Portuguese Actress Florbela Queiroz Updates Fans on Severe Depression
The 83-year-old veteran performer announced she must postpone her return to the stage as she continues her medical recovery.
Portuguese actress Florbela Queiroz shared a candid update with her followers regarding her health, revealing that she is still battling a severe depression. At 83 years old, the beloved entertainer has been away from television and the internet following medical advice, but she recorded a video message to thank friends and fans for their continued support.
"I came here just to tell you that I have not died yet, but things are still far from being well. I still have a lot of difficulty with various things, but I miss you all very much and I want to say thank you very much," Queiroz stated in her video message. She added that she remains under close care by her family members and feels confident about her eventual recovery.
The veteran artist first disclosed her diagnosis in late September, explaining that she was incapacitated from living her daily life normally. Seeking medical evaluation after experiencing symptoms such as severe hair loss and an overwhelming sense of sadness, she was advised to rest completely. At the time, she expressed hope that she would begin rehearsals in October for a theater production scheduled to debut in January.
However, her recovery has taken longer than initially anticipated. In her latest update, Queiroz confirmed that she will not be able to perform in the upcoming January show, noting that the healing process is proving to be more prolonged. "I am still not well and this is going to take a little longer," she explained, adding that she must maintain tranquility and currently avoids watching television or using her mobile phone.
The difficult health battle comes after a series of painful personal events for the actress, notably the sudden death of her only son, Manuel João Matias, who passed away from a heart attack at the age of 44 in May 2022. Queiroz has previously spoken publicly about the immense grief of losing her son and how she continues to maintain a symbolic connection with him through memory.
Despite the ongoing personal hardships, Queiroz boasts a storied career spanning decades across Portuguese theater, film, and television. Born in Lisbon in 1943, she began her acting journey as a teenager, eventually becoming one of the most prominent stars of the traditional theater genre known as teatro de revista during the 1960s and 1970s. Over the years, her contributions to the arts have been recognized with notable honors, including the Gold Medal of Cultural Merit from the Lisbon City Council and being named a Commander of the Order of Merit.
While her return to the stage remains on hold with no specific timeline announced, her enduring legacy in the performing arts continues to resonate deeply with generations of audiences in Portugal. For now, the actress's primary focus remains on her health and well-being as she navigates her ongoing recovery.