"I Want to Be Alone". With this phrase, Swedish actress Greta Garbo withdrew from Hollywood, in the early 40s, and at the height of success and glamour. She was 36 years old.
With due proportions, Brazil has its Greta Garbo. Actress Lídia Brondi abandoned her career and fame at the age of 30, at the height of her popularity, in 1991. And to this day she is remembered and idolized by an entire generation – including a huge contingent of gay fans. And today, on October 29, 2010, Lídia turns 50 years old.
Lídia was born in Campinas, in the interior of São Paulo, the daughter of Presbyterian pastor Jonas Rezende. She moved to Rio de Janeiro as a child, and in the 70s she began her career on TV.
After acting in an educational series on TVE in Rio, Lídia went to Globo, where her career began. After her debut in the soap opera "O Grito" (1975/76), she completed one job after another. The consecration came with the character Verinha, from the classic "Dancin Days" (1978/79), where she was a romantic partner with Lauro Corona.
Lídia became one of the greatest nymphets Brazil has ever produced, compared to international stars such as Maria Schneider – protagonist of "Last Tango in Paris" (1972). To give you an idea of her firepower, in 1980 she graced the cover of "Playboy" magazine – but inside, there was no nudity. It was just an interview and a photoshoot – with clothes on. Still, the edition broke sales records. In 1987, a new record: this time, Lídia posed nude for "Playboy", which also gave her a special edition remembering images from her career.
In total, the actress was in 15 soap operas, only one on Rede Manchete – "Corpo Santo", from 1987 -, the rest on Rede Globo. In cinema, she acted in 3 films: "O Beijo no Asfalto" (80), "Perdoa-me por me Traíres" (82) and "Rádio Pirata" (87) – the first two, adaptations by Nelson Rodrigues. In the theater, there were 8 shows.
In May 1991, with the end of the soap opera "Meu Bem Meu Mal" (90/91), Lídia left the scene. Much has been said about her reasons: panic syndrome, disillusionment with the profession, tiredness. Nothing has been confirmed, but what is known – announced by Lídia herself – is that she studied psychology and now works in the field.
Lídia married TV director Ricardo Waddington in 1982, with whom she had a daughter Isadora, born in 1985. They separated in 1987, and since 1990 she has been married to actor Cássio Gabus Mendes – her romantic partner in "Vale Tudo" (88/89) and "Meu Bem Meu Mal".
With the internet era, Lídia was rediscovered and remembered by fans and onlookers, with her scenes from soap operas, films and TV commercials appearing on YouTube, and images spread across the internet, becoming popular on blogs and websites. More than ever, she remains a myth and pop idol – although she has always rejected this pedestal.
Currently, the actress' work can be seen in two major moments: "Vale Tudo", where she plays one of her most famous characters, fashion editor Solange Duprat. The soap opera is being rerun on Canal Viva (belonging to the Net network).
Furthermore, GloboMarcas has just launched the soap opera "Roque Santeiro" (85/86), with Lídia in the role of Tânia, the rebellious daughter of Sinhozinho Malta (Lima Duarte). The soap opera is being sold in a box set with 16 DVDs.
And there's more to come: broadcaster SBT announced the purchase of a batch of soap operas from the extinct TV Manchete, including "Corpo Santo", and threatens to show this production from February 2011. So be it.
Check out the gallery below with some of Lídia Brondi’s memorable moments.
