Alice Braga, Brazilian actress

Alice Braga Moraes, born on April 15, 1983, is a highly acclaimed Brazilian actress and producer whose career impressively bridges the vibrant landscape of Brazilian cinema with the global reach of Hollywood. Her name, pronounced [a'lisi ˈbɾaɡɐ mo'ɾajs] in Brazilian Portuguese, has become synonymous with powerful and versatile performances across a wide array of genres, captivating audiences worldwide.

Early Career and Rise in Brazilian Cinema

Braga's journey to stardom began in her native Brazil, where she quickly established herself as a formidable talent. A pivotal role that brought her to international attention was her compelling portrayal of Angélica in Fernando Meirelles' critically acclaimed 2002 crime drama, City of God. This seminal film, lauded globally for its raw authenticity and intense narrative, became a landmark in Brazilian cinema and served as a launchpad for her career. She continued to solidify her presence in the Brazilian film industry with other memorable performances, including her role as Karinna in the 2005 drama Lower City and as Dolores in the 2006 film Only God Knows, further cementing her status as a leading actress in her home country.

International Breakthrough and Hollywood Presence

Her transition to the global stage was significantly marked by her performance opposite Will Smith in the 2007 post-apocalyptic thriller, I Am Legend, where she played the character Anna Montez. This breakthrough role showcased her ability to command the screen alongside established international stars and quickly made her a familiar face in Hollywood. Since then, Braga has consistently appeared in a diverse range of high-profile films, demonstrating her remarkable versatility and adaptability across different genres. Her extensive Hollywood filmography includes the action-packed science fiction movie Predators (2010), the supernatural horror film The Rite (2011), the thought-provoking dystopian epic Elysium (2013), the faith-based drama The Shack (2017), lending her voice to the animated Pixar masterpiece Soul (2020), and joining the ensemble cast of James Gunn's superhero film The Suicide Squad (2021).

Television Success with Queen of the South

Beyond her significant work in film, Alice Braga achieved widespread recognition and critical acclaim for her starring role as Teresa Mendoza in the popular crime drama-thriller television series Queen of the South. Airing from 2016 to 2021 over five successful seasons, her portrayal of a resourceful woman who builds a powerful drug empire after fleeing Mexico resonated deeply with audiences. This complex and enduring leading role not only showcased her impressive acting range but also solidified her position as a compelling presence in episodic television. Furthermore, Braga's involvement with the series extended behind the camera, as she served as an executive producer, underscoring her commitment to shaping the narrative and production of the stories she tells.

FAQs About Alice Braga

When and where was Alice Braga born?

Alice Braga Moraes was born on April 15, 1983, in São Paulo, Brazil.

What was Alice Braga's breakthrough role that brought her international attention?

Her breakthrough role was as Angélica in the acclaimed 2002 Brazilian film City of God, which garnered global critical recognition. She later achieved significant international prominence opposite Will Smith in the 2007 film I Am Legend.

In which popular television series did Alice Braga star?

She starred as the titular character Teresa Mendoza in the crime drama-thriller television series Queen of the South, which aired from 2016 to 2021.

Has Alice Braga worked as a producer?

Yes, in addition to her acting career, Alice Braga is also a producer. She served as an executive producer for the television series Queen of the South.

What are some of Alice Braga's most notable Hollywood films?

Some of her prominent Hollywood film credits include I Am Legend (2007), Predators (2010), The Rite (2011), Elysium (2013), The Shack (2017), Soul (2020), and The Suicide Squad (2021).