Zezé lived the same character, Xica da Silva, twice. In the picture
"Xica da Silva" (1976), and 20 years after, in the TV series "Xica da
Silva" (1996). In the series, Zezé was Xica's mother from the
beginning, and lived the old Xica at the end.
Considered one of the greatest black actresses in Brazil.
Has a parallel career as a singer.
Her family moved to Rio de Janeiro when Zezé was 2 years old.
Her theater debut was in 1967 in the play "Roda-Vida" of Chico
Buarque.