# Marília Pêra

Marília Soares Pêra (22 January 1943 – 5 December 2015) was a Brazilian actress, singer and theater director. Throughout her career, she won around 80 awards, acting in 49 plays, 29 telenovelas and more than 20 films.

## Career

Daughter of Portuguese actor Manuel Pêra and actress of Italian descent Dinorah Marzullo, Pêra stepped onto a theater stage for the first time at the age of four, alongside her parents, who were part of the cast of Henriette Morineau's company.
From the age of 14 to 21, she worked as a dancer and participated in musicals and revues, including Minha Querida Lady (1962), starring Bibi Ferreira. According to Pêra, she passed because the directors were looking for someone who could do stunts, which was rare at that time. She also acted in other plays such as O Teu Cabelo Não Nega (1963), a biography of Lamartine Babo, in the role of Carmen Miranda. She would return to play the role of the singer in the show A Pequena Notável (1966), directed by Ary Fontoura; at A Tribute to Carmen Miranda at Lincoln Center, New York (1975), directed by Nelson Motta; in the only performance A Pêra da Carmem, at Canecão, in 1986, and in the musical Marília Pêra canta Carmen Miranda (2005), directed by Maurício Sherman.
In 1964, Pêra defeated Elis Regina in an audition for the musical Como Vencer na Vida sem Fazer Força, both still unknown to the public at the time.
Her first appearance on television was in Rosinha do Sobrado, on Rede Globo, in 1965 and then in A Moreninha. In 1967 she made her first performance in a musical show, A Úlcera de Ouro, by Hélio Bloch.
In the 1960s, she was arrested during the performance of Chico Buarque's play Roda Viva (1968) and forced to run naked through a Polish corridor. She was arrested a second time, as she was considered a communist, when police invaded the house, scaring everyone, including her seven-year-old son, who was sleeping.
In 1969, she achieved great success in the role of the protagonist in the drama Fala Baixo Senão Eu Grito, by Leilah Assumpção, directed by Clóvis Bueno, the first play by the São Paulo playwright. For her interpretation of the complex character Mariazinha, a virgin spinster who lives in a boarding house for nuns, Pêra received the Molière Award and also the Award from the São Paulo Association of Theater Critics (APCT), currently the São Paulo Association of Art Critics (APCA). Her future husband Paulo Villaça played a thief who one night jumps out of her bedroom window with the intention of stealing. In the conversation between the two, which lasts all night, the spinster reveals her frustrations to the public and to herself.
In 1975, she recorded the LP Feiticeira, released by Som Livre.
Pêra was the actress who performed most alone on stage, managing to attract children to the difficult art of the monologue. In addition to Carmen Miranda, she played on screen and on stage the roles of famous women, such as Maria Callas, Dalva de Oliveira, Coco Chanel and the former first lady of Brazil Sarah Kubitschek. Her debut as a director took place in 1978, in the play A Menina e o Vento, by Maria Clara Machado.
In 1992, she presented the musical Elas por Elas, for TV Globo. Alongside singer Simone and Cláudia Raia, they made public their support for candidate Fernando Collor de Mello in the 1989 elections.
In a statement made to the television program Fantástico in 2006, due to the success of her character Milu, in the telenovela Cobras & Lagartos, Pêra spoke about her career, revealing that she could not stand working with actors with bad breath and foot odor. She commented that there are many actors who do not care about hygiene, without mentioning names (a hint towards his romantic partner in the telenovela, Herson Capri). Pêra stated that she never thought she was beautiful and that she was always clumsy.
In 2008, she starred in the film Polaroides Urbanas, by Miguel Falabella, in which he played twin sisters.
In 2009, she was cast by TV Globo to play hippie Rejane Batista in the miniseries Cinquentinha, by Aguinaldo Silva. After several scenes were recorded, the actress gave up the role, causing discomfort among the network's management. Betty Lago took over the role from Pêra. Some news that circulated at the time stated that the reason for not wanting to continue with the interpretation was that he did not feel comfortable with the role.
In 2010, she was part of the cast of the series A Vida Alheia, by Miguel Falabella, on Rede Globo, as Catarina.
In January 2013, the series Pé na Cova premiered, in which Pêra played Darlene, a makeup artist at her ex-husband Ruço's (Miguel Falabella) funeral home, who lives in the suburbs. In April 2014, due to personal problems, the actress left the series, returning to recording on 11 June 2014.
At the 2015 carnival, Pêra was honored by the samba school Mocidade Alegre, in São Paulo. In August of the same year, she was honored at the Gramado Film Festival, where she received the Oscarito Trophy.

## Personal life

Pêra married for the first time at the age of seventeen to the musician Paulo Graça Mello, who died in a car accident in 1969. At the age of eighteen she gave birth to the actor Ricardo Graça Mello. Her second marriage was to comedian Agildo Ribeiro, from whom she separated in 1968. The following year she married actor Paulo Villaça, her partner in Fala Baixo Senão Eu Grito, separating in 1971. In 1972, she married with Nelson Motta, separating in 1980. From this marriage, her daughters, Esperança Motta and Nina were born. Her last marriage, from 1998 until her death in 2015, was to Rio de Janeiro economist Bruno Faria. She was the older sister of Sandra Pêra, granddaughter of Antônia Marzullo, also actresses, and niece of actor Abel Pêra.

## Death

Pêra died on 5 December 2015 in her apartment in the Ipanema neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. In the last months of her life, she was fighting lung cancer. She had spent the year undergoing medical treatment, combating wear and tear on her hip bones, which prevented her from acting. She was buried in the São João Batista Cemetery, in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

## Filmography
### Television

| Year | Title | Role | Nota |
| 1965 | Rosinha do Sobrado | Rosinha | |
| 1965 | A Moreninha | Carolina | |
| 1965 | Padre Tião | Maria Aparecida "Cidinha" | |
| 1965 | Um Rosto de Mulher | Elizabeth | |
| 1968 | Beto Rockfeller | Manuela | |
| 1969 | Super Plá | Joana Martini | |
| 1971 | Bandeira 2 | Noeli | |
| 1971 | O Cafona | Shirley Sexy | |
| 1972 | Comédia Especial | Ana Carolina | Episode: "Amor à Brasileira" |
| 1972 | Comédia Especial | Catarina Batista | Episode: "A Megera Domada" |
| 1972 | Uma Rosa com Amor | Serafina Rosa Petrone | |
| 1972 | Viva Marília | Various characters | |
| 1974 | Supermanoela | Manoela | |
| 1979 | Malu Mulher | Clarisse | Episode: "Em Legítima Defesa da Honra e Outras Loucuras" |
| 1982 | Quem Ama Não Mata | Alice | |
| 1983-1986 | Programa de Domingo | Various skits | |
| 1987 | Brega & Chique | Rafaela Alvaray | |
| 1988 | O Primo Basílio | Juliana Couceiro Tavira | |
| 1989 | Top Model | Suzana Pasolini | Episode: "September 18th" |
| 1990 | Rainha da Sucata | Herself | Episodes: "April 2–3" |
| 1990 | Lua Cheia de Amor | Genuína Miranda "Genu" | |
| 1994 | Incidente em Antares | Erotildes da Conceição | |
| 1996 | O Campeão | Elizabeth Caldeira | |
| 1997 | Mandacaru | Isadora | |
| 1998 | Meu Bem Querer | Custódia Alves Serrão | |
| 1999 | Zorra Total | Queen Elizabeth | Season 1 |
| 2000 | Garotas do Programa | Various characters | |
| 2001 | Brava Gente | Pola | Episode: "Ana Neri" |
| 2001 | Os Maias | Maria Monforte | |
| 2003 | Celebridade | Herself | Episode: "December 16th" |
| 2004 | Começar de Novo | Janis / Marlene Emilinha / Vó Doidona | |
| 2006 | JK | Sarah Lemos Kubitschek | |
| 2006 | Cobras & Lagartos | Maria Luísa Pasquim Montini "Milú" | |
| 2007 | Toma Lá, Dá Cá | Madame Ivone / Comadre Madellon | Episode:"Boi Sonso, Marrada Certa" |
| 2007 | Duas Caras | Gioconda de Queiroz Barreto | |
| 2008 | Casos e Acasos | Sônia | Episode: "A Vaga, a Entrevista e o Cachorro-Quente" |
| 2008 | Xuxa e as Noviças | Sister Gardênia | End of year special |
| 2010 | A Vida Alheia | Catarina Faissol | |
| 2010 | Ti Ti Ti | Rafaela Alvaray | Episode: "March 18" |
| 2011 | Insensato Coração | Herself | Episode: "January 17th" |
| 2011 | Zorra Total | Herself | Episode: "May 7th" |
| 2011 | Aquele Beijo | Maruschka Lemos de Sá | |
| 2012 | Louco por Elas | Madame Vivi | Episode: " - Léo Dá Jantar Para Provar Que Não É Ciumento" |
| 2013–2016 | Pé na Cova | Darlene Pereira dos Santos | |

### Film

Source: Mulheres do Cinema Brasileiro - Marília Pêra
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1968 | O Homem que Comprou o Mundo | Rosinha | |
| 1970 | É Simonal | Drunk Woman | |
| 1971 | O Donzelo | The Virgin | |
| 1975 | Ana, a Libertina | Ana | |
| 1975 | O Rei da Noite | Pupe | |
| 1978 | O Grande Desbum | Madalena | |
| 1980 | Pixote, a Lei do Mais Fraco | Sueli | |
| 1982 | Bar Esperança | Ana Moreno | |
| 1984 | Areias Sagradas (Parábola em Ipanema) | Paulinho's hand | Short film |
| 1985 | Mixed Blood | Rita La Punta | |
| 1986 | Night Angels | Marta Brum | |
| 1989 | Better Days Ahead | Maryalva Matos "Mary" | |
| 1995 | Jenipapo | Renata | |
| 1996 | Tieta do Agreste | Perpétua | |
| 1997 | Happy Hours | Psychologist | |
| 1998 | Central Station | Irene | |
| 1999 | Traveller | Ana Lara | |
| 2000 | Amélia | Amélia | |
| 2003 | Que sera, sera | Fernanda | |
| 2005 | Garrincha, a Estrela Solitária | Vanderléia | |
| 2005 | Living the Dream | Vanessa | |
| 2005 | Vestido de noiva | Madame Clessy | |
| 2006 | Acredite, um Espírito Baixou em Mim | Graça | |
| 2006 | Pixote in Memoriam | Herself | Documentary |
| 2007 | Playing | Sarita | |
| 2008 | Nossa vida não cabe num opala | Srª. Castilho | |
| 2008 | Polaróides Urbanas | Magda / Magali | |
| 2009 | Embarque Imediato | Justina / Gilda | |
| 2013 | Histórias Íntimas | Herself | Documentary |
| 2016 | Tô Ryca | Madame Claude | Posthumous release |

## Stage

* 1948 - Medéia
* 1948 - Frenesi
* 1948 - O casaco encantado
* 1957–59 - Grande Teatro Tupi / Teatro da Imperatriz da Seda
* 1957–59 - Espetáculos Tonelux / Teatrinho Trol
* 1957–59 - Ballet às Segundas / Câmera Um
* 1959–60 - O filé vem de fora
* 1960 - Circo Thiany
* 1960 - Boite Plaza Show Todas elas são barbadas (Cole)
* 1960 - Terra seca
* 1960 - O rei mentiroso
* 1960–61 - My fair Lady
* 1961 - Espanta gato
* 1960 - Divorciados
* 1960 - Society em baby doll
* 1961 - Minha querida lady
* 1963 - O teu cabelo não nega
* 1964 - The Threepenny Opera
* 1964 - Como vencer na vida sem fazer força
* 1966 - Se correr o bicho pega, se ficar o bicho come
* 1966 - Onde canta o sabiá
* 1967 - The Taming of the Shrew
* 1967 - A úlcera de ouro
* 1968 - O barbeiro de Sevilha
* 1968 - Roda viva
* 1969 - A moreninha
* 1970 - A vida escrachada de Joana Martini e Baby Stompanato
* 1971 - A pequena notável
* 1973 - Apareceu a Margarida
* 1974 - Pippin
* 1975 - A feiticeira
* 1975 - Síndica, qual é a tua?
* 1976 - Deus lhe pague
* 1977 - O exércício
* 1978 - A menina e o vento (acting and direction)
* 1979 - Pato com laranja
* 1980 - Brasil, da censura à abertura
* 1981 - Doce deleite
* 1983 - Adorável Júlia
* 1984 - Brincando em cima daquilo
* 1986 - The Mystery of Irma Vep (direction)
* 1987 - A estrela Dalva
* 1989 - Elas por ela
* 1991 - Quem matou a baronesa?
* 1992 - Elas por ela
* 1992 - A prima dona
* 1996 - Master Class
* 1997 - Padre Antonio Vieira
* 1998 - Toda nudez será castigada
* 1998 - Ciranda dos homens, carnaval dos animais
* 1999 - Além da linha d'água
* 1999 - Altar do incenso
* 2000 - O amigo oculto (direction)
* 2001 - Estrela tropical
* 2001 - Vitor ou Vitória
* 2002 - A filha da...
* 2003 - Marília Pêra canta Ari Barroso
* 2004 - Mademoiselle Chanel
* 2005 - Marília Pêra canta Carmen Miranda
* 2006 - Pasárgada!
* 2006 - W In Tour 2006 - Era Uma Vez... (direction)
* 2007 - Um lobo nada mau (direction)
* 2008 - Doce Deleite (direction)
* 2009 - Gloriosa
* 2012 - Herivelto como Conheci
* 2013 - Alô, Dolly!

## Discography

| Year | Title | Type | Label |
| 1975 | Feiticeira | LP | Som Livre |
| 1985 | A música em Pessoa | LP | Som Livre |
| 1989 | Elas por elas | LP | |
| 2000 | Estrela tropical | CD | |
| 2001 | Euteamo e suas ideias | CD | |

## Awards and nominations

| Year | Award | Category | Work nominated | Result |
| 1969 | Prêmio Governador do Estado do Rio de Janeiro | Best Actress | Fala Baixo Senão eu Grito | Won |
| 1969 | Troféu APCA | Best Actress | Fala Baixo Senão eu Grito | Won |
| 1969 | Prêmio Molière de Teatro | Best Actress | Fala Baixo Senão eu Grito | Won |
| 1972 | Troféu Imprensa | Best Actress | O Cafona | Won |
| 1973 | Troféu Imprensa | Best Actress | Uma Rosa com Amor | Nominated |
| 1973 | Prêmio Molière de Teatro | Best Actress | Apareceu a Margarida | Won |
| 1973 | Prêmio Governador do Estado do Rio de Janeir | Best Actress | Apareceu a Margarida | Won |
| 1977 | Prêmio Mambembe | Best Actress | O Exercício | Won |
| 1981 | New York Film Critics Circle Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Pixote, a Lei do Mais Fraco | Won |
| 1982 | National Society of Film Critics Awards | Best Actress | Pixote, a Lei do Mais Fraco | Won |
| 1982 | Boston Society of Film Critics Awards | Best Actress | Pixote, a Lei do Mais Fraco | Won |
| 1983 | Troféu APCA | Best Television Actress | Quem Ama Não Mata | Won |
| 1983 | Prêmio Molière de Teatro | Best Actress | Brincando em Cima Daquilo | Won |
| 1983 | Prêmio Mambembe | Best Actress | Adorável Júlia | Won |
| 1983 | Festival de Cinema de Gramado | Best Actress | Bar Esperança | Won |
| 1983 | Prêmio Air France de Cinema | Best Actress | Bar Esperança | Won |
| 1984 | Troféu APCA | Best Film Actress | Bar Esperança | Won |
| 1987 | Festival de Cinema de Gramado | Best Actress | Anjos da Noite | Won |
| 1988 | Troféu Imprensa | Best Actress | Brega & Chique | Won |
| 1988 | Troféu APCA | Best Television Actress | Brega & Chique | Won |
| 1988 | Comenda da Ordem do Rio Branco | Official Grau | — | Won |
| 1989 | National Society of Film Critics Awards | Honorable Mention Best Actress of the Decade | Career | Won |
| 1991 | Troféu APCA | Best Film Actress | Dias Melhores Virão | Won |
| 1991 | Festival Internacional de Cinema de Cartagena | Best Actress | Dias Melhores Virão | Won |
| 1996 | Troféu APCA | Best Theater Actress | Master Class | Won |
| 1996 | Prêmio Sharp de Teatro | Best Actress | Master Class | Won |
| 1996 | Prêmio Guarani de Cinema Brasileiro | Best Supporting Actress | Jenipapo | Won |
| 1996 | Havana Film Festival | Best Supporting Actress | Tieta do Agreste | Won |
| 1997 | Troféu APCA | Best Supporting Actress | Tieta do Agreste | Won |
| 1997 | Prêmio Guarani de Cinema Brasileiro | Best Supporting Actress | Tieta do Agreste | Won |
| 1997 | Prêmio Mambembe | Best Actress | Master Class | Won |
| 1999 | Prêmio Guarani de Cinema Brasileiro | Best Supporting Actress | Central do Brasil | Nominated |
| 1999 | Prêmio Master - Jornal dos Clubes | Best Actress | Meu Bem Querer | Won |
| 2000 | Grande Prêmio do Cinema Brasileiro | Best Actress | O Viajante | Nominated |
| 2001 | Prêmio Arte Qualidade Brasil - SP | Best Miniseries Actress | Os Maias | Won |
| 2003 | Ordem do Mérito Cultural | Classe de Comendador | — | Won |
| 2004 | Prêmio Shell de Teatro | Best Actress | Fala Baixo Senão eu Grito | Won |
| 2005 | Prêmio Contigo! de TV | Best Supporting Actress | Começar de Novo | Nominated |
| 2005 | Prêmio Shell de Teatro | Best Actress | Mademoiselle Chanel | Won |
| 2005 | Troféu APCA | Best Theater Actress | Mademoiselle Chanel | Won |
| 2005 | Prêmio Arte Qualidade Brasil | Best Theater Actress | Mademoiselle Chanel | Won |
| 2006 | Prêmio Eletrobras | Best Actress | Mademoiselle Chanel | Won |
| 2006 | Prêmio Faz Diferença | Best Actress | Mademoiselle Chanel | Won |
| 2006 | Prêmio Arte Qualidade Brasil | Best Actress | JK | Nominated |
| 2007 | Prêmio Contigo! de TV | Best Supporting Actress | Cobras e Lagartos | Nominated |
| 2007 | Prêmio Arte Qualidade Brasil | Best Supporting Actress | Cobras e Lagartos | Nominated |
| 2007 | Brazilian Film Festival of Miami | Best Actress | Polaróides Urbanas | Won |
| 2008 | Prêmio Contigo! de TV | Best Supporting Actress | Duas Caras | Won |
| 2008 | Prêmio Tudo de Bom! - jornal "O Dia" | Best Actress | Duas Caras | Won |
| 2008 | Prêmio Arte Qualidade Brasil | Best Supporting Actress | Duas Caras | Nominated |
| 2008 | Prêmio Arte Qualidade Brasil | Best Film Actress | Polaróides Urbanas | Nominated |
| 2008 | Prêmio Contigo! de Cinema Nacional | Best Actress | Polaróides Urbanas | Nominated |
| 2009 | Prêmio Guarani de Cinema Brasileiro | Best Actress | Polaróides Urbanas | Nominated |
| 2009 | Prêmio Arte Qualidade Brasil | Best Theatrical Musical Actress | A Gloriosa | Won |
| 2010 | Prêmio APTR de Teatro | Best Protagonist Actress | A Gloriosa | Nominated |
| 2014 | Prêmio Quem de Televisão | Best Actress | Pé na Cova | Nominated |