# Deaths of Brazilian actresses Laura Cardoso and Glória Meneż

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-brazilian-actresses-laura-cardoso-and-glria-meneze
> Updated: 2026-08-24T17:36:25.000Z. Sources: 290. Developments: 4.

Brazil is in mourning following the deaths of legendary actresses Laura Cardoso and Glória Menezes, who passed away within a 24-hour period.

Cardoso died at age 98 in São Paulo from natural causes. Her career spanned over eight decades and more than one hundred works, beginning with a 1952 debut on TV Tupi and continuing through a lifelong contract with TV Globo. Her daughter, Fátima Balleroni, shared that Cardoso passed away at home, surrounded by family, and died in the arms of her granddaughter, Adriana. A pioneering figure who began in radio dramas during the 1940s, Cardoso was a household name through notable telenovelas such as ‘Mulheres de Areia’, ‘A Viagem’, ‘Chocolate com Pimenta’, and ‘Gabriela’.

Menezes died at age 91 in Rio de Janeiro at her residence, surrounded by her son, Tarcísio Filho, and other family members, following a period of declining health. A pioneer of the daily telenovela format, Menezes was famously married to actor Tarcísio Meira for nearly six decades.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva issued a decree for three days of mourning, stating that their careers “confuse with the history of Brazilian dramaturgy.”

The passing of these two foundational figures has renewed public discussion regarding the lack of opportunities for elderly actors in the Brazilian television industry. Observers noted that both actresses had been away from television drama for several years prior to their deaths. Industry experts suggest that mass layoffs have disproportionately affected veteran performers, limiting available roles for older actors despite their extensive experience.

## Claims

- Glória Menezes died on Tuesday (18th) at the age of 91. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Menezes had a career spanning more than six decades in theater, cinema, and television. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- She starred in the film 'O Pagador de Promessas', which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- She was married to actor Tarcísio Meira for nearly six decades. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Menezes was born Nilcedes Soares Guimarães in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Glória Menezes passed away at her home in Rio de Janeiro. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The death of actress Laura Cardoso was announced via her official Instagram profile. (single source)
- Laura Cardoso was 98 years old at the time of her death. (single source)
- The actress began her career at the age of 15. (single source)
- Her career spanned radio, television, film, and theater. (single source)
- Her last telenovela role was in A Dona do Pedaço in 2019. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: Laura Cardoso, Brazilian television icon, dies at 98

Renowned Brazilian actress Laura Cardoso has died at age 98. A pioneer of radio and television, she left a massive legacy through decades of iconic telenovelas and dramatic performances.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/laura-cardoso-brazilian-television-icon-dies-at-98

### 2026-08-22: Actress Laura Cardoso dies at age 98 in Brazil

Brazilian actress Laura Cardoso has died at age 98. Her passing, alongside actress Glória Menezes, has sparked debate over the limited opportunities for veteran actors in the television industry.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/actress-laura-cardoso-dies-at-age-98-in-brazil

### 2026-08-20: Glória Menezes dies at 91 after a 60-year career in Brazilian television

Renowned Brazilian actress Glória Menezes has died at age 91 in Rio de Janeiro, leaving a 60-year legacy in television, cinema, and theater.

24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/glria-menezes-actresss-reaction-to-grandsons-transition-recalled

### 2026-08-18: Brazil declares mourning for actresses Laura Cardoso and Glória Menezes

Brazil has declared three days of official mourning following the deaths of legendary actresses Laura Cardoso (98) and Glória Menezes (91), icons of the nation's television and theater history.

282 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/glria-menezes-iconic-brazilian-actress-dies-at-91

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Cite as: Deaths of Brazilian actresses Laura Cardoso and Glória Meneż. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-brazilian-actresses-laura-cardoso-and-glria-meneze