Fernando, a young actor, rose to fame at the tender age of 11 after starring in the iconic film Pixote (1980),where he played the role of Pixote, a street child. Born and raised in the impoverished neighborhood of Diadema, a industrial city close to São Paulo, Brazil, Fernando's life was marked by poverty and illiteracy.
Before his big break, Fernando had limited experience in acting, having only appeared in an amateur play. However, his performance in Pixote earned him widespread recognition, and he was hailed as a symbol of hope for Brazilian street kids. The film's success led Fernando to briefly relocate to Rio de Janeiro, where he attempted to pursue a career in acting, specifically in a Brazilian soap opera, known as a "novela."
Despite his newfound fame, Fernando struggled to memorize scripts due to his lack of literacy. He eventually returned to Diadema, where he faced the same fate as many of his peers, becoming involved with gangs and drug dealing. Tragically, Fernando's life was cut short at the age of 19, when he was killed inside his home by the police. The circumstances surrounding his death remain a mystery.
Fernando's story is a poignant reminder of the harsh realities faced by many Brazilian street children. Despite never having lived on the streets himself, he became a symbol of hope and resilience for his peers. His legacy continues to inspire and raise awareness about the struggles of Brazilian street children to this day.
