Renowned Brazilian writer Luis Fernando Verissimo hospitalized in critical condition in Porto Alegre

At 88 years old, Verissimo has been dealing with health issues for a few years. In 2020, he battled jaw cancer. In 2021, a stroke left him with lingering effects, forcing him to step back from his writing career. He also copes with Parkinson’s disease. One of Brazil’s greatest writers, Verissimo made his debut in GLOBO in February 1999, captivating readers with a blend of irony and reflection that garnered a diverse fan base. Characters like the Old Lady from Taubaté and socialite Dora Avante graced his columns, covering all aspects of Brazilian daily life. The son of writer Erico Verissimo and a devoted Internacional fan, the columnist (also a humorist, illustrator, saxophonist, among other talents) penned over 80 books, many of them bestsellers. Verissimo was part of the GLOBO team covering the 2002 (Korea and Japan) and 2006 (Germany) World Cups, endearing himself to colleagues with his charming simplicity, a trait that overshadowed his well-known shyness.