Tom Cavalcante

Tom Cavalcante is a Brazilian actor and comedian, born Antônio José Rodrigues Cavalcante on March 8, 1962, in Fortaleza, Ceará. He professionally uses the name Tom Cavalcante and works as a humorist, actor, imitator, presenter, radio personality, and voice actor. His career spans over four decades, beginning with performances in bars in Ceará in 1976 when he was just fourteen years old.

Early in his career, Tom Cavalcante sought opportunities outside of his home state. He attempted to secure a television job in Rio de Janeiro in 1982 but faced rejection. In 1984, an attempt was made by him to join the SBT Show de Calouros talent show, but he was unsuccessful. From 1984 until 1989, he secured a position as a radio broadcaster for Rádio Verdes Mares, where he presented the comedy program Ligação Direta. During the 1986 elections, he also performed comic skits at political rallies. In 1987, he presented the news program VM Notícias.

The late 1980s and 1990s marked significant milestones in Tom Cavalcante’s career. He joined Chico Anysio's 'Chico Anysio Show' in 1989, and subsequently gained recognition for portraying João Canabrava, a drunk character, on 'Escolinha do Professor Raimundo', beginning in the same year. From 1996 to 1999, he played Ribamar, a doorman, on 'Sai de Baixo,' though he left the show in May 1999 due to disagreements. He briefly replaced Xuxa on 'Planeta Xuxa' in 1998. Between 1999 and 2001, he made appearances on Globo’s comedic programs ‘Zorra Total’ and ‘Megatom,’ also serving as the host of 'Megatom' from 2000 to 2001. He also hosted 'Show do Tom' on TV Record from 2004 to 2011.

Tom Cavalcante continued to evolve his work. In 2015, he starred in the sitcom #PartiuShopping and hosted ‘Casa dos Políticos’ (2016), a satirical program addressing Brazilian corruption. He has also appeared in the comedy film 'Os Parças' (2017) and performed impressions of Jair Bolsonaro as the character 'Tomsonaro'. In September 2019, he presented shows #PartiuShopping and Multi Tom on Multishow and hosted 'Todos os Toms' at the Riomar Theater. He celebrated 42 years of his career in 2018. Currently, he presents 'Acerte ou Caia!' on Record and returned to Record in late 2023 to present the special Família Record. In 2011, he moved to the United States with his family so his daughter could receive better education; during that time, he studied English and attended workshops at the New York Film Academy.