José Santa Cruz was a Brazilian actor known for his voice work in various productions, including the Brazilian versions of “Transformers” and the animated series “Dinosaurs.” He had a remarkable career that spanned seven decades, making significant contributions to the Brazilian dubbing industry.
Personal and Family Life
José Santa Cruz was born on March 14, 1929, in Picuí, Paraíba, Brazil. He was not only an actor but also a comedian, radio host, and announcer. Throughout his life, he was celebrated for his versatility and talent in bringing characters to life through dubbing.
Career Highlights
Santa Cruz became widely recognized as the Brazilian voice of iconic characters, including the villain Megatron in three versions of “Transformers” and the character Earl Sinclair in “Dinosaurs.” His extensive work in dubbing and acting left a lasting impact on Brazilian entertainment. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he stepped away from performing, but his contributions continued to resonate in the industry.
Death and Legacy
José Santa Cruz passed away on April 26, 2024, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, due to bronchopneumonia after struggling with Parkinson’s disease and other health issues. His legacy as a leading figure in Brazilian dubbing and acting will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 007½ no Carnaval | 1966-03-01 | Jojóca |
| Morte e Vida Severina | 1981-12-22 | Volante |
| A Espiã que Entrou em Fria | 1967-10-05 | Rubi |
| Humberto Mauro | 1970-01-01 | Narrator |
| Terra Sem Deus | 1963-01-01 | |
| …altrimenti ci arrabbiamo! | 1974-03-29 | Lefty (uncredited) |
| Cômicos… + Cômicos… | 1971-06-14 | |
| No Gogó do Paulinho | 2020-04-09 | Adamastor |
| O Candidato Honesto 2 | 2018-08-30 | Deputado Vanceslau Guimarães |
| Barbeiro | 2015-03-17 | José Carlos (Jojoca) |
| Espelho da Vida | 2018-09-25 | Padre Léo |
| Zorra | 2015-05-09 | |
| Zorra Total | 1999-03-25 | Costado / Tesourinha |
| Zorra Total | 1999-03-25 | Manoelito |