Abelardo Barbosa

Abelardo Barbosa was a Brazilian TV presenter and comedian who was one of the most popular and influential media personalities in Brazil from the 1950s to the 1980s. He was known for his anarchic and irreverent humor, his catchphrases, and his horn that he used to interrupt musical guests and make jokes. He hosted several shows on different networks, such as Rancho Alegre, Discoteca do Chacrinha, Cassino do Chacrinha, and Buzina do Chacrinha. He also launched the careers of many Brazilian singers and bands, such as Roberto Carlos, Raul Seixas, and Tim Maia. He was nicknamed Chacrinha after the name of his first radio show, Rei Momo na Chacrinha, which means King Momo at the Farm. He was also called the Velho Guerreiro, which means the Old Warrior, a reference to his longevity and resilience. He was born in Surubim, Pernambuco, in 1917, and moved to Rio de Janeiro in 1939, where he started working as a radio announcer. He entered the TV industry in 1956 and became a national icon with his innovative and controversial style. He was known for his criticism of the Brazilian society and politics, his support for the Carnival culture, and his interaction with the audience. He also distributed small paper pills with prayers to the audience, which became a popular souvenir. He died of a heart attack in 1988, at the age of 70. He was considered a pioneer of Brazilian television and a cultural phenomenon.