Ruth de Souza - Actor Profile

Ruth de Souza

Acting
Updated: May 10, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: May 12, 1921
Birth Place: Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

About Ruth de Souza

Ruth Pinto de Souza was considered one of the great ladies of Brazilian dramaturgy and the first great reference for black artists on television for her notable roles. Ruth stood out for being the first black actress to star in a soap opera on Rede Globo in A Cabana do Pai Tomás (1969) — and the second on Brazilian television, after Yolanda Braga, in A Cor da Sua Pele (1965) on TV Tupi — in addition to being the first Brazilian artist nominated for the best actress award at an international film festival, for her work in Sinhá Moça (1954) at the Venice Film Festival.

Ruth de Souza Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Ruth de Souza reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Ruth de Souza's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 60% of Ruth de Souza's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Distraída para a Morte, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Ruth de Souza Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Ruth de Souza's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Ruth de Souza has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2022 Conversations with Ruth de Souza - Flop Similar →
2022 Primavera Josephina / Matilda / Madre Amélia Average Similar →
2020 Emicida: AmarElo - It's All for Yesterday Self (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2019 Filhas de Lavadeiras herself Super Hit Similar →
2019 Pressed, Ripped Apart (archive footage) Flop Similar →
2018 Inezita - Super Hit Similar →
2016 Pitanga Self Average Similar →
2014 O Vendedor de Passados Dona Célia Average Similar →
2013 Inezita Barroso - A Voz e a Viola - Flop Similar →
2011 Abdias Nascimento - Flop Similar →
2009 Em Quadro: A História de 4 Negros nas Telas Self Flop Similar →
2005 Daughters of the Wind Cida Average Similar →
2003 A Mãe e o Filho da Mãe - Flop Similar →
2001 Movie Theaters of Rio Self Hit Similar →
2001 Distraída para a Morte Carolina de Jesus Super Hit Similar →
2000 Denying Brazil Herself Super Hit Similar →
2000 O Aleijadinho - Paixão, Glória e Suplício Joana Super Hit Similar →
1999 A Fit of Rage Mariana Flop Similar →
1994 Boca Mrs. Esteban Flop Similar →
1991 High Art Old Woman Kissing Flop Similar →
1990 Only One Survived Mama Santa Super Hit Similar →
1989 As Divas Negras do Cinema Brasileiro - Flop Similar →
1987 Jubiabá Tia Luiza Average Similar →
1987 Memória Vera Cruz: A Recuperação de um Sonho - Flop Similar →
1981 Fruit of Love - Hit Similar →
1977 Who Killed Pacifico? - Super Hit Similar →
1977 Sweet Thieves Rainha Louca Hit Similar →
1976 Pontal da Solidão Narração Super Hit Similar →
1975 Pureza Proibida - Super Hit Similar →
1974 Um Homem Célebre - Super Hit Similar →
1968 The Naked Man Testemunha de Jeová Average Similar →
1963 Gimba, Presidente dos Valentes - Super Hit Similar →
1963 O Cabeleira - Hit Similar →
1962 Assault on the Pay Train Judith Super Hit Similar →
1961 Bruma Seca Luisa Average Similar →
1960 Death Commands Brigandage Rezadeira Hit Similar →
1960 Macumba Love Mama Rata-loi Super Hit Similar →
1960 Favela - Super Hit Similar →
1959 Lonesome Women - Super Hit Similar →
1959 Ravina - Average Similar →
1957 Osso, Amor e Papagaios - Super Hit Similar →
1956 Quem matou Anabela? Shirley Super Hit Similar →
1954 Candinho Dona Manuela Hit Similar →
1953 The Landowner's Daughter Sabina Average Similar →
1951 Terra é Sempre Terra - Hit Similar →
1951 Angela - Hit Similar →
1950 The Shadow of Another - Super Hit Similar →
1949 Também Somos Irmãos Rosália Super Hit Similar →
1949 Terra Violenta Empregada Super Hit Similar →
1948 Falta Alguém no Manicômio - Super Hit Similar →

Ruth de Souza - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Ruth de Souza?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ruth de Souza is "Distraída para a Morte" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Ruth de Souza acted in?

Ruth de Souza has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Ruth de Souza?

Other notable films include "Um Homem Célebre", "Falta Alguém no Manicômio", and "Filhas de Lavadeiras".

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