Manoel Carlos, the legendary soap opera writer affectionately known as Maneco, was laid in state this Sunday, January 11, 2026, in Rio de Janeiro. At 92 years old, he passed away on Saturday (10), leaving a legacy of more than 15 soap operas that marked generations on Brazilian TV. Close friends, family, and major figures from the national theater scene gathered for a final farewell. The event gains great significance in this year of 2026, as it seals the loss of one of the greatest storytellers on Brazilian television, a central figure for understanding the culture of soap operas in the country.
The information about his passing was confirmed by the production company Boa Palavra, run by his daughter, Júlia Almeida. Personalities such as actors Lilia Cabral, Tony Ramos and his wife Lidiane Barbosa, as well as director Jayme Monjardim, were seen leaving the chapel, in a moment of emotion and longing. The farewell is due to health complications, as the writer had been living with Parkinson’s for about six years and had been away from television since 2014.
The Legacy of the “Helenas” and Leblon
Manoel Carlos built a brilliant career by creating unforgettable narrative universes. His most celebrated works, such as “Laços de Família”, “Mulheres Apaixonadas”, and “Por Amor”, not only captivated the audience but also shaped a unique style. He had a preference for setting his stories in the upscale neighborhood of Leblon, in Rio de Janeiro, and for naming his protagonists “Helena”, a distinctive common thread throughout his career. In this way, his work became a social and emotional portrait of a certain Rio elite, exploring family and romantic dilemmas with depth.
His withdrawal from the cameras, however, did not erase his influence. Even away from the spotlight since “Em Família”, his mark remains alive in the cultural memory of Brazilians. Therefore, his death represents the end of an era for television drama. Nevertheless, his extensive catalog of soap operas ensures that his legacy will continue to be revisited and discovered by new generations, whether through reruns or streaming.
