After nearly nine years away from Globo's telenovelas, Camila Pitanga makes a heartfelt return in a special role as Ellen in the upcoming drama "Dona de Mim." The show, created by Rosane Svartman, is set to premiere on April 28, 2025, at 7 PM, taking over the time slot from "Volta por Cima." In a story that intertwines themes of struggle and resilience, Ellen is portrayed as a fighter, battling against a terminal illness while striving to secure a dignified future for her daughter.
Ellen's character enters the narrative dramatically during the wedding of Abel Boaz (Tony Ramos) and Filipa (Cláudia Abreu). In a poignant moment, she appears distressed, holding a baby, and confronts Abel to remind him of a promise he made years ago. This promise stems from a past incident where Ellen, an employee at Abel's lingerie factory, prevented him from taking his own life during a financial crisis. Now, years later, she returns, gravely ill and desperate for help to care for her daughter, Sofia (Elis Cabral).
During a launch event for the novela, Camila shared insights about her character's struggles. "Ellen is a fighter. Someone who battles with all her strength for life," she expressed. The character's journey takes a tragic turn when she is diagnosed with cervical cancer, a detail that remains undisclosed in the show but was revealed by Camila during the event. "In the novela, we don’t talk about what the illness is, but for me, it was important to know. It's cancer of the cervix. We see on screen that she is fighting for her life," she explained.
Camila's preparation for the role involved deep research and emotional engagement. She visited the Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA) to gain insights into the experiences of cervical cancer patients. "I spoke with doctors, psychologists, and patients. It was crucial to understand the physical and emotional state of those going through this. A recurring theme in these conversations was faith; all spoke about the role of faith as a healing axis, alongside medical treatment and family support," she noted.
In her portrayal, Camila emphasized the importance of accurately representing the physical manifestations of the disease. "The makeup team did an excellent job. You will see some images. There isn't a single way the disease manifests; some people swell, others do not. Each body reacts differently," she explained.
Her participation in "Dona de Mim" comes amid her ongoing role as Lola in the novela "Beleza Fatal," which airs on Band. Lola is characterized as a dangerous and ambitious woman, a stark contrast to Ellen's nurturing and vulnerable persona. "Lola is a woman who goes after what she wants, willing to eliminate anyone in her path. The villainy of Lola can be very malicious, but it’s not entirely classic because she suffers and endures. When the heroine begins to villainize as well, we have a titanic duel," Camila remarked, referring to her character's complex relationship with Sofia, played by Camila Queiroz.
As she returns to the small screen, Camila also took the opportunity to raise awareness about cervical cancer prevention. "If you journalists can give space in your outlets, please remind women to get screened. Going to the gynecologist once a year and doing preventive exams is crucial. We can't wait for symptoms to appear to take care of ourselves," she urged. She highlighted the role of the SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde), which provides free HPV vaccinations, significantly reducing the risk of cervical cancer by up to 90%. "Long live the SUS! It's so comprehensive. When we think about public health, yes, many facilities are underfunded, but vaccines, health campaigns, and essential free services are vital. Even though there’s room for improvement, it’s something that few countries offer. We need to embrace the SUS, not fight against it," she stated passionately.
As "Dona de Mim" approaches its premiere, anticipation builds for Camila Pitanga's impactful return to Globo. The show promises to deliver a compelling narrative that not only entertains but also educates viewers about critical health issues, emphasizing the importance of support, resilience, and the human spirit's unyielding fight against adversity.
With a powerful story and an accomplished cast, "Dona de Mim" is set to captivate audiences starting April 28, 2025. Meanwhile, fans can continue to follow Camila in her role as Lola in "Beleza Fatal," airing Monday to Friday at 8:30 PM, with all episodes available for streaming on Max.
