Maria Gladys
Biography
Maria Gladys is a Brazilian actress born on November 23, 1939, in Cachambi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She made her acting debut in 1959 with Arthur Azevedo's play "O Mambembe" at the Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro. Gladys is known for her work in the theater world, including appearing topless in the publicity poster for the play "O Chão dos Penitentes". She also appeared in Ruy Guerra's film "Os Fuzis", which was nominated for a Golden Bear. Gladys is considered the mother of marginal cinema and has been involved in the resistance during the Brazilian dictatorship. She is the maternal grandmother of actress Mia Goth.
Career overview
Maria Gladys made her acting debut in 1959 with Arthur Azevedo's play "O Mambembe" at the Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro. She gained recognition in the theater world by appearing topless in the publicity poster for the play "O Chão dos Penitentes".
In 1964, Gladys starred in Ruy Guerra's film "Os Fuzis", which received recognition in the film industry. She is considered the mother of marginal cinema.
Gladys' involvement in the resistance during the Brazilian dictatorship led her to exile in London between 1965 and 1979.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
89 titles- Bowels of Hell (2026)
- The Long Voyage of the Yellow Bus (2023)
- Out of Sight (2022) as Lisiê
- Já que Ninguém me Tira Para Dançar (2021) as Self
- Rio de Topless (2020) as Self
- Neville D'Almeida: Chronicler of Beauty and Chaos (2019) as Self
- Quebranto (2018)
- Anjos de Ipanema (2018) as Self
- Duas de Mim (2017) as Sonja
- All of God's Creations (2015)
- Luz, Câmera, 50 Anos: As Noivas de Copacabana - O Filme (2015) as Dona Rita
- Sexo e as Negas (2014) as Fumaça
- The End of an Age (2014) as (voz)
- As Canalhas (2013) as Luciene Pereira
- Rat Fever (2012) as Stella Maris
- That Kiss (2011) as Eveva
- Não Se Preocupe, Nada Vai Dar Certo! (2011) as Senhora 1
- The Joy (2010)
- If I Were You 2 (2009) as Cida
- Belair (2009)
- Negócio da China (2008) as Lucivone
- Golden Oldies (2008) as Dona Diamante
- Life (2008)
- Meu Nome é Dindi (2008) as Carmem
- Pequenas Histórias (2007) as Dona Hanna
- Manual de Barros - Retrato do poeta quando coisa (2006) as voz
- If I Were You (2006) as Cida
- Guará, Ladrão de Estrelas (2006)
- Once in a Blue Moon (2005) as Naíde Alves
- Her Own Destiny (2004) as Dona Mimi
- Apolônio Brasil, Campeão da Alegria (2003) as The 'Babalu' Lady
- Love Bites (2002) as Maria da Graça (Gracinha)
- Banda de Ipanema — Folia de Albino (2002) as Self
- Um Anjo Caiu do Céu (2001) as Zezé
- Summer Affair (1998) as Mazinha
- Celebração - 100 Anos do Cinema Nacional (1997) as Self
- Salsa e Merengue (1996) as Neném
- The Monk and the Hangman's Daughter (1996) as Follen
- Flying Geraldo (1994)
- Fera Ferida (1993) as Lucineide Barbosa
- As Noivas de Copacabana (1992) as Rita de Cássia
- Tereza Batista (1992) as Felipa
- High Art (1991) as Woman Under Billboards
- Killed the Family and Went to the Movies (1991) as Mother
- Top Model (1989) as Veridiana "Big Loira"
- Delegacia de Mulheres (1989) as Alvarenga
- Vale Tudo (1988) as Lucimar
- Natal da Portela (1988)
- Brega & Chique (1987) as Dona Zulmira
- O Bebê (1987)
- Spray Jet (1986) as Housekeeper
- Grande Sertão: Veredas (1985) as Maria do Padre
- Um Filme 100% Brasileiro (1985)
- The Good Times Are Here: Let It All Hang Out (1985) as Alzira
- Brás Cubas (1985)
- Padre Cícero (1984) as Ifigênia
- Bar Esperanza (1983) as Martha
- Vinicius de Moraes, Um Rapaz de Família (1983) as Self
- Chico Anysio Show (1982)
- Rio Babilonia (1982)
- Brilhante (1981) as Dinalva
- Obrigado, Doutor (1981) as Joana
- The Giant of America (1980)
- Maria Gladys, Uma Atriz Brasileira (1979) as Self
- Anchieta, José do Brasil (1977) as Timbaúba
- Os Doces Bárbaros (1977) as Self (uncredited)
- The Agony (1976) as Eva, a vidente
- Bandalheira Infernal (1976)
- O Capitão Bandeira Contra o Dr. Moura Brasil (1971) as Gladys
- Lucia McCartney, Call Girl (1971)
- Mangúe-Bangúe (1971)
- Watch Out, Madame (1970) as Cremilda
- The Rowdy Family (1970) as Odalisca
- Sangue Quente em Tarde Fria (1970)
- My Sweet Orange Tree (1970) as Professora
- É Simonal (1970)
- No way, Spider (1970)
- Sangue do Meu Sangue (1969) as Bentinha
- Dez Vidas (1969)
- Copacabana Fools Me (1969) as Currada da Barra
- The Angel Was Born (1969) as Amiga
- Edu, Coração de Ouro (1968) as Neusinha
- How Are You, Well? (1968)
- Um Diamante e Cinco Balas (1966)
- All the Women in the World (1966)
- Canalha em Crise (1965)
- The Guns (1964) as Luísa
- Pretty But Wicked (1963) as Uma das irmãs de Rita
- Pedro e Nina
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Maria Gladys best known for?
Maria Gladys is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including As Canalhas (2013), That Kiss (2011), If I Were You 2 (2009), Negócio da China (2008).
When and where was Maria Gladys born?
Maria Gladys was born on November 23, 1939 in Cachambi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
How many credits does Maria Gladys have?
Maria Gladys has accumulated over 89 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1963 to 2026.
What is Maria Gladys's background in cinema and television?
Maria Gladys is a Brazilian actress born on November 23, 1939, in Cachambi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She made her acting debut in 1959 with Arthur Azevedo's play "O Mambembe" at the Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro. Gladys is known for her work in the theater world, including appearing topless in the publicity poster...
Maria Gladys by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Chico Anysio Show (1982) — aged about 42
- Delegacia de Mulheres (1989) as Alvarenga — aged about 49
- Sangue do Meu Sangue (1969) as Bentinha — aged about 29
- Vale Tudo (1988) as Lucimar — aged about 48
- Brega & Chique (1987) as Dona Zulmira — aged about 47
- Her Own Destiny (2004) as Dona Mimi — aged about 64
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