Rubens de Falco
Acting • Born 1931-10-19 – Died 2008-02-22
Biography
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
60 credits
Celebração - 100 Anos do Cinema Nacional
Movie • 1997
Self
Pixote
Movie • 1980
Judge
O Impossível Acontece
Movie • 1969
The Monk and the Hangman's Daughter
Movie • 1996
Saltmaster
Encarnação
Movie • 1978
Macho y hembra
Movie • 1984
Vicente
Colonel Delmiro Gouveia
Movie • 1979
Delmiro Gouveia
Nós, Os Canalhas
Movie • 1975
Tatá
Engraçadinha Depois dos Trinta
Movie • 1966
O Sósia da Morte
Movie • 1975
Narciso
Essa Gatinha é Minha
Movie • 1966
A Difícil Vida Fácil
Movie • 1972
Os Foragidos da Violência
Movie • 1979
Dracula, a Love Story
Movie • 1980
Conde Drácula / Vladimir
Angels and Demons
Movie • 1969
Promotor
O Mau-Caráter
Movie • 1974
Moreira Silva
Café na Cama
Movie • 1973
O Homem da Cabeça de Ouro
Movie • 1976
Uma Pantera em Minha Cama
Movie • 1971
The Man Who Bought the World
Movie • 1968
Imperador Maximiliano
Helena Meirelles - A Dama da Viola
Movie • 2004
Esse Rio Muito Louco
Movie • 1977
Time of Violence
Movie • 1969
Stories Our Cinema Did (Not) Tell
Movie • 2017
arquivo
Sonhos Tropicais
Movie • 2001
General Travassos
Moral em Concordata
Movie • 1959
Narrador
O Capanga
Movie • 1957
Deixa, Amorzinho... Deixa
Movie • 1975
A Dama de Branco
Movie • 1978
Profesión: vivir
Movie • 1985
La hora Texaco
Movie • 1985
Julio
Missão: Matar!
Movie • 1972
Grande Sertão: Veredas
TV • 1985
Joca Ramiro
O Astro
TV • 1977
Samir Hayala
Escalada
TV • 1975
Comendador
Brida
TV • 1998
Vargas
Bambolê
TV • 1987
Nestor Barreto
Sinhá Moça
TV • 1986
Coronel José Ferreira, Barão de Araruna
Salomé
TV • 1991
McGregor
Padre Cícero
TV • 1984
Floro Bartholomeu
Viver a Vida
TV • 1984
Rodolfo
A Sucessora
TV • 1978
Roberto Steen
O Rei dos Ciganos
TV • 1966
Claude Ludenwerg
Gabriela
TV • 1975
João Pimentel
Escrava Isaura
TV • 1976
Leôncio Correia de Almeida
Maçã do Amor
TV • 1983
Paulo Cardoso / Daniel Cardoso
Campeão
TV • 1982
Jorge Salém
Supermanoela
TV • 1974
Diógenes
Brasileiras e Brasileiros
TV • 1990
Ramiro Borges
Um Homem Muito Especial
TV • 1980
Vladimir
Gaivotas
TV • 1979
Daniel
O Grito
TV • 1975
Agenor
Os Imigrantes
TV • 1981
Antônio di Salvio
Dona Xepa
TV • 1977
Heitor Camargo
Os Ossos do Barão
TV • 1997
Cândido Caldas Penteado
Passo dos Ventos
TV • 1968
René Antoine
Tempo de Viver
TV • 1972
Maurício França
Memorial de Maria Moura
TV • 1994
Tibúrcio
A Rainha Louca
TV • 1967
Rei Maximiliano
Pacto de Sangue
TV • 1989
Abílio Mendonça