Zezé Motta

Acting

Zezé Motta

Born June 27, 1944 · Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (age 82)

Maria José Motta de Oliveira OMC (Campos dos Goytacazes, June 27, 1944), better known as Zezé Motta, is a Brazilian actress and singer, considered one of the greatest artists in the country, an exponent of Afro-Brazilian culture. Zezé has already won numerous awards, including a Candango Trophy at the Brasília Festival, and an Air France Award, in addition to receiving nominations for three Grande…

Known For

Mãe BonifáciaMãe Bonifácia · 2026
Mãe Bonifácia
2026
MovieHistoryDrama
Fim de Semana no Paraíso SelvagemFim de Semana no Paraíso Selvagem · 2022
Fim de Semana no Paraíso Selvagem
2022
MovieDramaHorror
Rejane returns to her hometown, Paraíso, in search of answers to her brother's murder.
Dr. GamaDr. Gama · 2021
Dr. Gama
8.02021
MovieDramaHistory
Based on the biography of Luiz Gama, one of the most important characters in Brazilian history, a black man who used the laws and courts to free more than 500 slaves. Born of a free womb, Gama was sold into slavery at the age of 10 to pay off his father's gambling debts. Even as a slave, he became literate, studied and earned his own freedom, becoming one of the most respected lawyers of his time. An abolitionist and republican who inspired an entire country.
Mulher 80Mulher 80 · 1979
Mulher 80
8.01979
MovieMusicDocumentary
Mulher 80 emerged as a result of the success of 'Malu Mulher' (1979), a miniseries starring Regina Duarte, which addressed the female situation in Brazilian society at that time. The main focus of the special was the female presence in music, honouring the singers and songwriters of MPB with musical numbers and testimonials.
Ecos do Teatro Experimental do Negro
Next week
Ecos do Teatro Experimental do Negro · 2026
Ecos do Teatro Experimental do Negro
2026
MovieDocumentary
Eu Sou BrasileiroEu Sou Brasileiro · 2019
Eu Sou Brasileiro
1.02019
MovieDrama
Na Rédea CurtaNa Rédea Curta · 2022
Na Rédea Curta
6.92022
MovieComedyFamily
Júlio was raised only by his mother. Now, at the age of twenty, he discovers that it will be his turn to be a father, and that's why he decides to go after the father he's never seen.
The Son of a Thousand MenThe Son of a Thousand Men · 2025
The Son of a Thousand Men
7.42025
MovieDrama
In a small village, a lonely fisherman yearning for a son is drawn to an ethereal light that links him to others and their long-buried secrets.

Movies

Mãe BonifáciaMãe Bonifácia · 2026
Mãe Bonifácia
2026
MovieHistoryDrama
Fim de Semana no Paraíso SelvagemFim de Semana no Paraíso Selvagem · 2022
Fim de Semana no Paraíso Selvagem
2022
MovieDramaHorror
Rejane returns to her hometown, Paraíso, in search of answers to her brother's murder.
Dr. GamaDr. Gama · 2021
Dr. Gama
8.02021
MovieDramaHistory
Based on the biography of Luiz Gama, one of the most important characters in Brazilian history, a black man who used the laws and courts to free more than 500 slaves. Born of a free womb, Gama was sold into slavery at the age of 10 to pay off his father's gambling debts. Even as a slave, he became literate, studied and earned his own freedom, becoming one of the most respected lawyers of his time. An abolitionist and republican who inspired an entire country.
Mulher 80Mulher 80 · 1979
Mulher 80
8.01979
MovieMusicDocumentary
Mulher 80 emerged as a result of the success of 'Malu Mulher' (1979), a miniseries starring Regina Duarte, which addressed the female situation in Brazilian society at that time. The main focus of the special was the female presence in music, honouring the singers and songwriters of MPB with musical numbers and testimonials.
Ecos do Teatro Experimental do Negro
Next week
Ecos do Teatro Experimental do Negro · 2026
Ecos do Teatro Experimental do Negro
2026
MovieDocumentary
Eu Sou BrasileiroEu Sou Brasileiro · 2019
Eu Sou Brasileiro
1.02019
MovieDrama
Na Rédea CurtaNa Rédea Curta · 2022
Na Rédea Curta
6.92022
MovieComedyFamily
Júlio was raised only by his mother. Now, at the age of twenty, he discovers that it will be his turn to be a father, and that's why he decides to go after the father he's never seen.
The Son of a Thousand MenThe Son of a Thousand Men · 2025
The Son of a Thousand Men
7.42025
MovieDrama
In a small village, a lonely fisherman yearning for a son is drawn to an ethereal light that links him to others and their long-buried secrets.
Better Days AheadBetter Days Ahead · 1989
Better Days Ahead
6.81989
MovieComedyDrama
Earning her living by dubbing American TV Series, a woman dreams of becoming an international Hollywood star.
Juntos a Magia AconteceJuntos a Magia Acontece · 2019
Juntos a Magia Acontece
6.42019
MovieDramaTV Movie
The death of the matriarch on Christmas eve provokes a crisis that makes the family review attitudes and give a new meaning to the date.
My Time Is NowMy Time Is Now · 2025
My Time Is Now
2025
MovieDocumentary
Filmmaker Sandra Werneck interviews remarkable women such as Marieta Severo, Zezé Motta, Margareth Dalcolmo, Conceição Evaristo, Denise Werneck, and Iole de Freitas for a journey of shared experiences that challenge stereotypes of female aging. From work to love life, from health to sexuality, these women share their stories, reflections, and life lessons, offering inspiration and raising questions about what truly matters when one reaches maturity, while also highlighting the hardships and misfortunes of aging.
The Taste of the BlackberryThe Taste of the Blackberry · 2026
The Taste of the Blackberry
2026
MovieDramaComedy
Pasqualina, 91, is an old lady full of life who lives in a nursing home after having lost all her relatives. In a sunny day, she decides to run away from there: she wants to find a former love she had long lost sight of. In this journey, Pasqualina ends up meeting Petrolina, nicknamed Pety, an 8 years old dreamy girl, that resents the fact of not having a grandmother. The friendship changes their lives, and Pety, surprisingly, tries to adopt Pasqualina.
A SerpenteA Serpente · 1992
A Serpente
2.01992
MovieDrama
Two sisters are newly married; Guida to Paulo and Lígia to Décio. They spend their honeymoon in the apartment, a gift from the father of the brides. They will live there. Just a wall separating the intimacy of the two couples. Guida and Paulo are very happy. But on the other side of the wall; Ligia and Decius were never able to consummate their marriage. Decius is impotent and Ligia decides to commit suicide. To avoid the tragedy Guida, asks her own husband Paul to sleep with her sister for one night to help her losing her virginity. But when they continue to see each other, Guida gets jealous.
Natal da PortelaNatal da Portela · 1988
Natal da Portela
7.11988
MovieDramaMusic
Biography of one of the legendary names in the Samba genre of Brazilian music. Although he could hardly dance or play an instrument, he became one of the main composers of Portela, an important Samba "school" in Rio de Janeiro.
A Comédia DivinaA Comédia Divina · 2017
A Comédia Divina
6.12017
MovieComedy
The Devil himself comes to Earth to open his own church and the world becomes a pandemonium of delights and confusions. Based on a short story by Machado de Assis, the most famous realistic Brazilian writer of the XIX century.
Angels of the NightAngels of the Night · 1987
Angels of the Night
5.61987
MovieDramaComedy
Many exotic characters meet in São Paulo night, looking for love and adventure: Malu, a model; Mauro, a drag queen; Teddy, a hustler; Guto, a gay reporter; and Marta, an actress.
Othelo The GreatOthelo The Great · 2024
Othelo The Great
2024
MovieDocumentary
A beautifully told story using archival footage to explore the life of Grande Otelo, a groundbreaking Black Brazilian actor. Overcoming poverty and racism, he built a stellar career, facing controversy yet using it to challenge prejudice.
Novo MundoNovo Mundo · 2020
Novo Mundo
2020
MovieDrama
A paradise for the eyes, the phrase defines the character's destination place, A Terra Sem Males. After walking through forests and ruins, she realizes that that territory was built on the blood of many peoples. This knowledge could paralyze her, create fear, but they inspire acts of courage.
Extraterrestrial Cat in BootsExtraterrestrial Cat in Boots · 1990
Extraterrestrial Cat in Boots
7.01990
MovieFantasyScience Fiction
A Cat from outer-space comes to earth and befriends a Miller's Son and together they set out to defeat an evil wizard.
Bom Dia, EternidadeBom Dia, Eternidade · 2006
Bom Dia, Eternidade
2006
MovieDrama
Alma Negra, do Quilombo ao BaileAlma Negra, do Quilombo ao Baile · 2026
Alma Negra, do Quilombo ao Baile
10.02026
MovieDocumentary
EuláliaEulália · 2023
Eulália
5.02023
MovieDrama
A simple woman finds herself trapped in a toxic marriage, living a daily journey of submission and unhappiness. With few social ties and no future prospects, she looks for a job to become independent.
The Last PartyThe Last Party · 2023
The Last Party
6.52023
MovieRomanceDrama
'The Last Party' is a young romantic comedy that follows a group of four friends at their high school graduation party. Each protagonist with their love dilemma to solve throughout the night, all connected by the issues of this generation. It's their last night as teenagers. The last night with friends before being separated by different colleges. The last night before the rest of their lives.
Galeria FuturoGaleria Futuro · 2021
Galeria Futuro
6.72021
MovieComedy
Valentim, Kodak and Eddie have known each other since they were little and are shopkeepers at Galeria Futuro, a shopping center in Copacabana that boasted luxury and pomp in its past, and which today, is nothing more than a sad and decaying place. Full of debts and on the verge of bankruptcy, the gallery's management is surprised by a millionaire proposal from a Pastor, who wants to transform the space into an Evangelical Church. The three friends are devastated by the possibility of losing the much-loved Galeria Futuro, but with the help of Paula, a newly arrived shopkeeper, they will create a wild and surreal plan to try to save the Gallery and prevent its sale.

TV Shows

The TrapalhõesThe Trapalhões · 1977
The Trapalhões
8.01977
SeriesComedy
Os Trapalhões was a Brazilian comedy group and also a Brazilian television series created by Wilton Franco. Its members were Dedé Santana, Zacarias, Mussum and their leader Didi Mocó, that was played by Renato Aragão. The name Trapalhões is derived from the Portuguese verb atrapalhar, which means the opposite of helping, to do something the wrong way or to Those that confuse. The name is translated "Tramps" in English DVD subtitles. It was aired by Rede Globo from 1977 to 1999. On March 18, 1990, Zacarias died due to respiratory failure, but the group and the series didn't come to an end until July 29, 1994, when Mussum died due to an unsuccessful heart transplant.
Ouro VerdeOuro Verde · 2017
Ouro Verde
5.52017
SeriesDrama
Zé Maria Magalhães is an innocent young man who, suddenly, sees his dreams and family destroyed by a man's greed: Miguel Ferreira da Fonseca, a powerful banker. For 15 years, Zé Maria is forced to remain hidden, in a life of lies, in another country, imprisoned by the memories of the past, having to assume a new identity. Today, he is a great farmer, owner of the Ouro Verde empire, known as Jorge Monforte, and has become one of the richest men in Brazil. The course of time only fueled his desire for revenge, making him lose the sense of right and wrong and the ability to love. Fifteen years later, he returns to Portugal, ready to avenge the past and destroy Miguel Ferreira da Fonseca.
Port of MiraclesPort of Miracles · 2001
Port of Miracles
6.42001
SeriesDrama
Porto dos Milagres is a Brazilian telenovela that was produced and aired by TV Globo from 5 February to 29 September 2001, totaling 203 chapters. It was written by Aguinaldo Silva and Ricardo Linhares and loosely based on two works written by Jorge Amado - The Dead Sea and the discovery of America by the Turks. Had Philip collaboration Miguez, Maria Elisa Berredo, Nadotti Nelson and Gloria Baker, directed by Fabricio Mamberti and Luciano Sabino. Director general Mark and Robert Paul Naar, co-directed by Fabricio Mamberti and Luciano Sabino. Had the direction of core Marcos Paulo.
3%3% · 2016
3%
7.12016
SeriesDramaSci-Fi & Fantasy
In a future where the elite inhabit an island paradise far from the crowded slums, you get one chance to join the 3% saved from squalor.
Above JusticeAbove Justice · 2016
Above Justice
7.32016
SeriesDramaCrime
In this realistic and touching series told in an innovative format, seemingly independent plots intertwine to show how justice can sometimes be a personal matter.
The Next VictimThe Next Victim · 1995
The Next Victim
7.51995
SeriesCrime
A young law student starts to work as a detective, decided to uncover the identity behind a series of murders, as well as who is next.
Little MissyLittle Missy · 2006
Little Missy
6.72006
SeriesDrama
Monarchists and republicans meet in Araruna, a small fictional town in the interior of São Paulo, in 1886. The novel portrays the love story of the beautiful and wealthy Sinhá Moça - daughter of the slave, Barão Ferreira de Araruna, and sweet and submissive Mother Candida - , with the young abolitionist lawyer Dr. Rodolfo Fontes - son of Dr. Fontes, and the housewife Inêz. Together, they face the difficulties in the campaign for the abolition of slaves.
A Nobreza do AmorA Nobreza do Amor · 2026
A Nobreza do Amor
9.52026
SeriesDramaSci-Fi & Fantasy
Power PlayPower Play · 1984
Power Play
9.31984
SeriesDrama
Eloá and Osmar's marriage is thrown into crisis when a mysterious man crosses their path. With a thirst for prestige and power, Eloá will face the consequences of her ambition.
Rebel RioRebel Rio · 2011
Rebel Rio
6.92011
SeriesFamily
Elite Way is one of the most renowned educational institutions in the country, where students have access to high quality education and play sports. Despite the rigid schedule, the richest families in Rio de Janeiro want that their children study in the Elite Way. This is the case of Alice, Diego, Roberta, Carla and Tomás, some rebel teenagers and full of fancies that will discover in music a common goal.
Duas VidasDuas Vidas · 1976
Duas Vidas
7.71976
SeriesDrama
Albert, the RockefellerAlbert, the Rockefeller · 1968
Albert, the Rockefeller
9.51968
SeriesComedy
Albert, the Rockefeller is a Brazilian telenovela produced by TV Tupi and aired from November 4, 1968 to November 30, 1969. It was created by Cassiano Gabus Mendes, written by Bráulio Pedroso and directed by Lima Duarte and Walter Avancini.
Xica da SilvaXica da Silva · 1996
Xica da Silva
7.81996
SeriesDrama
FloribellaFloribella · 2005
Floribella
8.72005
SeriesComedy
Kananga do JapãoKananga do Japão · 1989
Kananga do Japão
8.31989
SeriesDrama
SunshineSunshine · 2007
Sunshine
7.02007
SeriesDramaFamily
At her birthday party, a little girl disappears and her family is left desperate. Years later, their hope returns in the form of a seaside young woman.
Pacto de SanguePacto de Sangue · 1989
Pacto de Sangue
10.01989
SeriesDrama
Summer AffairSummer Affair · 1998
Summer Affair
7.01998
SeriesComedy
Farmer Selena is a strong-willed young woman who won't rest until she uncovers a secret kept by her mother Camila: the identity of her father.
Love BitesLove Bites · 2002
Love Bites
6.42002
SeriesSci-Fi & Fantasy
Set in the fictional city of Maramores, the plot centers on the character of Lívia, whose destiny begins to be shaped in the 12th century when the vampire Boris falls madly in love with her and decides to win her over at any cost, regardless of time or place. In medieval times, Lívia is Princess Cecília, Beto is Count Rogério, and Boris is Duke Boris. The present-day story begins with the introduction of Lívia's story, her husband Beto, and their children, Zeca, Tetê, and Juninho. The family's happiness will be destroyed, just as in Lívia and Beto's past lives (Princess Cecília and Count Rogério), by the reappearance of the vampire Boris. He wants to reclaim Zeca, who is not actually Lívia and Beto's son, but his son with a mistress. As soon as he was born, while still in the maternity ward, Boris placed Zeca in the place of Lívia's true son.
SupermanoelaSupermanoela · 1974
Supermanoela
7.01974
SeriesComedy
Manoela is employed in the home of Donato, an employee at a cosmetics factory, and Carolina. After her boss's death, Carolina finds herself unprepared to deal with the serious financial difficulties and fires Manoela, who agrees to work for free, becoming a kind of guardian angel, advisor, and administrator of the house. To pay the mortgage on the property, she suggests that Carolina rent out two of the vacant rooms. The new tenants are four students who have recently arrived in Rio to take the university entrance exam. During their studies, the young men meet Marcelo, nicknamed Belo, who falls in love with Manoela. The relationship gives her the opportunity, for the first time, to forget about other people's problems and live her own life.
Boogie OogieBoogie Oogie · 2014
Boogie Oogie
7.82014
SeriesDrama
In the swing of the 70s, two women fight for the love of the same man without knowing their fates were already intertwined.
Transas e CaretasTransas e Caretas · 1984
Transas e Caretas
9.01984
SeriesDrama
The telenovela tells the story of Francisca Moura Imperial, a wealthy businesswoman, and her two sons: Jordão and Tiago, who show little interest in the family business. Jordão is the product of a whirlwind romance in Francisca's youth, while Tiago was born from her marriage to Roberto, a seductive man who moves in high society but is penniless. Francisca is preoccupied with her sons but cannot interfere in their lives as much as she would like. Eccentric and full of outlandish ideas, she decides to undergo plastic surgery, which makes her look 20 years younger, believing that this will bring her closer to Jordão and Tiago. Francisca's greatest concern is that at least one of her sons will marry and give her a grandchild, thus ensuring the continuation of the family name.
The EndThe End · 2023
The End
6.12023
SeriesDrama
‘The End’ chronicles the passing of time in friendships and romances. The story is told through the memories of five friends who have partaken of the pleasures of youth in Rio de Janeiro, from the glamorous 1960s to the colorful 1980s. The five get together at the funeral of the most beloved of them, in the early 1990s. Adapted from the best-selling novel by award-winning actress and writer Fernanda Torres. The author herself has adapted the novel for television, diving into profound issues, such as aging and death. Always with Torres’ own celebrated brand of elegant, witty humor. The cast features a number of award-winning, household Brazilian actors.
HelenaHelena · 1987
Helena
8.01987
SeriesDrama