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Gianfrancesco GuarnieriBrazilian actor and playwright of Italian origin.
Date of Birth: 06.08.1934
Country:  Brazil |
Content:
Biography of Gianfrancesco Guarnieri
Gianfrancesco Guarnieri was a Brazilian actor and playwright of Italian descent who became a prominent figure in Brazilian theater. Born in Milan, Italy, Guarnieri moved to Brazil with his family at the age of three, fleeing fascist Italy.
Early Life and Career
Guarnieri grew up in a suburb of Rio de Janeiro, where he was greatly influenced by his girlfriend Margarida, who played a significant role in his future creative development. In 1953, the family relocated to São Paulo, where Guarnieri would later establish himself as a respected artist.
At the age of 21, Guarnieri wrote his first play, "Eles Não Usam Black-Tie" ("They Don't Wear Black Ties"), which premiered in 1958 at the "Teatro de Arena" and became the first Brazilian play to remain in repertoire for over a year. The successful film adaptation of the play in 1981, in which Guarnieri himself and Fernanda Montenegro played the lead roles, solidified the significance of this social drama. Director Leon Hirszman received the Special Grand Prix of the Jury and the FIPRESCI Prize at the Venice Film Festival in 1982 for his work on the film.
Throughout his career, Guarnieri wrote more than 20 plays, including musicals, expanding his influence in the Brazilian theatrical scene. He also actively pursued work on television, writing scripts for television shows and appearing in numerous films. Over a span of more than 40 years, he participated in over 40 television projects and acted in more than 10 films.
Personal Life and Legacy
Guarnieri was married twice in his lifetime. He was married to journalist Cecilia Thompson from 1958 to 1965, and later to sociologist Vania Santanne from 1965 until his death. Guarnieri had two children, Paulo and Flavio Guarnieri, from his first marriage, both of whom followed in their father's footsteps and became actors. He also had three children, Claudio, Fernanda, and Mariana, from his second marriage.
Guarnieri gained fame and popularity among television viewers for his role as Tonho, a "lunatic," in the first version of the TV series "Secreto da Tropicanca" ("Women in the Sand") in 1973. His last role was as Pepe in the television series "Belíssima".
On June 2, 2006, after filming one of the final scenes of the TV series, Guarnieri fell ill and was admitted to the Syrian-Lebanese Hospital in São Paulo. After 50 days of hospitalization, he passed away on July 22, 2006, due to chronic kidney failure. His death occurred just three days after the death of another well-known Brazilian actor, Raul Cortes. Guarnieri had been undergoing hemodialysis treatment for five years prior to his death.
Gianfrancesco Guarnieri left behind a lasting legacy in Brazilian theater and television, with his contributions as a playwright, actor, and screenwriter continuing to be celebrated and remembered.
