Maria Fernanda Cândido
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Maria Fernanda Cândido

Maria Fernanda Cândido, born on May 21, 1974, in Londrina, Paraná, Brazil, is a highly respected Brazilian actress, television presenter, and former model. She began her career in modeling at a young age, even working in Paris during her school breaks, before transitioning into acting. Her breakthrough role came in 1999 as Paola in the immensely popular telenovela Terra Nostra, which earned her significant critical acclaim and awards, including the prestigious Troféu Imprensa for Best Newcomer. Often compared to a young Sophia Loren for her beauty and talent, Cândido's career has flourished across various platforms.In television, she has delivered memorable performances in series such as Esperança (2002), Capitu (2008), Edge of Desire (2017), The President (2022), and Renascer (2024). Her film career is equally impressive, with roles in Brazilian and international productions. She is known for her work in films like Dom (2003), Sal de Prata (2005), My Hindu Friend (2016), and the critically acclaimed Italian crime drama The Traitor (2019), which premiered in competition at Cannes. Her international profile further rose with her role as Vicência Santos in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022). More recently, she starred in A Paixão Segundo G.H. (2023), which earned her a Best Acting Award at the BAFICI. Maria Fernanda Cândido is a significant part of the cast of Kleber Mendonça Filho's upcoming film The Secret Agent (2025), where she plays the character of Elza. Beyond her acting career, she is also a founding partner of "Casa do Saber" in São Paulo, a cultural institution dedicated to fostering intellectual discussions. She is married to Petrit Spahira, and they have two children.

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