Entertainment · Celebrity · 7 hrs ago
Nuno Leal Maia returns to Rio theatre after years away from TV
Brazilian actor Nuno Leal Maia is back on stage in Rio in the play “Meno Male,” after being away from television dramas since 2012.
At 79, he is known for roles in popular Brazilian TV dramas including “Mandala” and “Top Model.”
He says he is rarely approached for television work, and that his distance from the screen was not entirely his choice.
Maia says he holds no resentment toward the television industry, describing it as a business.
He believes older actors have fewer opportunities in Brazil than in the United States and Europe.
He has never let fame define him, saying he values peace and control over his own life.
Theatre is where he has more chances to work now, while he continues to avoid social media and prefers activities such as yoga.
Nuno Leal Maia, 79, has returned to the theatre in Rio de Janeiro with the play “Meno Male.”
He has been away from television soap operas since 2012 and says he is rarely approached for TV roles.
Maia says he holds no resentment toward the television industry, describing it as a business.
He says he never let fame take control of his life and prefers peace and a quiet routine.
He says older characters are valued more in the United States and Europe than in Brazil.
- Who
- Nuno Leal Maia, a Brazilian actor.
- What
- He has returned to the stage in Rio with the play “Meno Male.
- When
- The articles were published on October 26, 2026; the exact date of the return is not stated.
- Where
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Maia’s last soap opera role was in 2012.
Articles reported that Maia had returned to the Rio theatre stage in “Meno Male.
- Age
- 79
- Last soap opera year
- 2012
- Play
- Meno Male
- Playwright
- Juca de Oliveira
- Location
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Published
- October 26, 2026
3 sources
A lição de Nuno Leal Maia, 79 anos, sobre fama e prosperidade: 'Nunca me iludi com o sucesso. Nunca deixei as coisas escaparem do meu controle. Quem tem que mandar em mim sou eu'
Nuno Leal Maia fala sobre envelhecer: 'Nem imaginava estar vivo aos 79'
Nuno Leal Maia fala sobre afastamento da TV e envelhecimento: 'Não imaginava estar vivo aos 79 anos'
What people are saying
I’m hardly ever approached to do television.
I have no resentment toward anyone. None of that.
Americans and Europeans work much more with older people.
Whoever has to be in charge of me is me.