Raul Roulien

Raul Salvador Intini Pepe Roulien (October 7, 1904 – September 8, 2000), known to the world as Raul Roulien, emerged as a pioneering figure in Brazilian cinema and theater. Renowned as the first male Brazilian star to make a name for himself in Hollywood, Roulien's career left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

His journey began in 1928, when he made his debut in the recording industry, quickly establishing himself as a prominent theater actor and composer. That same year, he co-founded the theatrical troupe Abigail Maia-Raul Roulien with his first wife, actress Abigail Maia. The duo was credited with creating a new theatrical genre known as "frivolity theater," which featured short, lively performances designed to entertain audiences during film intermissions.

In 1931, Roulien's striking looks and immense talent caught the attention of 20th Century Fox, leading him to Hollywood, where he worked until 1934. During this period, he appeared in 18 films, including the notable works "Delicious" (1931) and "Flying Down to Rio" (1933), the latter marking the iconic first dance between Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

Tragedy struck in 1933 when Roulien's second wife, Diva Tosca, was tragically killed in an accident on Sunset Boulevard. Despite personal challenges, Roulien's contributions to cinema and theater remain memorable, solidifying his legacy in the annals of Brazilian and Hollywood history.