Dira Paes Biography: Ethnicity, Age, Husband, Kids, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Movies, Awards, Instagram
Ecleidira Maria Fonseca Paes, professionally known as Dira Paes, is a Brazilian actress celebrated for her work in film, television, and theater.
She began acting as a teenager and gained early attention through her film debut in The Emerald Forest (1985).
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Over the years, she became one of Brazil’s respected screen actresses, earning major recognition for performances in Corisco & Dadá, Anahy de las Misiones, Dois Filhos de Francisco, and À Beira do Caminho.
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| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Real Name: | Ecleidira Maria Fonseca Paes |
| Stage Name: | Dira Paes |
| Born: | June 30, 1969 (age 57 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Abaetetuba, Pará, Brazil |
| Nationality: | Brazilian |
| Height: | 1.63 m |
| Parents: | Flor Paes, Edir Paes |
| Siblings: | 7 |
| Spouse: | Gustavo Fernandez (m. ?–2005), Pablo Baião |
| Relationship: | Married |
| Children: | Inácio Paes Baião, Martim Paes Baião |
| Occupation: | Actress, Television Presenter |
| Net Worth: | $3 million |
Early Life and Education
Dira Paes came into the world on June 30, 1969 in Abaetetuba, Pará, Brazil, to Flor Paes and Edir Paes.
Her father worked as an inspector for the Department of Roads and Highways, while her mother was known for her work as a seamstress and community-minded activities.
She grew up with seven siblings and spent part of her childhood in Belém, where her interest in performance gradually developed.
At the age of 14, she auditioned for John Boorman’s The Emerald Forest and secured her first film opportunity, which encouraged her to pursue acting professionally.
After completing high school, she moved to Rio de Janeiro and graduated in Performing Arts from the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO); she also studied French, took body-expression courses, and spent two years studying philosophy without completing the degree.
Ethnically, she is of Brazilian heritage with Indigenous, Portuguese, and her religion is Catholicism.
Career
Dira Paes began her acting career as a teenager when she was selected for The Emerald Forest in 1985, marking her film debut at a young age.
She subsequently appeared in Ele, o Boto in 1987 and continued developing her craft through Brazilian cinema and theater.
Her early television work included Carne de Sol in 1986 and later Araponga, her first production with Globo in 1990.
During the 1990s, she strengthened her reputation through films such as Corpo em Delito, Corisco & Dadá, and Anahy de las Misiones.
Her performance as Dadá in Corisco & Dadá earned her the Best Actress award at the Festival de Brasília, establishing her as a notable talent in Brazilian cinema.
Her career expanded considerably through the 2000s as she balanced film and television projects.
She appeared in Cronicamente Inviável, Amarelo Manga, Meu Tio Matou um Cara, Dois Filhos de Francisco, and Ó Paí, Ó, while also becoming a familiar television presence.
Her work in Noite de São João earned her recognition at the Gramado Film Festival, and she became particularly popular through A Diarista and other major Globo productions.
She later appeared in Caminho das Índias, Fina Estampa, Salve Jorge, O Rebu, Babilônia, and Velho Chico.
Her performance in À Beira do Caminho also brought her the Best Actress award at the Grande Prêmio do Cinema Brasileiro.
In later years, Dira Paes continued moving between television and cinema while maintaining a strong presence in Brazilian cultural life.
She portrayed Filó in the 2022 remake of Pantanal and appeared in Pablo & Luisão and Três Graças in 2025.
Beyond acting, she became involved in human-rights initiatives and co-founded the Movimento Humanos Direitos, while also contributing to the Festival de Cinema de Belém.
Her career has established her as a versatile Brazilian performer capable of moving between dramatic cinema, comedy, television drama, and independent productions.
She remains recognized for her natural screen presence, strong character work, and long-standing contribution to Brazilian entertainment.

Personal Life
Dira Paes was formerly married to screenwriter Gustavo Fernandez, with their marriage ending in 2005.
She later married photographer Pablo Baião, with whom she has two children, Inácio Paes Baião and Martim Paes Baião.
Dira has continued to balance motherhood with her long-standing acting career and public involvement in social and cultural causes.
Net Worth
Dira Paes has an estimated net worth of approximately $3 million, accumulated through decades of work in Brazilian cinema, television, theater, and related entertainment activities.
Filmography
- The Emerald Forest (1985)
- Ele, o Boto (1987)
- Corpo em Delito (1990)
- Corisco & Dadá (1996)
- Anahy de las Misiones (1997)
- Cronicamente Inviável (2000)
- Amarelo Manga (2002)
- Meu Tio Matou um Cara (2004)
- Dois Filhos de Francisco (2005)
- Ó Paí, Ó (2007)
- A Grande Família – O Filme (2007)
- A Festa da Menina Morta (2008)
- À Beira do Caminho (2012)
- Órfãos do Eldorado (2015)
- Redemoinho (2017)
- Divine Love (2019)
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