Biography
Who is Catarina Furtado?
Early life and education
Born in Lisbon, Portugal, Catarina Furtado is the daughter of Joaquim Furtado. She attended the Conservatório Nacional de Lisboa until 1990, where her studies focused on dance. Later, she expanded her education by attending the Independente University.
Catarina continued her training by studying journalism and drama. Between 1995 and 1997, she attended the International School of Acting in London. Also, she trained at Lee Strasberg's Method Studio located in England.
Television and hosting career
Catarina Furtado started working in television during the early 1990s. Early in her career, she presented the show Top + on the RTP network, which focused on music videos and national record charts. This role led to an opportunity to host a program for MTV on the SIC network before the official Portuguese branch existed.
She hosted various projects throughout her career, including the show Treasure Hunt, or Caça ao Tesouro, on SIC. This program often featured segments filmed in smaller Portuguese towns, where Catarina would arrive by helicopter. She also worked for radio stations such as Rádio Comercial and RDP Antena 3.
Acting and international roles
As an actress, Catarina Furtado appeared in several film productions. While still underage, she performed a small, non-speaking part in the movie Non, ou a Vã Glória de Mandar, directed by Manoel de Oliveira. Her filmography includes credits such as the Italian production Fatima, directed by Fabrizio Costa, and the English film Killing Time, which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival.
Other well-known film credits include the projects Anjo da Guarda and Pesadelo cor-de-rosa. In addition to her acting work, she served as a UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador. In 2018, she reached a major milestone as one of the four hosts for the Eurovision Song Contest held in Lisbon.
Family and personal background
Catarina Furtado has heritage from Goa through her mother's side of the family. Her great-great-grandfather was born in Candolim, which was part of Portuguese Goa. She was married to the actor João Reis from 2005 until 2023.
During her marriage, she and João Reis had two children together. Their daughter, Maria Beatriz, was born in 2006, and their son, João Maria, was born in 2007.
Birthday and age
Catarina Furtado was born on August 25, 1972, which makes Catarina 54 years old today. That birthday falls under the Virgo sign. Catarina shares the date with 66 other famous people.
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