Vovó Mafalda

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years Active

1981–2013

Genres

children's music, children's entertainment

Biography

Vovó Mafalda was an iconic children's television character in Brazil, originally created and portrayed by actor Valentino Guzzo. Her first appearance took place on August 19, 1981, on the show Bozo, broadcast by SBT. With her sweet demeanor, characteristic look, and catchy songs such as "Tumbalacatumba," the character quickly won over young audiences and became one of the network's major symbols during the 1980s and 1990s. Vovó Mafalda was not limited to Bozo's show, also hosting her own programs like "Sessão Desenho com Vovó Mafalda," "Dó Ré Mi com Vovó Mafalda," and "Sessão Desenho no Sítio da Vovó," further cementing her popularity.

Valentino Guzzo, the talented artist behind Vovó Mafalda, was born in São Paulo in 1936. Before bringing the beloved grandmother to life, Guzzo had a multifaceted career, working as an actor, producer, director, and comedian, with stints in film and various television shows alongside major names like Silvio Santos, Chacrinha, and Ratinho. His ability to create and portray characters led him to stardom with Vovó Mafalda, which transcended the screen and released albums, marking generations with her charisma and joy.

Following Valentino Guzzo's passing on December 8, 1998, the character Vovó Mafalda was revived in 2013, portrayed by Luiz Kan Kan in a new version of the Programa Bozo on SBT. However, Valentino Guzzo's original portrayal remains alive in the fond memories of many Brazilians, remembered as a milestone in the history of children's television and an example of how art can delight and unite families. The character also had a brief stint on Rede Record, hosting the program "Desenhos da Vovó" between 1997 and 1998.

Discography

• Vovó Mafalda (1987)
• A Festa da Vovó (1993)
• A TURMA DO PIRULITO (2023)
• LEVANTAR O BRAÇO - 1983 (2023)