Ivan Lessa

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Genres

journalism, literature, satire

Biography

Ivan Pinheiro Themudo Lessa was born in São Paulo on May 9, 1935. Coming from a deeply literary family, he was the son of writer Orígenes Lessa and journalist Elsie Lessa, as well as the grandson of pastor Vicente Temudo Lessa and great-grandson of author Júlio César Ribeiro Vaugham. Immersed in writing from an early age, he built a renowned career as a journalist and author, leaving a permanent mark on Brazilian cultural history.

Lessa became widely celebrated as an editor and core contributor to the influential satirical newspaper O Pasquim. In the publication, he wrote famous sections such as Gip-Gip-Nheco-Nheco, Fotonovelas, and Os Diários de Londres, frequently collaborating with artists like Jaguar, with whom he co-created the iconic rat character Sig. His satirical wit and unique voice aligned him with the spirit of many prominent figures of Brazilian music and arts who defied the political climate of the era, such as Chico Buarque and Caetano Veloso.

Relocating to London in January 1978, Lessa continued his literary and journalistic work from abroad, contributing regular columns to BBC Brasil. Throughout his career, he published notable books including Garotos da Fuzarca, Ivan Vê o Mundo, and O Luar e a Rainha. He passed away in London on June 8, 2012, remembered as one of Brazil's finest essayists and cultural chroniclers.