Born June 8, 1950, in Maringá, Paraná State, Brazil to a seamstress mother and a Realtor father. Made a notable appearance in the film adaptation of Jorge Amado's Dona Flor e Seus Dois Maridos (1976). Played the central role of Dona Flor. Earned American recognition and a Golden Globe nomination for performance in Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985). She was nominated a second Golden Globe for her performance in Moon Over Parador (1988). She played the part of Madonna Mendez.