Rubens de Falco
Known for: Acting
Rubens de Falco (October 19, 1931 — February 22, 2008) was a distinguished Brazilian actor celebrated for his commanding presence and memorable portrayals of antagonists. He began his artistic journey in theater, joining the São Paulo-based group Os Jograis in 1955 alongside Ruy Afonso, Ítalo Rossi, and Felipe Wagner. His film debut came earlier, in 1952, with a small role in Apassionata, produced by the legendary Vera Cruz studio. De Falco became a household name through his work in Brazilian telenovelas, particularly for his villainous roles. His most iconic performance was as Leôncio Almeida in Escrava Isaura (1976), a role that defined his career and became a cultural touchstone. He reprised a related role in the 2004 remake, appearing as Comendador Almeida, Leôncio’s father. His television credits include Gabriela (1975), O Grito (1975), Dona Xepa (1977), Sinhá Moça (1986), and Os Imigrantes (1981), among many others. Known for his blue eyes, distinctive triangular mustache, and smooth baritone voice, Rubens de Falco brought elegance and intensity to every role. In 2006, a stroke left him unable to speak or act, and he spent his final years in assisted care. Despite this, his legacy as one of Brazil’s greatest actors remains firmly intact.
Filmography
Series
Isaura: Slave Girl
Leôncio Correia de Almeida
1976
Series
Os Imigrantes
Antônio di Salvio
1981
Series
Tempo de Viver
Maurício França
1972
Series
Little Missy
Coronel José Ferreira, Barão de Araruna
1986
Um Homem Muito Especial
Conde Drácula / Vladimir
1980
Series
Escalada
Estevão
1975
Series
Dona Xepa
Heitor Camargo
1977
Series
Sangue do Meu Sangue
Dr. Mário Albuquerque Soares
1995
Series
Brasileiras e Brasileiros
Ramiro Borges
1990
Series
A Rainha Louca
Rei Maximiliano
1967
Series
Campeão
Jorge Salém
1982
Series
O Homem Proibido
Capitão Anderson
1967
Series
O Astro
Samir Hayala
1977
Series
Bambolê
Nestor Barreto
1987
Series
A Sucessora
Roberto Steen
1978
Series
Gabriela
João Pimentel
1975
Series
Pacto de Sangue
Abílio Mendonça
1989
Series
Supermanoela
Diógenes
1974
Series
A Última Valsa
Imperador Francisco José
1969
Series
Os Ossos do Barão
Cândido Caldas Penteado
1997
Series
Salomé
McGregor
1991
Series
O Grito
Agenor
1975
Series
Passo dos Ventos
René Antoine
1968
Series
Brida
Vargas
1998
Series
Memorial de Maria Moura
Tibúrcio
1994
Series
Grande Sertão: Veredas
Joca Ramiro
1985
Series
O Rei dos Ciganos
Claude Ludenwerg
1966
Gaivotas
Daniel
1979
Series
Maçã do Amor
Paulo Cardoso / Daniel Azevedo
1983
Series
Padre Cícero
Floro Bartholomeu
1984
Series
Viver a Vida
Rodolfo (Rudy)
1984
Film
Pixote
Judge
1980
Film
O Mau-Caráter
Moreira Silva
1974
Film
Missão: Matar!
1972
Film
Profesión: vivir
1985
Film
Esse Rio Muito Louco
1977
O Homem da Cabeça de Ouro
1976
Film
Celebração - 100 Anos do Cinema Nacional
Self
1997
Encarnação
1978
Film
La hora Texaco
Julio
1985
Film
Angels and Demons
Promotor
1969
Film
Macho y hembra
Vicente
1984
Film
Engraçadinha Depois dos Trinta
1966
Film
The Man Who Bought the World
Imperador Maximiliano
1968
Film
A Dama de Branco
1978
Film
Colonel Delmiro Gouveia
Delmiro Gouveia
1979
Film
Deixa, Amorzinho... Deixa
1975
Dracula, a Love Story
Conde Drácula / Vladimir
1980
Film
O Impossível Acontece
1969
Film
O Sósia da Morte
Narciso
1975
Film
Moral em Concordata
Narrador
1959
Film
Helena Meirelles - A Dama da Viola
2004
Film
The Monk and the Hangman's Daughter
Saltmaster
1996
Film
Nós, Os Canalhas
Tatá
1975
Film
Sonhos Tropicais
General Travassos
2001
Film
Time of Violence
1969
Film
Essa Gatinha é Minha
1966
Film
A Difícil Vida Fácil
1972
Film
O Capanga
1957
Film
Café na Cama
1973
Film
Os Foragidos da Violência
1979
Uma Pantera em Minha Cama
1971