Biography

Petrônio Rosa Santana was born in Cruzeiro, SP, on December 1, 1919. He began his acting career in the circus, as the clown Picolé. Later, as Colé, he worked as a comedian in the pocket theaters in Copacabana. His performances in Jardel and Follies earned him fame and prestige. He made his film debut in 1945 in the film O Cortiço, beginning a successful film career in films such as Carnaval na Atlântida (1953), Dona Xepa (1959), Jesus Cristo eu Estou Aqui (1971), etc. He formed his own revue company and toured Brazil, alongside Renata Fronzi, in plays such as Adorei Milhões. From the 1960s onwards, he participated in comedy shows on television, such as the programs Balança mas não Cai (1968), Os Trapalhões and Escolinha do Professor Raimundo (1990), on TV Globo. In 1993, he participated in the miniseries Agosto. He is the uncle of comedian Dedé Santana. On the show Os Trapalhões, he always appeared as the drunk supporting actor. In the cinema, the actor surprised everyone with racy scenes in the film Tabu. He was married to practically all the starlets he starred with, including Nelia de Paula. He died on August 29, 2000, in Rio de Janeiro, at the age of 80.