Solano Ribeiro (1919 - 2009) was a Brazilian film director, producer, screenwriter and actor best known for his work in Brazilian cinema. He was born in the town of Santos, Brazil, on August 5th, 1919.
Ribeiro began his career as an actor, appearing in many stage productions throughout the 1940s. After spending some time in the military, he decided to pursue a career in filmmaking. He began directing short films in the 1950s, and eventually graduated to feature films. His first feature was the 1952 drama “O Canto da Saudade” (The Song of Sorrow).
Ribeiro's most notable films were the romantic comedies “O Homem do Sputnik” (The Man from Sputnik) (1960) and “A Noite do Espantalho” (The Night of the Scarecrow) (1966). The first is a love story set in the 1950s, while the second is a comedy set in the 1960s about a man who falls in love with a scarecrow. Both films were well-received and established Ribeiro as a major figure in Brazilian cinema.
In the 1970s, Ribeiro returned to the theater and began directing plays. He also began producing and directing television programs, including the hugely popular soap opera “Bela, a Feia” (Beautiful, Ugly) (1982). This was the first Brazilian soap opera to be broadcast in the United States.
Throughout his career, Ribeiro was known for his insight into Brazilian culture and his ability to create stories that resonated with his audience. He won numerous awards for his work, including the Order of the Southern Cross in 1982, the Prêmio Abril da TV in 1983, and the Prêmio Governo Federal in 2008.
Ribeiro died in 2009, at the age of 89. He left behind a legacy of acclaimed films and television programs, as well as a lasting impression on Brazilian culture. His work continues to be recognized and appreciated by fans around the world.
