Thiago Chagas, o comediante salvo por Fernanda Montenegro
Raras são as imitações feitas por humoristas que escapam da crítica excessiva ou de um deboche duvidoso. A personagem Dona Fernandona, criada pelo ator carioca Thiago Chagas em homenagem à atriz Fernanda Montenegro, é uma exceção.
Thiago Chagas, a comedian saved by Fernanda Montenegro, created the character Dona Fernandona in honor of the actress in 2013. Since then, Dona Fernandona has gained thousands of admirers on social media and stages, including Fernanda Montenegro herself. Prior to her success, Thiago, now 43, struggled for two decades in comedy, investing in adaptations of works by Caio Fernando Abreu and Clarice Lispector, collaborating with conceptual directors, and participating in experimental processes.
His humor stems from his natural nature and witty comments, often starting with an acute tone before shifting to a grave register. In 2019, a friend offered him money to play Dona Fernandona at a literary fair in Rio, celebrating Fernanda Montenegro's 90th birthday. Thiago hesitated but eventually agreed, purchasing a white wig, classic pants, and a feminine blouse to transform into the character.
The character debuted in front of a large audience, ahead of a performance by singer and composer Lenine. At the time, Thiago was frustrated, earning a living through producer jobs, and considering giving up comedy. The pandemic brought him renewed energy, and he started posting videos on Instagram in April 2020, with his first viral video responding to an interview with Fernanda Montenegro in which she criticized the effects of COVID-19.
Thiago gained popularity among the artistic class, with actors Lázaro Ramos, Tuca Andrada, and Luiz Fernando Guimarães, and actresses Regina Casé and Betty Faria praising and sharing his posts. In 2022, Fernanda Montenegro returned to the stage with a dramatic reading of Nelson Rodrigues's "Ele Mesmo" in Rio de Janeiro, and Thiago approached her after the session to express his admiration.
Fernanda Montenegro praised Thiago's imitation and encouraged him to continue, calling him a true imitator. Thiago now includes appearances by Dona Fernandona in his shows and understands that he no longer needs elaborate costumes to captivate the audience. His career took a significant turn, with invitations to corporate events and television programs.
For the past three years, Thiago has been performing stand-up comedy Extraviado 3.0 – Rindo sem Desligar o Cérebro, based on his life stories, bullying experiences, and acceptance of sexuality. In his final show, Dona Fernandona delivers messages about transformative listening and openness to various forms of love.
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