Silvio Santos Obituary & Cause of Death

Senor Abravanel, widely known by his professional name Silvio Santos, passed away on August 17, 2024, at 93. A towering figure in Brazilian media, Santos’s death marks the end of an era in the television industry. He was not just a media mogul but also a beloved television host who had a profound impact on the lives of millions of Brazilians.

Born on December 12, 1930, Silvio Santos rose from humble beginnings to become the owner of one of Brazil’s largest television networks, SBT (Sistema Brasileiro de Televisão). His journey from a street vendor to a billionaire media tycoon is a testament to his relentless determination and unmatched charisma. In 2020, his net worth was estimated at $3.2 billion, making him the only Brazilian celebrity listed among Forbes magazine’s billionaires. Forbes also declared, “there is no one more famous than Silvio Santos in Brazil.”

Early Life and Career

Silvio Santos was born into a family of Sephardic Jewish immigrants. His father, Alberto Abravanel, was born in Thessalonica, Greece, in 1897, and his mother, Rebecca Caro, was born in Smyrna, Turkey, in 1905. The family settled in Rio de Janeiro, where both of his parents eventually passed away and were buried at the Caju Jewish Cemetery.

Santos displayed a remarkable ability to connect with people from a young age. At just 14, he worked as a street vendor in Rio de Janeiro. Despite being invited to work at a radio station, he chose to continue selling goods on the street because it provided a better income. His talent for sales and communication eventually led him to São Paulo, where he took on various jobs, including prize raffling. This experience paved the way for his entry into television, where he quickly became a success.

Building a Media Empire

In 1976, Santos began his quest to establish his television network, and by 1981, he had succeeded in launching TVS in São Paulo. This network rapidly expanded to become what is now known as SBT, a television giant in Brazil. Under his leadership, SBT became synonymous with innovative programming, and Santos hosted the second-longest-running Brazilian television program, Programa Silvio Santos, which first aired in 1963.

In addition to his media ventures, Santos was an active participant in politics, even running for president in 1989. His media empire, Grupo Silvio Santos, grew to encompass 44 companies by 2008, with interests ranging from agribusiness to banking and hospitality.

Social Impact and Legacy

Silvio Santos was not just a businessman but also a cultural icon. He was instrumental in bringing international television formats to Brazil, creating local versions of popular shows such as Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Deal or No Deal, and Wheel of Fortune. These adaptations allowed Brazilians to participate in global entertainment phenomena, further solidifying Santos’s influence on the country’s media landscape.

Known for his charismatic personality and unique mannerisms, Santos became one of the most beloved figures in Brazil. His distinctive use of a full-size microphone on his chest became a trademark until he discontinued it in 2014. His impact was such that impersonations of him became a staple in Brazilian humor, reflecting the deep connection he had with the public.

Cause of Death

Silvio Santos passed away due to complications from H1N1 flu. He had been hospitalized at Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital in São Paulo since the beginning of August 2024. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he succumbed to the illness in the early hours of August 17.

In accordance with his wishes, Silvio Santos was not given a public wake or large tributes. His family respected his desire for privacy, and he was buried in his own cemetery, adhering to Jewish customs that prohibit cremation.