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Xuxa

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Maria da Graça Meneghel, known globally by her nickname Xuxa, is a Brazilian entertainer of immense influence.

Xuxa2006
Xuxa2006

She is a television host, actress, singer, and businesswoman. Often called "The Queen of Children," she constructed a massive entertainment empire across Latin America and South America. In the early 1990s, her presence was truly international. She presented programs in Brazil, Argentina, Spain, and the United States simultaneously. This reach allowed her to connect with approximately 20 million viewers every single day.

Xuxa cropped (square)
Xuxa cropped (square)

Her career began through a combination of modeling and early television opportunities. At age 15, she was discovered by a modeling agency. By age 16, she began working professionally as a model. During this time, she worked in both Brazil and the United States. In 1984, she was hired by the famous agency Ford Models. Her transition to television started at the Rede Manchete network. She hosted a children's program called *Clube da Criança*. This role required an intense schedule. She would model in New York City during the week. Then, she would travel to Rio de Janeiro to film her show on the weekends.

In 1986, Xuxa joined TV Globo, which launched her most iconic era.

Her program *Xou da Xuxa* debuted on June 30, 1986. It aired every Monday through Saturday for over 2,000 episodes. The show featured magical elements, such as her entrance on a pink ship. This helped children feel as though they were flying. She also practiced a signature tradition called the "Xuxa kiss." She would apply bright lipstick and kiss children on the cheek. Beyond fun, she used her platform to share social messages. She encouraged viewers to "Believe in Dreams" and shared warnings that "Drugs do Bad."

As a recording artist, Xuxa achieved unprecedented commercial success. Her total album sales are estimated to be between 30 and 50 million copies.

Show de Natal da Xuxa
Show de Natal da Xuxa

In 1986, her album *Xou da Xuxa* became a South American record-breaker. It sold more than 2.6 million copies, surpassing the sales of singer Roberto Carlos that year. Her subsequent albums, such as *Xou da Xuxa 2* and *3*, were also massive hits. *Xou da Xuxa 3* became the best-selling album in Brazil with 5 million copies sold. In 2025, the label Som Livre recognized her career achievements. They honored her for selling over 28 million copies in Brazil alone and reaching 10 billion streams.

Her popularity eventually crossed linguistic and national borders. She recorded the album *Xuxa 1* in Spanish to reach the Argentine market. She also hosted *El Show de Xuxa* for Spanish-speaking audiences. By 1992, the *Los Angeles Times* reported that 20 million children watched her show across 16 Latin American countries. She also moved into the Spanish television market with *Xuxa Park*. In the United States, she hosted an English-language series on The Family Channel. This show was produced at Sound Stage 36 in Los Angeles. It reached an average of 3 million viewers per episode across 124 stations.

Maintaining such an intense international schedule took a heavy toll on her health. The grueling demands of filming in different countries led to exhaustion.

Xuxa e o presidente Lula
Xuxa e o presidente Lula

Following a period of hospitalization, she decided to end her international career. She chose to return to the Brazilian market to focus on her domestic audience. She launched new programs like *Xuxa Park* and *Planeta Xuxa* in Brazil. These shows continued to feature musical attractions and games. However, her program *Xuxa Park* was ended abruptly following a fire during a carnival special in 2001.

Today, Xuxa is recognized as a significant business leader and cultural icon.

Xuxa, Dilma Rousseff e a ministra Ideli Salvatti
Xuxa, Dilma Rousseff e a ministra Ideli Salvatti

Her net worth was estimated at US$100 million in the early 1990s. Currently, she is considered the wealthiest Brazilian female entertainer, with an estimated net worth of US$400 million. Her impact extends into cinema as well. Her film *Lua de Cristal* was a major box office success. In total, her films have been watched by more than 37 million people. Her journey from a small town in Rio Grande do Sul to global stardom remains a notable part of Brazilian media history.

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🖼️ Images & Media (9)
File:Portico Terra da Xuxa - Santa Rosa - RS - Brazil.JPG
Portico Terra da Xuxa - Santa Rosa - RS -...
File:Xuxa2006.jpg
Xuxa2006.jpg
File:Show de Natal da Xuxa.jpg
Show de Natal da Xuxa.jpg
File:Xuxa e o presidente Lula.jpg
Xuxa e o presidente Lula.jpg
File:Xuxa, Dilma Rousseff e a ministra Ideli Salvatti.jpg
Xuxa, Dilma Rousseff e a ministra Ideli...
File:Xuxa em Brasília.jpg
Xuxa em Brasília.jpg
File:Fundação Xuxa Meneghel.jpg
Fundação Xuxa Meneghel.jpg
File:Xuxa cropped (square).jpg
Xuxa cropped (square).jpg
File:Xuxa em premie do filme Senna, 2010.jpg
Xuxa em premie do filme Senna, 2010.jpg
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