Brazilian TV actor Thommy Schiavo has died after losing his balance and falling from his balcony.
The actor, known for playing the cowboy Zoinho in the 2022 remake of the soap opera Pantanal, fell from his second-floor apartment in Cuiabá, the capital city of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso over the weekend.
His death came after he went drinking with friends at a local spot, according to reports.
In surveillance footage reviewed by local police, Schiavo was sitting on the balcony of his home when he moved to a lying position on the ground.
When he attempted to stand up a few minutes later, he stumbled and fell off the balcony.
He was later found facedown without visible external injuries.
Schiavo held a particular significance in Brazilian culture because he was one of the actors to participate in a gay kiss scene on Pantanal – a rarity in the country and a major milestone for LGBTQ+ representation there.
His dad, Horacio Ramos, said his son had only recently finished filming a new TV series when he died.
He told TV Fronteira: ‘It’s a painful moment, it hurts so much that there’s no way to explain it. We spoke every day, every day it was ‘good morning, good afternoon’, he would call me for anything, I would call him for anything. He was such a dear person. Thommy was a fantastic person, loved by everyone.
‘The people at Globo are all in shock there. He is a very loved person at Globo. He went there and won over the people, with his simple, humble way. Loved by everyone.’
Thayna Schiavo, the actor’s sister, wrote on social media: ‘So much pain (…) It feels like they ripped my heart out with their hands, I feel like I’m being stabbed in my chest.’
The news of Schiavo’s death was quickly met with an outpouring of grief from his famous friends as well.
Actor Leandro Lima, who starred alongside Thommy in the hit show, posted an Instagram that read: ‘I’m still stunned, trying to digest all of this. Thommy was a guy with a huge heart, always ready to help, he loved the countryside, animals and taking care of people,’ wrote Lima in Portuguese. ‘[I’m] Remembering him inviting everyone to watch a beautiful sunset.’
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Silvero Pereira, who Schiavo shared the gay kiss scene with, posted a picture of the famous moment from the show on Instagram with the caption: ;A great partner in crime. You were always very careful with everyone and always willing to help, to collaborate. So sad, shocked by what happened! 😢 May your family receive my strong hugs. Great friend and great professional colleague.’