The President of the Republic paid tribute to actress Glória de Matos, who passed away this Thursday at the age of 89 due to heart failure. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa emphasized that he “was often privileged to witness her talent” and assured that those who knew her “will never forget her.”
“She accompanied many generations of Portuguese over decades. In theater, on radio, on television, in her constant interaction with the many thousands who admired her for her ability to convey emotions and identify with what was changing in Portuguese society,” reads a note published on the official website of the Presidency of the Republic.
“Glória de Matos, besides being a great actress, was a great person, and therefore those who knew and remember her will never forget her,” stated Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who “extends to her family, friends, and admirers the gratitude of Portugal.”
Glória de Matos passed away today at 89 due to heart failure, as reported by SIC Notícias.
The channel cites the actress’s family, who provided details of the funeral arrangements.
“The body will be in repose at the Church of S. João de Deus in Lisbon, on Saturday between 18:00 and 22:00 and Sunday between 12:00 and 15:30, at which time a service will be held and the body will proceed to the Cemitério do Alto de S. João,” the family announced in a statement.
Who was Glória de Matos?
Born Maria da Glória Martins de Matos on May 30, 1936, in Lisbon, she became known to the public as Glória de Matos.
She began her acting career alongside Fernando Amado, with whom she founded the Casa da Comédia, completing her theater course after winning a scholarship from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. Her career was primarily rooted in theater.
In 1968, she joined the Companhia Portuguesa de Comediantes and the following year, the company of Teatro Nacional D. Maria II.
Glória de Matos made her cinema debut in the 1967 film “Operação Dinamite.” She also appeared in “Benilde,” “A Virgem Mãe,” “Francisca,” “Os Canibais,” “Vale Abraão,” “O Quinto Império,” and “Espelho Mágico.”
Teaching was also a significant part of her professional life. She taught at the School of Theater of the National Conservatory, later transformed into the School of Theater and Cinema. At Universidade Aberta, she taught Oral Expression. Glória de Matos was also an advisor to the Secretariat of State for Culture from 1990 to 1992 and was a member of the High Authority for Social Communication from 1991 to 1994.
She shone on television in soap operas like “Vila Faia,” “Origens,” and “Terra Mãe.” Her last performance was in the theater piece “Odeio-te, Meu Amor,” at the Teatro Nacional D. Maria II in 2017.
Glória de Matos was married to television presenter and commentator Henrique Mendes, known for hosting the SIC program “Ponto de Encontro,” who died in 2004 at the age of 73.
Actress Glória de Matos died this Thursday, December 11, at the age of 89 due to “heart failure.” She excelled in theater over a career spanning six decades and participated in television projects such as “Vila Faia,” “Origens,” and “Terra Mãe.” She was married to television presenter and commentator Henrique Mendes, who died in 2004.
Elisa Peralta | 18:17 – 11/12/2025
