Ney Latorraca, the celebrated Brazilian actor known for his iconic roles on stage and television, passed away on Thursday, December 26, at the age of 80. The talented performer succumbed to complications from prostate cancer, having been hospitalized at Clínica São Vicente, Rio de Janeiro, since December 20.
Latorraca's death was attributed to septic pulmonary complications resulting from his battle with cancer, which began back in 2019. Clinica São Vicente expressed their sorrow through an official statement: "Clínica São Vicente deeply laments the death of patient Antonio Ney Latorraca... and expresses condolences to family and friends for this irreplaceable loss." His passing has sent waves of grief through the Brazilian entertainment community.
Diogo Vilela, Latorraca's friend and collaborator, spoke emotionally about the impact Ney had on his career and life during his virtual appearance on TV Globo's program, Encontro com Patrícia Poeta. "Ney Latorraca was my mentor in my acting profession. A man with incredibly fresh humor! Thanks to him, I learned many things I still use on stage today. Ney will be eternal in my heart. Rest in peace, dear godfather," Vilela shared. He reminisced about the many projects they worked on together, attributing much of his success to Ney's generosity and mentorship.
Vilela fondly recalled Ney's distinctive humor, saying, "He was responsible for many of my works. He was very generous. A joy in our lives... The humor he had was disconcerting. The affection he had for me was unique." Their camaraderie was evident, as Vilela described how Ney's spirit of teamwork welcomed everyone around him. "He liked to shine, but he also enjoyed our work. It was very important to him," Vilela noted.
Claudia Ohana, another colleague of Latorraca's, also honored him through social media, sharing her last interactions with the actor. "I spoke to him mid-year... He was someone I shared problems with, as he would offer wise advice," she remarked, drawing attention to his empathy and ability to connect on personal levels, even amid his struggle with health.
Ney Latorraca was born on July 25, 1944, and started his artistic career at just six years old, showcasing his talent on the radio. His formal stage debut came at 19 with the play Pluft, O Fantasminha, and he quickly became known for memorable characters, including Barbosa from the comedy series TV Pirata and Vlad from the soap opera Vamp. Throughout his prolific career, Latorraca worked with various channels but found significant success with Globo starting in 1975.
Notably, Latorraca never had children but expressed his wish to give back to society, preparing his will to direct part of his estate to artists' charities, including the Retiro dos Artistas and the Associação Brasileira Beneficente de Reabilitação. "What I earned from theater must return to these causes. This is the mission of the artist, at least for me," he stated during an interview with Extra.
The loss of Ney resonates deeply with many fans and colleagues alike. Prominent figures from the arts, including directors, actors, and social personalities, took to social media to share their condolences and memories. Veteran actor Ary Fontoura, along with Fernanda Torres, and renowned director Gerald Thomas also paid tribute to Latorraca, celebrating both his talent and kindness.
Despite his passing, Ney Latorraca's legacy remains firmly rooted within the fabric of Brazilian arts. His earlier performances and contributions to theater not only shaped the television industry but connected generations of audiences through the laughter and joy he inspired. The artistic community mourns the loss of one of its most charismatic and beloved members, ensuring his spirit and contributions will live on.
