Personal details
Born:
- Birthday: 1963-08-06
- Born Place: Benguela, Angola
Valdemar Santos
Valdemar Santos is a veteran Portuguese-Angolan actor, born on August 6, 1963, in Benguela, Angola, who has built a prolific career across Portuguese cinema and television over several decades. Known for his gravitas and presence in dramatic roles, he has become a frequent collaborator with prominent directors such as Lav Diaz, Rodrigo Areias, and Gabriel Abrantes. In the 2025 epic historical drama Magellan (Magalhães), directed by Lav Diaz, Santos plays the pivotal role of Rui Faleiro, the Portuguese cosmographer and astronomer who was the principal scientific architect of the expedition before mental health struggles and disputes prevented him from sailing. This role further cemented his international art-house profile following his appearance in the 2023 horror-thriller Amelia’s Children and the critically acclaimed 2022 supernatural drama Alma Viva. His extensive filmography spans various genres, including notable performances in the colonial war drama Mosquito (2020), the experimental Fernando Pessoa-inspired film The Nothingness Club (2023), and the award-winning A Sublime Life (2018). On television, Santos has maintained a steady presence in major Portuguese productions such as the thriller series Motel Valkirias (2023), the historical anthology Lusitânia (2023), and the long-running drama Senhora do Mar (2024). Beyond his screen work, he has been involved in several short films like Carga (2017) and documentary projects like O Espectador Espantado (2016). As of 2026, he continues to be a staple of the Lusophone creative industry, appearing in the documentary series Daqui Houve Resistência and remaining active in both theatrical and independent film circuits.
Person History
Magellan 2025
2025