The world of Brazilian comedy is in mourning following the death of beloved actress and comedian Berta Loran, who passed away on Sunday night (Sept. 28) at the age of 99 in Rio de Janeiro.
A true icon of Brazilian television and theatre, Loran leaves behind a vast legacy spanning over seven decades and thousands of characters.
The news was confirmed by the Copa D’Or Hospital in the South Zone of Rio, where the actress had been hospitalized for ten days.
While the hospital expressed its deepest condolences, the cause of death was not disclosed at the family’s request.
From Holocaust Survivor to Brazilian Comedy Pioneer
Born Basza Ajs in Warsaw, Poland, on March 23, 1926, Berta Loran’s life was marked by both historical adversity and artistic triumph.
At the age of 11, she immigrated to Brazil with her Jewish family, seeking refuge from the escalating anti-Semitic persecution that preceded the Holocaust.
It was in her new home, Rio de Janeiro, that her artistic passion blossomed, largely influenced by her father, who was an actor and tailor.
She began her career in the early 1940s, eventually adopting the stage name Berta Loran, and found early success in the vibrant Teatro de Revista (revue theatre) scene, where her impeccable comedic timing and flair for humour—often highlighted by her accent—shone brightly.
A Distinguished Career on Television and Stage
Loran was a pioneer for women in Brazilian television comedy, making her mark on countless iconic programs for the TV Globo network, where she began in 1966. She is fondly remembered for numerous roles, including:
- Manuela D’Além Mar: The endearing Portuguese immigrant in the classic comedy show A Escolinha do Professor Raimundo.
- Frosina: The maid in the popular telenovela Amor com Amor Se Paga (1984).
- Other Humor Classics: Her longevity and versatility were showcased in programs like Zorra Total, Balança Mas Não Cai, and Planeta dos Homens.
Throughout her career, which also included numerous film roles and a six-year stint performing in Portugal, Loran maintained that “Humor is everything in life”—a philosophy she embodied until her final acting role in the 2019 telenovela A Dona do Pedaço.
Tributes and Farewell
The Ministry of Culture, along with countless actors, comedians, and public figures, issued notes of profound sorrow, honoring her as a testament to talent, resilience, and a figure who helped shape the national cultural landscape.
The farewell ceremony for Berta Loran will be held on Tuesday (Sept. 30), beginning at 8 a.m., at the Sociedade Religiosa Israelita Chevra Kadisha in Rio de Janeiro.
The burial is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Israelite Cemetery of Belford Roxo. Berta Loran is survived by her niece, Sarita Paskin, and the memory of a lifetime spent dedicated to making millions of Brazilians laugh.
