Domingos Montagner: The Legacy That Continues to Resonate

On September 15, 2016, actor Domingos Montagner disappeared in the waters of the São Francisco River, while filming for "Velho Chico" was underway. The scene shocked the public and marked the end of a career that spanned theater, cinema, and television. In 2024, the artist's memory is revived on two fronts: a tribute show by LaMínima and the continuation of his musical journey by his eldest son, Leo Montagner.

LaMínima's Tribute in São Paulo

Last Tuesday (15), LaMínima staged a tribute show to Domingos Montagner, celebrating ten years since his death. The event took place at Espaço Parlapatões, in São Paulo, as part of the 7th Palhaçada Geral program. Sampaio, Fernando Paz, and Filipe Bregantim, current members of LaMínima, presented "Cabaré LaMínima ao Máximo," which brought together acts from different moments of the group's 30-year trajectory. At the end of the performance, Sampaio delivered a speech in memory of Montagner. The clown duo Agenor and Padoca, created by Montagner and Sampaio at Circo Escola Picadeiro, was remembered on stage.

Leo Montagner's Musical Legacy

Leo Montagner, the actor's eldest son, is 22 years old and pursuing a career in music. He plays keyboard and bass in the São Paulo-based band Tietê, which has already released two albums. The latest was recorded at the end of 2024 at Abbey Road Studios in London. Leo also works as a translator and studies Italian Language and Literature at the Faculty of Philosophy, Letters, and Human Sciences at USP. In addition to music, he maintains a connection with Circo Zanni, founded by Domingos, where he has previously been a musician and performed in the ring. His middle brother, Antonio, 19, is an acrobat with the circus.

The Tragic End in the São Francisco River

Domingos Montagner was at the height of his career, playing Santo dos Anjos in "Velho Chico" when, after morning filming, he decided to swim in the São Francisco River, accompanied by fellow cast member Camila Pitanga. The actress reported that they both swam to a rock and dived in. The current prevented their return, and despite Camila's efforts, the actor was swept away by the water. The military police and the soap opera crew mobilized search efforts. His body was found trapped among rocks, 18 meters deep and 320 meters from the bank, near the Xingó Hydroelectric Plant, on the border between Sergipe and Alagoas. Montagner left behind Luciana Lima and three children.

Impact on Career and Television

At the time of his death, Globo adopted a subjective camera technique to keep Santo dos Anjos in the plot, allowing the character to remain present in the final scenes without the need for another actor. This solution gave the closing scenes a sense of farewell for viewers. "Velho Chico" received an International Emmy Award nomination in the Best Telenovela category the following year. Domingos' career, which began in television in 2010, included 13 TV productions and nine films, consolidating him as one of the most recognized artists in the country.

The Present and Future of Montagner's Memory

LaMínima's tribute and Leo's musical career demonstrate that Domingos Montagner's legacy remains alive in circus, theater, and musical arts. While the actor's memory lives on in the recollections of "Velho Chico," his family's future is reflected in Tietê's notes and Circo Zanni's performances, keeping alive the flame of art that Domingos so loved.

With information from Extra online, Folha de S.Paulo, Diário do Pará.