Laura Cardoso

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years active

1940–2026

Genres

drama, television, theater

Instruments

acting

Biography

Laurinda de Jesus Cardoso Balleroni, better known as Laura Cardoso, was one of the most celebrated and respected actresses in the history of Brazilian drama. Born in São Paulo, she began her artistic journey in radio soap operas in the 1940s, transitioning to television right at its inception in 1950 on TV Tupi. Over a career spanning more than seven decades, she participated in over a hundred productions including telenovelas, teleplays, and series, making her mark on networks such as Tupi, Excelsior, Record, Band, and Globo.

Her versatility allowed her to play everything from kind matriarchs to memorable villains, standing out in foundational works of national television drama such as Mulheres de Areia, A Viagem, Chocolate com Pimenta, Caminho das Índias, and Gabriela. In addition to television, she built a solid career in theater under the direction of names like Antunes Filho, winning major accolades such as the Shell Award and the APCA Award. For her immense contribution to the country's culture, she received the Order of Cultural Merit in 2006.

Laura Cardoso passed away in August 2026 at the age of 98, leaving an indelible legacy in Brazilian culture and being widely compared to great icons of national acting, such as Glória Menezes and Lima Duarte. Her tireless dedication to the art opened doors for generations of actresses and consolidated the telenovela format in Brazil.