Brazilian actress Chica Xavier passed away at the age of 88
The actress was admitted to a hospital in Rio de Janeiro and, according to her grandson, died at dawn this past Saturday, as a result of cancer. Icon of TV, theater, and cinema, Chica Xavier stood out as a reference for black representation in Brazilian art.
Symbol of several generations, and with more than 60 years of career, the actress, born in Salvador, participated in several Brazilian telenovelas such as “Sinhá Moça”, “Renascer”, “Dancin’ Days”, “O Rei do Gado”, “Força de Um Desejo” and “Duas Caras”.
In 2010, she received the Palmares Trophy, delivered by the Ministry of Culture, for the work of preserving and encouraging Afro-Brazilian culture, and in 2013, he was the subject of the biography “Chica Xavier: Mãe do Brasil”, written by Teresa Montero.
Unfortunately, at the beginning of the year, she was diagnosed with lung cancer, after showing symptoms of pneumonia, and since last Wednesday it had worsened, leading to her death, at the age of 88.
“When I was little I had a hard time understanding why people wanted to get close to her so much. She was my grandmother. To others, she was Chica Xavier: one of the greatest artists in the country. When I grew up I understood her size. I realized that I would have to share with the world. Today I received hundreds of messages of affection. I am very grateful. I want to celebrate her.” shared Ernesto Xavier, Chica Xavier’s grandson, on Instagram.