Denise Dumont, a quintessential Rio de Janeiro girl, was born in the state of Ceará, Brazil, to a family of artists. Her father, Humberto Teixeira, a renowned musician, and her mother, Margarida Polis Teixeira, a talented pianist, were both instrumental in shaping Denise's artistic inclinations. Humberto, affectionately known as "Doctor Baião," was a co-author of the iconic Brazilian song "Asa Branca" and is widely regarded as one of the greatest Brazilian composers of all time, credited with inventing the unique rhythm of "Baião."
Denise embarked on her acting career in the 1970s, appearing in the Globo TV production "O Semideus" in 1973. By the end of the decade, she was hailed as one of the most beautiful and talented actresses of her generation, gracing the cover of Brazilian Playboy in 1980. Her stunning looks and captivating performances earned her the title of Brazil's biggest sex symbol.
Denise's television success was marked by her roles in the soap operas "Marrom Glcé" (1979),"Marina" (1980),and "Voltei pra Vce" (1983),in which she played the title character. Her film credits include leading roles in "Terror e Êxtase" (1979),"Filhos e Amantes" (1982),and "Rio Babilonia" (1983).
In 1985, Denise began her international career, appearing in Hector Babenco's critically acclaimed film "Kiss of the Spider Woman." Two years later, she was chosen by Woody Allen to play a parody of the Brazilian bombshell, singer Carmen Miranda, in his film "Radio Days" (1987),singing the iconic hit "Tico-ticono Fubá."
Since settling in New York in the late 1980s, Denise has been blessed with two children: Diogo (27),her son with Brazilian actor Claudio Marzo, and Anna Bella Chapman-Smith (16),her daughter with British writer Matthew Chapman, great-grandson of Charles Darwin.
