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Lula declares three days of official mourning for actresses Laura Cardoso and Glória Menezes
The Brazilian president declared three days of official mourning following the deaths of Laura Cardoso and Glória Menezes.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva declared three days of official mourning for the deaths of actresses Laura Cardoso and Glória Menezes. The decision was announced on Tuesday, October 18, a day after Glória's passing and on the same day Laura's death was confirmed. Lula emphasized on social media the significance of the actresses to Brazilian stage and screen, highlighting their talent and charisma that captivated audiences.
Laura Cardoso passed away at the age of 98, with a career spanning eight decades. Glória Menezes, known for her roles in soap operas, died at the age of 91. The losses of the actresses were widely reported by Brazilian media, which expressed sorrow over the deaths of two iconic figures in theater and television.
The Gramado Film Festival paid tribute to Laura Cardoso and Glória Menezes by holding a ceremony at the Palace of Festivals. During the event, texts celebrating the actresses' contributions to Brazilian arts were read. The tribute took place before the screening of a competitive film, in a moment of remembrance and respect for the two artists.
Lilia Cabral, a long-time friend and colleague of Glória Menezes, commented on the deaths, expressing her sadness and getting emotional while reflecting on the impact both had on Brazilian culture. The actress stated, “What a difficult day,” contemplating the simultaneous loss of two artistic icons.
Since the announcement of their deaths, friends and colleagues have been sharing memories and tributes, celebrating the life and careers of Laura Cardoso and Glória Menezes. Laura's granddaughter, Adriana Balleroni, shared that the actress spent her final days at peace, with a will to live, and valued the experiences shared throughout her life.
The event and the subsequent reactions demonstrate the legacy that Laura and Glória left for Brazilian television, being remembered as true legends of show business, with significant contributions to national culture.