The pursuit of a life less ordinary. The trajectory of afro-brazilian actor Milton Gonçalves.

Elaine Rocha

doi:10.4025/dialogos.v25i3.55458

Abstract

Milton Gonçalves is one of the most awarded actors in Brazil. He is a descendant of slaves, born in 1933 and, as such, he faced the challenges imposed on Afro-Brazilians during post-abolition: poverty and racial discrimination. This article utilizes interviews, newspapers and other media to examine the trajectory of Milton Gonçalves: his origins, life in São Paulo during the Vargas Era, the Teatro de Arena, the TV Channel Globo. Milton goes from being a shy young man to becoming the face and voice recognized by hundreds of millions in Brazil. He also became engaged in the struggle for racial equality in Brazil.

Highlights

Studies of Black History have recognized the contribution of biographical research to understanding the history of a society from a Black point of view
The proposal to examine the life of Milton Gonçalves, a renowned Brazilian actor and prominent activist against racial discrimination in his country, presents an opportunity to review major events of the 20th century related to the social, economic, political or cultural history of Brazil, from the point of view of a Black man who would become one of the most awarded Brazilian actors, with important work in theater, radio, cinema and television
Born in a region of coffee plantations in the southwest of Minas Gerais in 1933, Milton Gonçalves is the son of a maid and a peasant

Summary

Introduction

Studies of Black History have recognized the contribution of biographical research to understanding the history of a society from a Black point of view. The proposal to examine the life of Milton Gonçalves, a renowned Brazilian actor and prominent activist against racial discrimination in his country, presents an opportunity to review major events of the 20th century related to the social, economic, political or cultural history of Brazil, from the point of view of a Black man who would become one of the most awarded Brazilian actors, with important work in theater, radio, cinema and television.

Results

Conclusion