Gracindo Jr.'s Death Mobilizes Fans and Colleagues in Rio
Actor and director who left his mark on Brazilian TV has public wake
Gracindo Jr. passed away on Tuesday night, the 1st, at home in Rio de Janeiro, from natural causes. The news generated great commotion and drew the public to the Penitência Crematorium and Cemetery, where the wake was held on Thursday, the 3rd.
The Farewell
The funeral was open to the public and was attended by friends, family, and admirers. Among those present were actors Othon Bastos, José Mayer, Leonardo Brício, Chandelly Braz, Herson Capri, Sérgio Fonta, Angela Vieira, and Adriana Birolli. The ceremony began at 12:10 PM, and the cremation started shortly after 2:00 PM.
Early Career at TV Globo
Born Epaminondas Xavier Gracindo, on May 21, 1943, the artist was part of TV Globo's inaugural cast in 1965. He participated in soap operas that made their mark on the network's history, such as *Rosinha do Sobrado*, *Padre Tião*, *A Rainha Louca*, *A Próxima Atração*, and *Os Ossos do Barão*.
Partnership with Father on the Small Screen
Son of the equally renowned actor Paulo Gracindo, Gracindo Jr. acted alongside his father in *O Bem-Amado* (1973) and, three years later, in *O Casarão* (1976), portraying the young and elderly versions of João Maciel, respectively.
Work as Director and Producer
In addition to acting, Gracindo Jr. developed an extensive career behind the cameras. He directed soap operas such as *Memórias de Amor*, *Marron-Glacé* (1979) and took over the direction of *Os Trapalhões* in 1983. He was also at the helm of programs like *Fantástico*, producing and presenting the network's first music videos.
Stints at Other Networks and Cinema
After the 1970s, the artist worked at TV Manchete and, starting in 2006, at Record, where he participated in soap operas such as *Cidadão Brasileiro*, *Poder Paralelo*, and the miniseries *Rei Davi*. In cinema, he acted in films such as *Os Homens que Eu Tive* (1973), *Os Trapalhões na Serra Pelada* (1982), and *Segurança Nacional* (2010).
Legacy and Family
Gracindo Jr. is survived by five children, seven grandchildren, and his wife Daisy Poli, to whom he was married for over 50 years. Over more than 50 years dedicated to theater, radio, television, and cinema, his career solidified as a benchmark for several generations of Brazilian artists.
With information from G1, Omelete, VEJA.
Source: G1, Omelete, VEJA