Silvio Santos, one of the greatest legends of Brazilian television, has passed away

Silvio SantosOne of the biggest names in Brazilian television history and owner of a media conglomerate, he died this Saturday at the age of 93 in São Paulo, according to the channels he owned.

“He lived 93 years to bring joy and love to Brazilians. The family is very grateful for more than 65 years of coexistence,” he said on social networks. S.P.TThe television network was founded by Santos and is now run by his daughter, Daniela Beiruti.

Celebrities from the world of culture and politics rushed to express their condolences to the family of the communicator, with a permanent smile and undoubted charm and His presence on Brazilian television has been perennial since the 1960s.

Chief of Staff to the President of Brazil, Rui Costapraised Santos' “legacy of remarkable success”, calling him “an icon of joy and entertainment”.

He has always been one of the biggest names in the Sunday schedule, where he performed like no other with his people skills and confidence, capturing the attention of the masses on screen.

Since 1963, the 'Silvio Santos Program' has been on airCreated a school in Brazil that captivated several generations in front of the small screen with a mix of music, interviews, comedy, family games and, above all, contests and prize distribution to attract the audience of popular classes.

Brazilians will always remember him as 'Who wants money?' is a phrase he shouts before throwing bills folded into the shape of an airplane to excited audiences of his shows.

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On December 12, 1930 in Rio de Janeiro, Mr. Born as Abravanal.He was the son of a humble couple of Greco-Turkish Sephardic Jews who immigrated to Brazil after the end of the Ottoman Empire.

He began his career in radio in the 1940s. 'Let's Jump Forced' on Ballista TV.

Two years later, the program was renamed 'Programa Silvio Santos', a channel he founded in 1981 and broadcast through stations such as Globo, Dubi, Record and SBT.

Book in 1993 Guinness The show is recognized as the longest running show in television history. Three decades have passed and it's still up in the air.

His casual and down-to-earth style has landed him in some controversies, due to some rude remarks he once made to a guest or member of the public during his live shows.

More recently, he has been criticized for some sexist comments, which have not caused any controversy in the past, and what's more, have been a basic part of comedy.

In addition to his success on television, Santos was also known for his business acumen. He built a media empire in Brazil that included not only SBT, but a wide range of companies in sectors as diverse as banking, construction and cosmetics.

He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career for his contributions to Brazilian entertainment and television, including the Order of Cultural Merit awarded by the Brazilian government in 2012.

In 1989, he tried to use his popularity to run for president in the presidential election, leading the opinion polls, but his candidacy was annulled by a court ruling due to errors in his party's registration.

(with information from EFE)