Rita Blanco

Rita Blanco, a distinguished Portuguese actress, began her theatrical journey in 1983 with the play *Mariana Espera Casamento*, directed by Luís Miguel Cintra. She completed her Actor Training Course at the Conservatório Nacional in 1985. Notable performances at Teatro da Cornucópia include roles in *Perversões* by David Mamet, directed by Miguel Guilherme and José Pedro Gomes, and *Antes que a Noite Venha* by Eduarda Dionísio alongside Adriano Luz. In 1989, she starred in *Como é Diferente o Amor em Portugal*, adapted from Júlio Dantas and directed by Fernando Gomes. Her performance in *Nunca Nada de Ninguém* by Luísa Costa Gomes earned her a nomination for the Garrett Award for Best Female Performance in 1991.

Blanco's film career includes collaborations with prominent directors like João Botelho, who directed her in several films, including *Três Palmeiras* (1994) and *O Fatalista* (2005). She also worked with renowned filmmakers such as Manoel de Oliveira and Teresa Villaverde.

On television, she gained recognition through series like *A Mala de Cartão* (1988) and *Médico de Família* (1998-2000), and later in *Tempo de Viver* (2006) and *Conta-me como Foi* (2007-2009). After a brief hiatus, she returned to television in 2011, featuring in popular shows across all three major Portuguese channels.

Blanco has received accolades including the Globo de Ouro for Best Actress in Cinema in 2002 and 2012, and she was honored at the Santa Maria da Feira Festival in 2004, further solidifying her legacy as a leading figure in Portuguese performing arts.