Sônia Maria Campos Braga, born on June 8, 1950, in Maringá, Paraná, Brazil, is a renowned Brazilian actress who holds dual Brazilian and American citizenship.
She comes from a family with artistic inclinations, being the daughter of Hélio Fernando Ferraz Braga, who had Afro-Brazilian heritage, and Maria Braga Jaci Campos, a costume designer.
Tragedy struck early in her life when her father passed away at the age of 8, leading her to attend a convent school in São Paulo.
Braga’s career in entertainment began in her teens, evolving from modest beginnings as a receptionist and typist to becoming an international star known for her captivating performances in film, television, and theater since 1967.
She gained prominence as a sex symbol in Brazil and later achieved global recognition, even becoming the first Brazilian to present a category at the Oscars.
Siblings
Sônia grew up in a close-knit family with four siblings, brothers Júlio and Hélio, and sisters Ana and Maria.
Her brother Hélio played a pivotal role in her early career by inviting her to appear in small roles on the TV Tupi children’s show Jardim Encantado when she was just 14 years old.
Júlio Braga is known in the industry as an actor and editor, and he is also the uncle of actress Alice Braga.
Ana, often referred to as Ana Maria Braga or Ana Júlia, pursued her own path in the arts and is the mother of Alice Braga, making Sônia her aunt.
Maria Braga, another sister, has been involved in family projects, including appearances in films alongside Sônia.
Career
Braga debuted on stage at 17 in the play George Dandin and gained early exposure through her brother’s TV show, leading to roles in children’s programs and teleteatros on TV Tupi.
In 1968, she appeared in the film O Bandido da Luz Vermelha and joined the groundbreaking Brazilian production of the musical Hair, which ran for three years despite censorship under the military dictatorship.
Also Read: Mariana Ximenes Siblings: Getting to Know Rafael Ximenes
Her breakthrough came in the 1970s with telenovelas like Gabriela in 1975, where she portrayed the titular character based on Jorge Amado’s novel, solidifying her as a national sex symbol; she later reprised the role in the 1983 film adaptation.
Other notable TV works include Saramandaia in 1976, Dancin’ Days in 1978 as the ex-convict Julia Matos, and a stint on Brazil’s Vila Sésamo, the local version of Sesame Street, in 1972.
In film, Braga starred in Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands in 1976, directed by Bruno Barreto, which brought her international attention.
Her global breakthrough arrived with Kiss of the Spider Woman in 1985, followed by roles in The Milagro Beanfield War and Moon over Parador in 1988, The Rookie in 1990, and Angel Eyes in 2001.
After moving to the United States for 14 years and gaining citizenship in 2003, she appeared in American TV series such as The Cosby Show in 1986, Sex and the City in 2001, Alias in 2005, and Luke Cage in 2016.
Later highlights include Aquarius in 2016, which premiered at Cannes to rave reviews, Bacurau in 2019, and Fatima in 2020, showcasing her enduring versatility and appeal.
Accolades
Braga earned a BAFTA Award nomination in 1981 for Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles for Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands.
Her performance in Kiss of the Spider Woman in 1985 garnered a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress, marking her entry into Hollywood’s awards circuit.
She received another Golden Globe nod in 1988 for Moon over Parador, and a third in 1995 for her role in the miniseries The Burning Season, which also earned her an Emmy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie.
In Brazil, she won Best Actress at the Gramado Film Festival in 1981 for Eu Te Amo and the Kikito Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2001 for Memórias Póstumas.
Additionally, she took home the Lone Star Film & Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1996 for Streets of Laredo and the Best TV Supporting Actress award at the 1996 Lone Star Awards.
More recently, she was honored with a Career Honorary Award at the 2020 CinEuphoria Awards and a nomination for Best Actress – International Competition in 2018 for Aquarius.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
