Leonardo Villar

Acting

Leonardo Villar

Born July 25, 1923 · Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil

Died July 3, 2020 · aged 96

Leonardo Villar (born as Leonardo Motta in Piracicaba, São Paulo, on July 25, 1923 - São Paulo, July 3, 2020) was a Brazilian actor. He became internationally known for his performance as Zé do Burro in Anselmo Duarte's O Pagador de Promessas, the only Brazilian film so far awarded with a Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. He started his career at the theater, but later also started acting i…

Known For

The Given WordThe Given Word · 1962
The Given Word
8.11962
MovieDrama
Zé is a very poor man whose most prized possession is his donkey. When his donkey falls terminally ill, Zé makes a promise to Saint Bárbara: If his donkey recovers, he will carry a cross - like Jesus - all the way from his city to Saint Bárbara's church, in the state capital. Upon the recovery of his donkey, Zé leaves on his journey. He makes it to the church, but the priest refuses to accept the cross once he discovers the context of Zé's promise.
The BallroomThe Ballroom · 2007
The Ballroom
6.02007
MovieDramaRomance
An evening in an old time dance hall in Sao Paulo introduces us to local characters who reminisce about the past, wonder about the future, have fun, flirt, fight and, of course, dance. Its earthy humour and eternal themes of ageing, loneliness and desire is an antidote to grumpy old men and women everywhere.
Amor de PerversãoAmor de Perversão · 1982
Amor de Perversão
3.01982
MovieDrama
Lampião, King of the BadlandsLampião, King of the Badlands · 1963
Lampião, King of the Badlands
8.31963
MovieActionAdventure
The story of how a quarrel between families set poor farmer Virgulino Ferreira da Silva on the path to become Lampião, the greatest leader of the cangaceiros - bandits who roamed the Northeast of Brazil until the late 1930s.
Improvised and Purposeful: Cinema NovoImprovised and Purposeful: Cinema Novo · 1967
Improvised and Purposeful: Cinema Novo
7.51967
MovieDocumentary
Originally produced for German TV, Improvised and Purposeful is a firsthand look at the "Cinema Novo" movement (otherwise known as the 'Brazilian New Wave'). Director Joaquim Pedro de Andrade focuses on six Cinema Novo filmmakers working in Rio in 1967.
Leonardo Villar - Um Homem SóLeonardo Villar - Um Homem Só · 2001
Leonardo Villar - Um Homem Só
7.02001
MovieDocumentary
A tribute to the actor Leonardo Villar who, in his debut on the big screen, immortalized one of the most memorable characters in Brazilian cinema, Zé do Burro from the classic O Pagador de Promessas.
Brave New LandBrave New Land · 2000
Brave New Land
5.62000
MovieHistoryWar
Diogo is a cartographer and artist who is encharged to set the new frontiers of Portuguese Colonies in South America. When he reaches the center of the continent, finds apparently nothing but wilderness and ‘uncivilized’ natives with strange ways of living. But Captain Pedro, the rude scout who guides him through the jungle, involves Diogo in an involuntary act of violence which will tie him in an unusual way to that far away country. At the same time, the Portuguese colonists are trying to make peace with Guaicuru Indians (one of the few natives with horse-riding abilities). But peace doesn’t ever have a low price.
A Madona de CedroA Madona de Cedro · 1968
A Madona de Cedro
7.51968
MovieDrama
Delfino, a quiet man who lives in Congonhas do Campo, a small historical town in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is urged by his friend to steal the image of the Madona de Cedro (the Cedar Madonna), sculpted by Aleijadinho in the 18th century, from the town sanctuary.

Movies

The Given WordThe Given Word · 1962
The Given Word
8.11962
MovieDrama
Zé is a very poor man whose most prized possession is his donkey. When his donkey falls terminally ill, Zé makes a promise to Saint Bárbara: If his donkey recovers, he will carry a cross - like Jesus - all the way from his city to Saint Bárbara's church, in the state capital. Upon the recovery of his donkey, Zé leaves on his journey. He makes it to the church, but the priest refuses to accept the cross once he discovers the context of Zé's promise.
The BallroomThe Ballroom · 2007
The Ballroom
6.02007
MovieDramaRomance
An evening in an old time dance hall in Sao Paulo introduces us to local characters who reminisce about the past, wonder about the future, have fun, flirt, fight and, of course, dance. Its earthy humour and eternal themes of ageing, loneliness and desire is an antidote to grumpy old men and women everywhere.
Amor de PerversãoAmor de Perversão · 1982
Amor de Perversão
3.01982
MovieDrama
Lampião, King of the BadlandsLampião, King of the Badlands · 1963
Lampião, King of the Badlands
8.31963
MovieActionAdventure
The story of how a quarrel between families set poor farmer Virgulino Ferreira da Silva on the path to become Lampião, the greatest leader of the cangaceiros - bandits who roamed the Northeast of Brazil until the late 1930s.
Improvised and Purposeful: Cinema NovoImprovised and Purposeful: Cinema Novo · 1967
Improvised and Purposeful: Cinema Novo
7.51967
MovieDocumentary
Originally produced for German TV, Improvised and Purposeful is a firsthand look at the "Cinema Novo" movement (otherwise known as the 'Brazilian New Wave'). Director Joaquim Pedro de Andrade focuses on six Cinema Novo filmmakers working in Rio in 1967.
Leonardo Villar - Um Homem SóLeonardo Villar - Um Homem Só · 2001
Leonardo Villar - Um Homem Só
7.02001
MovieDocumentary
A tribute to the actor Leonardo Villar who, in his debut on the big screen, immortalized one of the most memorable characters in Brazilian cinema, Zé do Burro from the classic O Pagador de Promessas.
Brave New LandBrave New Land · 2000
Brave New Land
5.62000
MovieHistoryWar
Diogo is a cartographer and artist who is encharged to set the new frontiers of Portuguese Colonies in South America. When he reaches the center of the continent, finds apparently nothing but wilderness and ‘uncivilized’ natives with strange ways of living. But Captain Pedro, the rude scout who guides him through the jungle, involves Diogo in an involuntary act of violence which will tie him in an unusual way to that far away country. At the same time, the Portuguese colonists are trying to make peace with Guaicuru Indians (one of the few natives with horse-riding abilities). But peace doesn’t ever have a low price.
A Madona de CedroA Madona de Cedro · 1968
A Madona de Cedro
7.51968
MovieDrama
Delfino, a quiet man who lives in Congonhas do Campo, a small historical town in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is urged by his friend to steal the image of the Madona de Cedro (the Cedar Madonna), sculpted by Aleijadinho in the 18th century, from the town sanctuary.
H.O.H.O. · 1967
H.O.
1967
MovieDramaComedy
Homero Olmos, a famous television publicist known as "H.O." or "The Voice of Experience," is driving along a lonely road heading to Rio de Janeiro when he meets Claudia and Luis, a newlywed couple whose car has been in an accident.
Chick Fowle, Faixa Preta de CinemaChick Fowle, Faixa Preta de Cinema · 1981
Chick Fowle, Faixa Preta de Cinema
5.01981
MovieDocumentary
About English photographer Chick Fowle. Statements by Anselmo Duarte, Leonardo Vilar, Marlene França, Vanja Orico. A film about directors, actors and teams that Chick Fowle worked and works with, also showing the possibility of renewal that Brazilian cinema can and must have.
O Santo MilagrosoO Santo Milagroso · 1966
O Santo Milagroso
7.51966
MovieComedy
A pastor and a priest compete for the religious leadership of the population of a small town. When the pastor tries to prevent his sister's involvement with the sacristan, he accidentally starts the rumor that the church houses a miraculous statue of St. Francis.
Procura-se Uma RosaProcura-se Uma Rosa · 1964
Procura-se Uma Rosa
8.01964
MovieCrimeDrama
Dangerous GameDangerous Game · 1967
Dangerous Game
5.81967
MovieCrimeComedy
Two dark-comedy stories involving blackmail, murder and love triangles in Rio de Janeiro
Amor e DesamorAmor e Desamor · 1966
Amor e Desamor
7.01966
MovieDrama
A man and a woman meet in the middle of a newly inaugurated Brasília. In search of a love affair, they settle in his residence, where they live an intimate drama marked by intellectual, moral and erotic ghosts.
SambaSamba · 1965
Samba
3.11965
MovieComedy
Singer Laura Monteiro (Montiel) is murdered by her old protector João Fernandes de Oliveira (Giachetti), who has found out her love affair with Assis (Carlos Alberto). Favela-girl Belén (also Montiel) is the look-alike who takes her place, unaware she is being used by a gang that smuggles precious stones sewn in Carnival costumes. Written by fabreu
Celebração - 100 Anos do Cinema NacionalCelebração - 100 Anos do Cinema Nacional · 1997
Celebração - 100 Anos do Cinema Nacional
1997
MovieDocumentary
"Portraits and excerpts from Brazilian films from all times. Actors, directors and images that affirm cinema."
The Hour and Turn of Augusto MatragaThe Hour and Turn of Augusto Matraga · 1965
The Hour and Turn of Augusto Matraga
7.81965
MovieActionDrama
Augusto Matraga is a violent agressive farmer who, after being betrayed by his wife and trapped by several enemies, is beaten up and left for dead, being rescued by a couple of humble small farmers who nurse him for a long time until he is well again. Influenced by the couple, Matraga starts a long penitent life while waiting for his hour and chance to payback, starting a fight between his violent nature, his hidden desire of vengeance and the mysticism and goodness which is also part of him.
Marquesa de SantosMarquesa de Santos · 1984
Marquesa de Santos
7.51984
MovieRomance
The story of Domitila de Castro Canto e Melo, the Marquise of Santos, the most famous of the mistresses of Dom Pedro I, Emperor of Brazil.
The Big CityThe Big City · 1966
The Big City
6.21966
MovieDrama
In search of a better life, Luzia leaves the Northeast of Brazil and goes to Rio de Janeiro, looking for her fiance who went first to pave their way. Alone in the Marvelous City, she is forced to accept the friendship and protection of Calunga and, later, the company of Inácio.
Friendly FireFriendly Fire · 1998
Friendly Fire
5.81998
MovieDramaHistory
Brazil in the early 70s. Miguel, Eloi, Osvaldo and Paolo take part in armed attacks against the military dictatorship. They pay a heavy price with torture and arrest. Today the four friends still see each other. Only Miguel is politically active. On a photograph from a political meeting in Sao Paolo he recognises the policeman who tortured them 25 years ago and who was responsible for the death of Miguel's girlfriend. The policeman has been officially dead for a few years. On one of their fishing trips together, Miguel tells his friends of his discovery. When they hunt down and confront their nemesis they come into conflict with both themselves and each other.

TV Shows

Family TiesFamily Ties · 2000
Family Ties
6.92000
SeriesDrama
A mature and successful woman, Helena becomes involved with Edu, who is twenty years her junior. She battles prejudice in order to live her love, but their romance fizzles out when she realizes that her daughter Camila has also fallen in love with him. Her dilemma grows even worse when she discovers that the girl has leukemia. Helena must disclose the real identity of Camila‘s father in order to try and find a compatible bone marrow donor. In order to save her, she decides to give up her new love and have another baby with her daughter‘s father.
Tocaia GrandeTocaia Grande · 1995
Tocaia Grande
1995
SeriesDrama
Pé na JacaPé na Jaca · 2006
Pé na Jaca
7.42006
Series
The hypochondriac lawyer Arthur, the model Maria, the religious Elizabeth, the hardworking Guinevere, and the womanizing personal trainer Lancelotti reunite after 25 years in the fictional town of Deus me Livre, in the interior of São Paulo. Determined to correct past mistakes and start their lives anew, they end up rekindling old flames. This is the main plot of Pé na Jaca, which, starting with the reunion of the five childhood friends, shows a frantic hunt for fortune, seasoned with hilarious romantic entanglements.
PassionePassione · 2010
Passione
6.82010
Series
An ambitious young woman with a traumatizing past targets an Italian man, the distant son of a wealthy Brazilian family.
TelerromanceTelerromance · 1981
Telerromance
1981
Series
Caso EspecialCaso Especial · 1971
Caso Especial
6.01971
SeriesDramaCrime
Student's HeartStudent's Heart · 2002
Student's Heart
6.42002
SeriesDrama
Biology professor Edu is an idealistic man who moves with his son Lipe to the charming, fictional town of Nova Aliança, in Minas Gerais, in search of a better quality of life. Edu is engaged to Amelinha, daughter of the wealthy and greedy rancher João Mourão. But this relationship becomes unstable when Edu falls in love with the dreamy lawyer Clara, daughter of Lígia and the experienced lawyer Raul Gouveia. Edu is a single father and tries to always be present in Lipe's life, attempting to keep him away from his mother, Mariana, whose drug addiction prevented her from raising her son. Edu's future father-in-law, João Mourão, is the biggest businessman in Nova Aliança: he owns a farm, a dairy, a meatpacking plant, and a transportation company. João takes issue with Edu when he discovers that the young man is a strong defender of nature and environmental protection laws, which turns him into a rival in the fight for a stretch of virgin forest.
Serras AzuisSerras Azuis · 1998
Serras Azuis
7.01998
SeriesDrama
Barriga de AluguelBarriga de Aluguel · 1990
Barriga de Aluguel
7.71990
SeriesDrama
Ana and Zeca have a happy marriage, but they can't have children. To fulfill their dream, the couple hires the young Clara as a surrogate mother, which leads them into a legal dispute.
AmazôniaAmazônia · 1991
Amazônia
4.41991
SeriesDrama
EscaladaEscalada · 1975
Escalada
8.01975
SeriesDrama
Coração AladoCoração Alado · 1980
Coração Alado
7.61980
SeriesDrama
Os Ossos do BarãoOs Ossos do Barão · 1997
Os Ossos do Barão
9.51997
SeriesDrama
Uma Rosa com AmorUma Rosa com Amor · 1972
Uma Rosa com Amor
6.71972
SeriesDrama
Serafina is a romantic young woman who dreams of experiencing great love. Claude is a wealthy businessman who is in the country illegally. The two make a deal that will transform their lives.
Mania de QuererMania de Querer · 1986
Mania de Querer
8.51986
SeriesDrama
O GritoO Grito · 1975
O Grito
7.71975
SeriesDrama
O Primeiro AmorO Primeiro Amor · 1972
O Primeiro Amor
8.21972
SeriesDrama
Professor Luciano Lima arrives in the fictional town of Nova Esperança to take over as principal of a school. A widower, he hires a governess to take care of his four children: Júnior, Babi, Zizi, and Rui. The professor and the governess, Paula, fall in love, but the romance faces strong resistance from the children, especially Babi, the most rebellious of the four. Luciano also encounters difficulties at the school. His former girlfriend, English teacher Maria do Carmo, does everything she can to steal his position as principal. Meanwhile, a group of maladjusted and rebellious students, led by the biker Rafa, disrupts the school environment and bothers the other students. In this scenario, Giovana, a young psychologist hired by Luciano to help him deal with the rebellious students, emerges. She ends up forming a love triangle with Paula and the professor.
Estúpido CupidoEstúpido Cupido · 1976
Estúpido Cupido
8.51976
SeriesComedy
The story is set in the fictional city of Albuquerque, in the interior of São Paulo, in the early 1960s – a time marked by changing behaviors in much of the world. There, young people enjoy the sounds of rock and twist on the dance floors, follow the fashion of jeans and leather jackets, and show off on Lambrettas and motorcycles through the city streets. In this context, Maria Tereza, a student teacher, dreams of living in the capital and being elected Miss Brazil, but clashes with her boyfriend, João. An idealistic young man who intends to pursue a career in journalism, he is consumed by jealousy of his beloved.
O Homem ProibidoO Homem Proibido · 1982
O Homem Proibido
7.71982
SeriesDrama
Marquesa de SantosMarquesa de Santos · 1984
Marquesa de Santos
8.51984
SeriesDrama
The story of Domitila de Castro Canto e Melo, the Marquise of Santos, the most famous of the mistresses of Dom Pedro I, Emperor of Brazil.
Santa Marta FabrilSanta Marta Fabril · 1984
Santa Marta Fabril
9.51984
SeriesDramaFamily
DesejoDesejo · 1990
Desejo
8.51990
SeriesDrama
Set in the early twentieth century and based on real facts, it tells the love story that led to the murder of one of the greatest Brazilian writers: Euclides da Cunha.
Os Ossos do BarãoOs Ossos do Barão · 1973
Os Ossos do Barão
8.51973
SeriesDrama
Os MiseráveisOs Miseráveis · 1967
Os Miseráveis
7.01967
SeriesDrama