ACTOR · BORN 1965
Maria de Medeiros
- Born
- 19 August 1965, Lisbon, Portugal
- Known for
- Pulp Fiction (1994), My Life Without Me (2003), 100 Meters (2016), Henry & June (1990)
13 archived facts 3 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
All facts (13)
- #001
Maria de Medeiros is a multilingual artist who speaks a fourth language fluently in addition to Portuguese, English and French. This linguistic ability gave her a major advantage in her international career, allowing her to take roles comfortably in productions in different countries. Her presence in French cinema in particular was strengthened further by her language skills.
- #002
Medeiros studied philosophy during her university years and believes this academic background added depth to her acting. Philosophy developed her ability to analyse characters and approach her roles from a different perspective. This education became an important element shaping her artistic outlook.
- #003
Maria de Medeiros raised two daughters with her husband Agustí: Júlia, born in 1997, and Leonor, born in 2003. Managing to balance family life with her career, Medeiros continued her artistic work actively while her children were growing up. This balance holds an important place in both her private and professional life.
- #004
The artist has lived in France for many years. France has been a central location for both her career and her personal life. The country offered her the chance to be at the heart of European cinema and to take part in many international projects.
- #005
Medeiros moved to Paris in 1984, where she enrolled in the National Schools of Arts and Theatre Techniques and continued her acting training. This step laid the foundation of her career in French cinema and made her an internationally recognised actress. Paris was a critical turning point in her artistic development.
- #006
In 2005 she served on the jury for the second and third selection rounds of the prestigious CNSAD (Conservatoire National Supérieur d'Art Dramatique) in Paris. This role demonstrates her standing and experience in the worlds of theatre and cinema. Having a say in the evaluation of young talents is another indication of her contribution to the industry.
- #007
Medeiros worked with the famous actress Uma Thurman on two important films: Henry & June (1990) and Pulp Fiction (1994). These collaborations helped her become known in Hollywood and gain significant momentum in her international career. Her role in Pulp Fiction in particular was a turning point in her career.
- #008
In Paris she is working on a music CD titled A Little More Blue featuring Brazilian music themes. This project also allows her to display her musical talent. Her interest in Brazilian music reflects the importance she gives to cultural diversity and her desire to expand her artistic boundaries.
- #009
In 2007 she served on the jury of the Cannes Film Festival, one of the world's most prestigious film festivals. This role confirmed her reputation and competence in the film world at an international level. Her jury membership at Cannes is regarded as one of the most important honours of her career.
- #010
Maria de Medeiros's family also includes figures closely involved in the arts: her sister Inês de Medeiros and her half-sister Ana Medeiros. These family ties broadened her artistic circle and gave her different perspectives. These relationships have been an important source of support in both her personal and professional life.
- #011
On 10 June 1992 Medeiros was made a Dame of the Order of Saint James of the Sword, Portugal's Order of Scientific, Literary and Artistic Merit. She was then honoured on 19 January 2004 as a Dame of France's Order of Arts and Letters. These awards are official recognition of her contributions to the art world and her international success.
- #012
The artist's lineage traces back to Portuguese nobility; she is the great-great-great-great-great-granddaughter of the 1st Baron of São José de Porto Alegre. The family coat of arms includes symbols such as a gold trefoil on a blue field and a baron's crown. This noble past shows her interest in her family's history and the value she places on her cultural heritage.
- #013
Maria de Medeiros is the daughter of the composer António Vitorino D'Almeida and the journalist Maria Armanda de Saint-Maurice Ferreira Esteves. Her father is the great-great-great-great-grandson of the 1st Baron of São José de Porto Alegre and bears the same noble coat of arms. This family background was influential in shaping her artistic identity and left her a rich cultural heritage.
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