José Boavida would have been 61 years old. The unexpected departure that left us with memories

José Boavida would have turned 61 this Saturday, August 23. The actor died unexpectedly on January 26, 2016, after suffering a "cardiorespiratory arrest."

The artist, it should be remembered, was urgently admitted to Amadora-Sintra Hospital after falling to the ground unconscious next to his car, in Queluz, at the beginning of January 2016.

At the time, when he was hospitalized, it was speculated that he might have suffered a stroke. However, his brother Gabriel Boavida reported: "Zé didn't suffer a stroke or a heart attack, but rather a cardiorespiratory arrest."

While he was still in the hospital fighting for his life, his family issued a statement thanking the health professionals who provided first aid.

"The José Boavida Family hereby wishes to thank all the dedication, effort and commitment of the 'professionals' of the Queluz Volunteer Firefighters as well as the INEM professionals who provided assistance to José António Boavida on the fateful eighth of this month. They performed their duties exemplarily and scrupulously," they said.

"[...] To all of them, and in particular to those who fought tirelessly for José António's life, our recognition and gratitude. [...] We also want to publicly praise and thank the UCIP (Multipurpose Intensive Care Unit) service, which from day one has been an example of excellence in medical competence, both in the clinical component and in the component, no less important, of humanism towards the patient and their family," they added at the time.

A statement was issued via Facebook.

News to the Minute | 18:09 - 19/01/2016

Days later, the actor's agent, Paulo Araújo, reported that José did not survive the after-effects of cardiorespiratory arrest and died on January 26.

At 51 years old, the actor succumbed to his injuries after suffering a cardiorespiratory arrest.

Mariline Rodrigues with Elsa Pereira and Lusa | 09:00 - 01/26/2016

The actor left behind a daughter, Mariana Boavida, who was 24 at the time. Shortly after the news of her father's death became public, Mariana posted a tribute on Facebook.

"It is with a heart broken into a thousand and one pieces that I write this text, but I do so for my 'old sea dog,' for my great love. My father was a man of culture, a man who breathed art, a man with clear and well-defined ideals. He was not only an actor and director, he was also a writer and creator. My father always had a thousand and one ideas galloping through his chest, and he always knew where he didn't want to go. My father had the luck that few have in life... He received a heartfelt, sincere, and deserved tribute in life. He received a tribute where he was present. Where he drank in the love we all gave him last year. What a privilege.

May my father always know how much he was loved by me and by those who love him. That he was always admired by his colleagues and by people in general. There is no one who can replace him, nor can there be anyone who can ease this immense pain, but it comforts me to know that I had the privilege of being his daughter, his confidant, his friend, his partner in laughter and dancing until the wee hours.

It comforts me to know how much he was loved and admired. I am so proud of the great human being he was. It is now up to us to continue his fight for art and against the 'red carpets.' To you, friends and colleagues, take him as an example. Live art purely and genuinely. Don't let yourself be bent. Fight. Keep creating. To your friends, always remember his laughter that made eyes shine and his unique wisdom. May he never lack applause, may he never lack smiles. May he never be forgotten.

Mariana Boavida left a message on the actor's official Facebook page.

News to the Minute | 10:02 PM - 01/26/2016

The funeral took place at the Basilica da Estrela, in Lisbon, on January 30, 2016, where dozens of personalities were present, including Noémia Costa, Luís Esparteiro, José Raposo, Catarina Furtado, João Reis, Ricardo Castro and Heitor Lourenço.

Since the actor's death, his great friend and colleague Noémia Costa has been remembering him affectionately on social media.

On the day José Boavida would have turned 55 in 2019, Noémia Costa paid tribute to him. "You'd come into the studio and kiss me on the forehead and say, 'Good morning, wife.' I'd laugh and reply, 'Good morning, husband.' We'd go over the scenes several times, and when you misbehaved, I'd say, 'I'm older,' and you, with your smile, would say, 'No, three months,' and we'd both laugh. 'Today you would have been 55. I remember you every day. Until one day, Zé. I'll never hide my smile from you. Today there's a party in heaven.'"

It's worth remembering that the actors played a love interest in the series 'Bem-Vindos a Beirais', on RTP.

The actor died three years ago.

Marina Gonçalves | 09:18 - 08/23/2019

In 2023, another example, Noémia Costa remembered her friend again on the day he passed away. "It's been seven years since José Boavida left. I will never hide my smile from you. I will never forget yours."

The Portuguese artist suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest at the age of 51.

News to the Minute | 10:15 - 01/26/2023

José Boavida's last role was in the series "Welcome to Beirais," but throughout his career he has appeared in many projects. He has also appeared in television shows such as "Inspector Max," "Strawberries with Sugar," "Floribella," "Sweet Fugitive," "Revenge," "Tell Me How It Was," "My Love," "Blood Ties," "Holy Medicine," "Rosa Fogo," "Sweet Temptation," "Dancin' Days," and "Sol de Inverno."

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