Simplício

Origin

Itu, SP

Years Active

1930s–2004

Genres

humor, comedy, MPB

Instruments

drums

Biography

Francisco Flaviano de Almeida, artistically known as Simplício, was born in Itu, São Paulo, on October 5, 1916. His passion for art arose during his childhood when he watched a circus show that passed through his hometown. Impressed, he decided to follow the circus artists, becoming one of them and traveling through the interior of São Paulo and a large part of Brazil. During this journey, he met the actor Manuel de Nóbrega, who invited him to work in São Paulo.

In the capital of São Paulo, Simplício began his radio career, participating in comedy shows such as "O Clube dos Mentirosos" on Rádio Cultura and "Torre de Babel" on Rádio Piratininga. His transition to television occurred with his participation in the pioneering comedy show "A Praça da Alegria", on Rede Tupi, also at the invitation of Manuel de Nóbrega. Throughout his career, he worked for several television networks, including Record, Bandeirantes, Globo, and SBT.

The height of his popularity came with the creation of the character that immortalized him as the ambassador of Itu, the "city where everything is big". Begun as a joke in 1967, the catchphrase became a trademark of the city and earned Simplício great affection from his fellow townspeople. In addition to his career as a comedian, Simplício also showed an interest in music, even playing drums and holding the position of Municipal Secretary of Culture and Tourism in Itu. He passed away in his hometown on August 14, 2004, at the age of 87, leaving a legacy of humor and a strong bond with the identity of Itu.