Fofão

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years Active

1983–presente

Genres

children's, comedy

Biography

Fofão is a fictional character created and played by the actor and comedian Orival Pessini (1944-2016). Born on the planet "Fofolândia", the alien with drooping cheeks, a wrinkled nose and hairy hands won over the Brazilian children's audience starting from his debut on the show "Balão Mágico", on Rede Globo, in 1983. With his clumsy manner and catchphrases like "bilu-bidu", Fofão quickly became a phenomenon, earning dolls, records and the licensing of various products.

The success was so huge that, after the end of "Balão Mágico", Fofão got his own daily show, "TV Fofão", broadcast by Rede Bandeirantes between 1986 and 1989. The show further consolidated the character's popularity, who became an icon of Brazilian pop culture in the 80s. Despite having been the target of urban legends at the time, which associated him with the "diabolical", Fofão was always remembered for his joy and charisma.

After the passing of Orival Pessini in 2016, Fofão's legacy continued alive. In 2015, the DVD "#FofãoForever" was released, featuring new versions of his songs, and his discography was re-released on digital platforms. The character, who marked the childhood of generations, remains a symbol of fun and innocence on Brazilian television, with the actor Orival Pessini being remembered as one of the great names of humor and character creation in the country.

Discography

• Disco do Fofão (1984)
• Disco do Fofão 2 (1985)
• Som & Fantasia (1986)
• Doce Caramelo (1987)
• Fofão (1989)
• 1989 (1989)
• 1990 (1990)
• O Coco do Coqueiro (1998)