Beloved actress Laura Cardoso died on Tuesday (August 18) at the age of 98. The news was confirmed by her family in an emotional Instagram post on her official page. Alongside black and white images of the star they shared: "Our great star has bid us farewell. Laura Cardoso will forever be in our hearts. Thank you for everything, our beloved and eternal Laura Cardoso."
Eight-decade career began at 15
The legendary actress enjoyed an eight decade career which began aged just 15 where she starred in radio soap operas. The actress worked across television, radio, theatre and cinema. She was one of the earliest performers on Brazilian television following its launch in 1950. She made her small screen debut on TV Tupi's Tribunal do Coração in 1952. She made her TV soap debut in 1958's Os Miseráveis.
Having starred in more than 60 telenovelas, she holds the record for starring in the most soaps by a Brazilian actress. She was working well into her final years. Her last television role only aired in 2019, and her last project was released in 2025.
Awards and tributes
Throughout her life she earned five APCA trophies and the Oscarito Award at Gramado Festival. In 2006, President Luiz honoured her with the Order of Cultural Merit.
Tributes flooded in for the icon as the news broke. Commenting on Instagram one user penned: "An extraordinary actress, she had a career that enchanted us with each character. She will arrive on the other side of life surrounded by light and lots of love."
Another added: "Wonderful artist with whom I had the honor of co-starring. Rest in peace, Dona Laura! A source of inspiration with all her wisdom and generosity."
A third chimed in: "It's like losing a grandmother. Rest in peace! May your journey be peaceful and your soul be welcomed by the spirits of light. Your legacy will be eternal."
A fourth shared: "Brazil loses one of its greatest actresses. Laura Cardoso leaves an eternal legacy in dramaturgy."
A fifth reflected: "It was enough to feel the beautiful heart she had. My favorite character was Dona Carmem in chocolate with pepper, it gave the impression that she was our grandmother too. Rest in peace, legend!"
Meanwhile a sixth lamented: "She had a long, incredible life and went to rest... I was a fan of this actress. A huge loss for Brazilian culture. Rest in peace Laura."
