Silvio Santos, synonymous with Brazilian television, has long been influential in the entertainment industry.
Born as Senor Abravanel in 1930, Silvio built an empire from humble beginnings, eventually becoming one of Latin America’s most recognizable and influential media moguls.
Highlights
- Santos, at 93, was hospitalized at Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo due to H1N1, a serious respiratory infection.
- Despite intensive care, his condition worsened, leading to complications and his eventual passing due to bronchopneumonia.
- SBT honored Santos on social media, reflecting on his life of 93 years dedicated to bringing joy and love to Brazilians.
As the founder and owner of SBT (Sistema Brasileiro de Televisão), Santos has entertained and captivated audiences for decades with his charismatic on-screen presence.
However, at 93, Silvio Santos, the Brazilian media mogul, passed away. The SBT network said in a statement Saturday on social media,
Today, heaven is happy with the arrival of our beloved Silvio Santos. He lived 93 years to bring happiness and love to all Brazilians. … That wide smile and familiar voice will forever be remembered with much gratitude.
SBT
Silvio Santos Passes Away Due to Complications from Serious Respiratory Infection, H1N1!
Recently, Silvio Santos was admitted to the Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo several weeks ago after being diagnosed with H1N1, a serious viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system.
Despite receiving intensive medical care, Santos’ condition worsened, leading to complications.
The hospital confirmed that he had passed away due to bronchopneumonia, a severe inflammation of the lungs, which had resulted from the H1N1 infection.
His passing has sent shockwaves through Brazil, where he was not just a television icon but a beloved national figure.
Santos, who had been dealing with various age-related health issues, including respiratory problems, was particularly vulnerable to the effects of the virus.
Nossos sentimentos aos familiares, que grande perda para todos nós. Descanse em paz, gênio. 🙏🏼 #silviosantos pic.twitter.com/k5rnTu2pQA
— Zé Neto e Cristiano (@ZNC_Oficial) August 17, 2024
Despite the best efforts of his medical team, the infection led to bronchopneumonia, ultimately proving fatal.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his condolences on X on Saturday, honoring Silvio Santos as
The most incredible personality in the history of Brazilian television and one of the country’s great communicators.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
His passing will impact weekends for millions of Brazilian households eagerly tuned in to the “Silvio Santos Program,” greeted by the familiar opening jingle: “Here comes Silvio Santos!”
He was known for folding airplanes out of cash and tossing them into the crowd during his show. Some episodes lasted up to 10 hours.
Santos’s departure from this world marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations.
Additional Information
- Santos also ventured into cosmetics, hotels, and banking. Forbes estimated his net worth from his 30 companies to be 2 billion reais (approximately $380 million) in 2020.
- In 2021, Presidents Lula and Dilma Rousseff appeared in a documentary about Santos broadcast to commemorate SBT’s 40th anniversary.
- He is survived by his wife, Iris Abravanel, and their six daughters: Patrícia Abravanel, Silvia Abravanel, Rebeca Abravanel, Daniela Beyruti, Cíntia Abravanel, and Renata Abravanel.
