The beloved Zacarias from Os Trapalhões passed away 35 years ago, and recently his ex-wife decided to open up about their 15-year marriage . But in today’s video you’ll learn a little more about the life of Mauro Fácio Gonçalves, the unforgettable Zacarias from Os Trapalhões. With his gentle manner, unmistakable voice, and unique charisma, Zacarias won the hearts of millions of Brazilians and became one of the greatest icons of national humor.
However, behind the cheerful and fun-loving persona, there was a reserved man, full of talent and with a history marked by moments of glory, challenges, and mysteries. Today we’re going to talk about the career of this beloved artist . From the beginning of his career, his resounding success in the big leagues, the rumors and controversies surrounding his personal life, to the emotional details of his final days.
Go ahead and like this video and watch it until the end to understand who Mauro Fácio Gonçalves was, beyond the wig and the laugh, and why his legacy remains so strong in the memory of the Brazilian [Music] public . Do you remember Zechariah? Owner of an unmistakable laugh, a childlike manner, colorful suspenders, and a wig.
Zacarias was that rare type of comedian who didn’t need to say a single word to make people laugh. All he had to do was appear on the screen. [Applause] But before becoming one of the most beloved faces in Brazil, he lived a journey marked by talent, shyness, and overcoming obstacles. Born on January 18, 1934, in the city of Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais, Mauro was the eldest of 11 siblings.
At home he was known as Bidou, an affectionate nickname given to him by his family. Even as a child, he demonstrated a very fertile imagination. He would put on little backyard plays using family clothes and charm his classmates in school performances. But there was a curious detail. Mauro Fácio was extremely shy.
Yes, the same man who would make Brazil laugh was afraid to expose himself. Still, the stage was calling him. After graduating as an accounting technician, he decided to follow his passion for art. He started in theater in Belo Horizonte, but soon the comedian moved to radio, the ideal medium for someone who was a master at creating voices, imitations, and characters.
On the radio, Confidência shone in programs and radio dramas, standing out for his artwork, and it didn’t take long for him to gain recognition. He was voted the best radio comedian between 1960 and 1963. Mauro Fácio had a rare gift. He could create such different voices that it seemed like several people at the same time.
And when he imitated animals, it was so captivating that it left any audience in awe. I’m a bit of a fatalist. I believe that we are born with the gift, we are born for this, you know? I’ve always loved playing, theater, and that talent caught the attention of television. The comedian worked for several television networks, including Pveita Colomi, Excelor, Tupi, and Record, always standing out.
In 1968, he received an invitation that would change his life forever. That’s when Manuel de Nóbrega called him to work in São Paulo. There he participated in the comedy shows “A Cidade se diverte” and “Praça da Alegria,” where he created the character Moranguinho, a clumsy waiter with a high-pitched voice and childlike manner, which was already a rehearsal of what would become the unforgettable Zacarias.
In 1970, he shone on stage with the play “A dama do camarote” (The Lady of the Box), winning the award for best new actor. It was the recognition that was needed for the next step, national fame [in music] . It was in this context that Renato Aragão heard it on stage and was delighted. At the time, Renato was already successful with Dedé Santana.
and was forming what would become the group Os Trafalhões. When he suggested Mauro’s team to join the squad, Dedé wasn’t very enthusiastic. I thought he looked more like a bank manager. But everything changed when Mauro entered the studio wearing a wig, with painted teeth and a shrill voice that had everyone laughing. From that moment on, no one had any more doubts.
There, Zacarias was born, a boy whom Brazil would learn to love very much. The name Zacarias, incidentally, came about by chance. During the filming of a skit with a noisy rooster, everyone started joking that the animal’s crowing sounded like Mauro’s laughter. The joke became an affiliation, and the affiliation became a stage name.
Zacarias was the lighthearted soul of the “Trapalhões” (a Brazilian comedy group), a shy, naive boy from Minas Gerais, with childlike mannerisms and an absurd charisma. It was impossible not to be charmed by him. His appearance was also very striking. Suspenders, colorful clothes, teeth painted to look toothless, and the famous wig that always caused despair whenever someone tried to rip it off on stage.
More than just a character, Zacarias was the personification of sweetness. It’s no coincidence that it became a favorite among children. Between 1973 and 1990, he was part of the most famous quartet on Brazilian TV. He acted in dozens of films, participated in more than 150 shows throughout Brazil, and even recorded two solo albums.
He also starred in high-profile commercials, such as those for Banco Nacional, and was the lead in the 1977 film ” Deu a louca nas mulheres” (Women Went Crazy). Zacarias was the last to join Os Trapalhões, and unfortunately the first to leave us. But his presence is felt to this day, whether in the fond memories of millions of Brazilians, or in the laughter that still erupts when we remember his antics.
And behind all that joy, there was a discreet, sensitive man, dedicated to art, and the woman who silently accompanied him for decades. But I’ll talk about that in a little while. In private, Mauro Fácio Gonçalves, forever remembered as Zacarias, was a very different figure from the extroverted character who charmed the public.
Friends and colleagues described him as a shy, reserved, and home-loving man. Today, away from the studios and cameras, he found refuge in his home in Maricá, on the coast of Rio de Janeiro, where he cultivated plants, raised birds, and enjoyed the tranquility of nature. He enjoyed having select friends over on weekends, but he was never one for big parties or celebrations.
Religious and with a strong spirituality, Mauro Fácio Gonçalves had a strong connection with Spiritism. Besides being a sympathizer of Umbanda. Faith became even more present in his life after he recovered from osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection. the experience he attributed to the spiritual help he received in Spiritist centers.
This experience further strengthened her connection to religiosity and influenced the serene way she lived her life. In 1958, Mauro married actress and voice actress Selma Lopes, whom he met during her visit to Minas Gerais for a theatrical performance. It’s not just because he was my husband, but he was a wonderful actor.
His wife was a great supporter of his artistic career, backing him in his early ventures into theater and radio. Together, they were in a relationship for 15 years. Selma was already a mother to Maria Laura Gonçalves, from a previous relationship. And Mauro adopted the girl with great affection and treated her like his own daughter.
Even after their separation in 1973, Mauro and Selma maintained a cordial relationship and a great deal of respect. She even participated in several of the Trafalhões sketches alongside Mauro, showing that their friendship and affection remained intact. Years later, Zacarias’ wife would recount that the two had a wonderful marriage and that, although their paths had diverged, the partnership had worked very well while it lasted.
[Music] Eselma Lopovs also had a distinguished career in the arts. She became widely recognized as one of the greatest voice actresses in Brazil, lending her voice to iconic characters such as Marge Simpson from The Simpsons. I promise I’ll wait for you at the airport with Homer, Bart, and Alisa, okay? She also acted in several soap operas and programs on Rede Globo, such as Dancing Indays, A Favorita, Ciranda de Pedra, Bang, and Cama de Gato, in addition to appearances on comedy shows like Zorra Total and A
Diarista. After the end of his marriage, Mauro had few public romances. The most well-known was with the singer Valesca, with whom he had a relationship between 1980 and 1981. Later, in 1986, he had a brief involvement with Idalina Martins Campos, a woman 25 years younger. Despite this, our beloved Zacarias has always been very discreet about his love life, preferring to keep his relationships out of the spotlight.
His calm, affectionate, and discreet manner contrasted with the exaggerated energy of his character. Mauro was a man who valued silence, family time, and connection with the spiritual. Despite being a public figure, he knew how to preserve his essence and his privacy, showing that behind one of the country’s greatest comedians was a sensitive, introspective human being, deeply devoted to those he loved.
[Music] In August 1983, Brazil was taken by surprise with the announcement of the breakup of the group Os Trapalhões, which until then seemed like a solid brotherhood. What the fans didn’t know was that, behind the laughter and the almost perfect chemistry, there were accumulated tensions on screen. The group’s first major intrigue was triggered by a cover story in Veja magazine, titled “The Great Clown: Renato Aragão Makes People Laugh,” which highlighted Didi as the group’s biggest star.
The story not only fed the egos of some, but also hurt those of others, highlighting the financial disparity between the members and generating widespread discomfort. For Mauro Fácio Gonçalves, known as Zacarias, this period was particularly difficult. Known for his reserved and discreet nature, he was never one to expose himself or openly cause conflict.
Even so, he felt the impact of inequality within the group, especially when he saw that Didi’s image was gaining almost mythological dimensions, while he, Dedé, and Mussum were often seen as supporting characters. The situation spiraled out of control when the three Zacarias, Dedé, and Mussum called a press conference to announce their departure from the group.
Yes, as I’ve said before, it’s difficult to talk about this. It’s really difficult, because we’ve never gone through this separation experience before, right? Let’s see how it goes. Renato Aragão, surprised and unaware of the plan, also showed up and was caught completely off guard. It was a very tense moment that reflected an accumulation of internal frustrations.
Globo, unable to continue filming, spent months airing reruns while awaiting a possible reconciliation. Zacarias, despite his peaceful personality, supported the break. He was always loyal to his teammates and shared their feeling that they were being unfairly marginalized. However, his way of dealing with the crisis, like everything else in his personal life, was restrained and quiet.
He wasn’t seeking the spotlight, nor did he make aggressive statements. The bitterness was visible, even more so after Renato Aragão’s harsh statements , who reportedly said at the time that he could replace the three with a dog, a monkey, and a deer. For Zacarias, who always preserved bonds of friendship and respect both on and off stage, this statement was especially painful.
The reconciliation only came a few months later, thanks to the intervention of businessman Beto Carreiro. He arranged a surprise meeting between the four of them at a restaurant in the Mary Jam hotel in Lem. No one knew the others would be there, but when they met there was warmth, emotion, and above all, longing.
The meeting, which began with lunch, extended into dinner, filled with memories, affection, and a shared desire to start over. Zechariah, true to his conciliatory spirit, was instrumental in creating a pleasant atmosphere that afternoon. Although he wasn’t the group’s spokesperson, his calm presence and openness to dialogue helped to dispel the tense atmosphere.
The reconciliation came with contractual adjustments, including an increase in the three parties’ share of the profits and a promise of greater fairness in decision-making. Despite the injuries, the group emerged even more united from that episode. For Zacarias, it wasn’t just a professional matter, but a reunion with the joy that drove him.
Ultimately, behind the wig and the childlike laughter, there was a sensitive man who deeply believed in friendship and the collective spirit that, for so long, defined the [Music] rascals. Mauro Fácio Gonçalves, our unforgettable Zacarias from Os Trafalhões, passed away in 1990, but he remains alive in the fond memories of millions of Brazilians.
The people never forget him. With his innocent humor and unmistakable charisma, he was responsible for bringing laughter to many different generations. But behind that broad smile and contagious energy, there was a reserved, sensitive person who chose to live the most delicate moments of her life with discretion.
Behind the scenes, he was always known for his quiet, almost shy demeanor. Despite being such a popular figure, Mauro preferred to keep his personal life out of the media spotlight. This choice became even more evident in his later years, when he went through health problems that still generate many questions and speculations.
Recently, producer Rafael Espaca, responsible for the documentary “Endless Mishap,” revealed that during his research he discovered stories that had never been clearly revealed before. One of them involves the possibility that Mauro faced a serious illness, something that was never openly discussed by his family or colleagues at the time.
According to Rafael Espaca, there were many rumors behind the scenes about the cause of the actor’s death. Officially, the death certificate indicates cancer as the cause of death. However, people close to him reported a different version, that Mauro had been diagnosed with HV at a time when the topic was still surrounded by much prejudice and misinformation.
Zacarias died in 1991, which was the height of the AIDS epidemic. In the 1980s, talking about this subject was extremely delicate, especially for a public figure so closely associated with the world of children. That’s when it started to give rise to a series of speculations. Fal: “Ah, Zacarias has HIV.” He has HIV, and so on.
The documentary also raises the possibility that Mauro had discreet romantic relationships and that he may have been bisexual. If confirmed, this would not diminish his genius in any way; it would only show how much he was a man ahead of his time, but one who lived in a very judgmental society. Yes, he talks about things and says, “I had a relationship with Zacarias,” and then he talks about it.
Mauro’s ex-wife, Selma Lopes, herself confirmed that during their marriage she never had reason to think about it, but after the separation she wouldn’t know what happened to [the song]. Apparently, even when faced with an offer from Globo to undergo treatment in the United States, where there were more medical advancements, Mauro opted at the time to follow an alternative path based on natural therapies.
This is reportedly due to her spiritualist faith and interest in plant-based treatments and less invasive methods. Because Zacarias never hid the fact that he was bisexual. He never hid it. He never hid it. Never. Regardless of the actual cause of his death, one thing is certain. Zechariah departed in a dignified manner, surrounded by the affection of those who loved him and faithful to his principles.
His choice to remain silent and seek privacy was respected by colleagues, friends, and family. And perhaps that was the way she found to preserve not only her public image, but also the lightheartedness she always wanted to convey. Oh, forget it, don’t say anything about it. The guy is a children’s idol.
This will shock the public. The unforgettable Zacarias dos Trafalhões passed away on March 18, 1990, at the age of 56, after health complications resulting from self-medication and extreme weight loss. Starting in December 1989, he began a strict diet on his own, believing it would improve his health. However, the rapid weight loss ended up weakening her body.
Over time, the problems affected his lungs, leading to his hospitalization at the São Vicente clinic in Rio de Janeiro. Days later, he succumbed to respiratory failure. Zacarias’ death was a shock to the public and profoundly marked the end of an era in Brazilian humor. His image, always associated with joy and laughter, contrasted sharply with the frail appearance of his final days.
For those who followed Mauro’s career , his sudden departure caused sadness, but for his family the suffering was even more painful because of what came after. According to reports from Marl Gonçalves, the actor’s sister, none of his colleagues from the comedy group Os Trapalhões have maintained contact with the family since Mauro’s death.
She said that even those who used to call their mother disappeared after her death. Renato Aragão, Led Santana, and Mussum were present at the wake, but stayed only a short time and completely distanced themselves from Alin em Diante’s family. The three of them came on the day of the clock, said goodbye to God, and left.
For Marle, this estrangement was especially difficult to understand, since her brother had shared so many years of work and success with his colleagues. Carlos Dias, who was a producer and one of Mauro’s best friends, confirmed that the relationship between him and the other members of the group had not been close in recent years.
According to him, Mauro did not have a good relationship with Renato Aragão, although he still had a more amicable connection with the sound. This distance between the members, little known to the public at the time, would help explain the silence and estrangement after Zacarias’ death. In addition to the pain of loss and the estrangement from colleagues, Mauro’s family also became involved in a long legal battle with Rede Globo.
In 2001, Maria Laura Gonçalves, the comedian’s daughter , filed a lawsuit against the broadcaster, claiming copyright infringement for rebroadcasts and reruns between 1989 and 1998. Represented by lawyers specializing in copyright law, she sought 120 million reais, based on the allegation that her father’s image continued to be shown even after his death, without due financial compensation to the family.
The process also involved the company Zacarias Produções Artísticas, which would be entitled to a title worth R$ 1,200,000. subsequently blocked by the broadcaster. However, the lawyers highlighted an important piece of information. While Globo classified the broadcasts as local reruns, the transmissions made by its 347 affiliates throughout Brazil would actually be national retransmissions, which would imply additional payments.
The calculation of the amount requested by the family was based on this interpretation, multiplying 10% of each contract by all affiliates over almost a decade. These developments show that Zacarias’s journey, so marked by laughter and lightheartedness, had an ending surrounded by silence and controversy. Nevertheless, Mauro’s memory remains alive.
His captivating talent, his unmistakable voice, and his unforgettable expressions continue to thrill and entertain those who revisit his scenes. Despite the difficulties faced behind the scenes, Zacarias remains an enduring symbol of Brazilian humor and an icon for an entire generation. [Music] The story of Mauro Fácio Gonçalves, the eternal Zacarias, is marked by many smiles, talent, and also by episodes that reveal the more human side behind the idol.
Despite the difficulties he faced in his final years and the absence of some former colleagues after his passing, Zacarias remains alive in the memory of Brazilians as a symbol of joy and charisma. There’s an interview published on YouTube. Selma Lopes, Zacarias’ ex-wife , shared touching words about him.
With affection, she recalled that, in addition to being a wonderful actor, capable of completely transforming himself when he put on Zacarias’ wig, he was also an exceptional husband and father . He was a wonderful husband and a wonderful father. Her talent on stage and screen enchanted crowds, but according to Selma, her value as a human being was even greater at home.
Even decades after his death, Zacarias’ legacy remains strong. His unique way of doing humor continues to elicit laughter from different generations. And his story, full of twists and turns, shows that behind the artist was a sensitive, discreet man dedicated to his family. A figure who, more than an iconic character, was an admirable human being who deserves to always be remembered with respect, affection, and gratitude.
He is greatly missed. I hope you enjoyed remembering a bit of the story of our eternally clumsy Zacarias. Have you left a comment below about your memories of him and also about his ex-wife, Selma Lopes? She always treated him with great respect. Did you know that the two were married? Leave your comment and your like below.
I’ll leave another video for you here in the cards, which is about some famous people who died while working. Just click on this card and you’ll remember 25 celebrities who died tragically. Many of them when they were live on stage performing. It’s a very moving video, worth watching. I’ll be signing off here, one more announcement, thank you very much, and until our next video.
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Disclaimer : This content may be created by AI for entertainment purposes. Any resemblance to real persons, events, or places is coincidental.
