy
Laura Cardoso’s footprint on Brazilian culture was recognized on multiple occasions. She was awarded five prizes from the Associação Paulista de Críticos de Arte (APCA) and received the Oscarito Award for her invaluable contribution to cinema. In 2006, she was distinguished with the Order of Cultural Merit, reaffirming her status as an indisputable benchmark of dramaturgy.
The funeral services in honor of the artist were held this Tuesday, August 18, at the Funeral Home in the Bela Vista neighborhood, in São Paulo, where family, friends, and followers were able to bid a final farewell to a legend who will live forever in the history of the screen.
