Benedito Ruy Barbosa, the celebrated Brazilian soap opera writer and playwright, died on Tuesday, July 7, at the age of 95, following a three-year battle with chronic kidney failure. His death was attributed to complications from the disease.
Health Struggles and Hospitalization
Barbosa had been in declining health for three years. In January 2026, he spent 19 days in hospital receiving treatment for a urinary tract infection linked to his chronic kidney condition.
Pioneering Television Career
Barbosa penned more than 20 soap operas and is regarded as one of the finest writers in Brazilian television history. He began his TV writing career in 1966. His most celebrated works include Meu Pedacinho de Chão (1971), Pantanal (1990), O Rei do Gado (1996), and Terra Nostra (1999). He was known for authentic life stories set in Brazil's countryside and exploring cultural diversity, particularly Italian immigration.
Discussing his success, Barbosa once said: "First of all, a soap opera needs to have a great love story." He also emphasized that his protagonists must possess "good character, determination to fight, belief in positive values."
First Biographer of Pelé
Before television, Barbosa made his mark as an author. In 1961, he published Eu sou Pelé, becoming the first biographer of football legend Pelé. The book offered insight into Pelé's formative years.
On Pelé's 80th birthday, Barbosa recalled being approached for the project: "The owner of the bookstore, Francisco Alves, came to me. He said: 'Look, Ruy, we need a book about a football player. We've already had Leônidas, Jair da Rosa Pinto... but we want something about Pelé.' I protested that Pelé was a boy, but he persisted, pointing out that in Europe they already called him king."
Tributes Pour In
Fans paid tribute on social media. One Facebook user wrote: "It is such a shame; he was an author who focused his stories on simple, humble people, looking at the rural worker and the real, everyday lives of those with calloused hands. May God comfort his family."
Another commented: "Nothing lasts forever, and there goes another brilliant mind who penned great dreams. Soon we will have to look to new authors and hope they are as good... My condolences to his family."
A third added: "I had no idea he was that old! A brilliant mind; he knew how to captivate viewers with his well-crafted plots full of twists and turns that delighted the audience! May the Lord welcome him into His kingdom!"
A fourth simply wrote: "A visionary. A star that keeps on shining."
