Berta's odyssey commenced in the pivotal year of 1937, when at the tender age of eleven, she embarked on a life-altering journey alongside her parents, a multitude of relatives, and six siblings, all of whom were compelled to flee the ominous rise of Nazism in Europe, a continent beset by turmoil and uncertainty.
As the family traversed the vast expanse of the Atlantic, they left behind the familiar landscapes and cultures of their homeland, their hearts heavy with the weight of uncertainty and their spirits buoyed by the prospect of a new beginning.
Upon their arrival in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, the family settled into a cozy townhouse, nestled in the very heart of the metropolis, where they would establish a new home and forge a new identity, free from the shackles of persecution and oppression.
The family's new residential property, situated in the vibrant and bustling downtown area of Rio, was a humble abode that served as the shared living space for a staggering fourteen individuals. The entire family was packed into a single bedroom and bathroom, a setup that presented numerous challenges as they endeavored to adapt to their new surroundings.
Despite the difficulties that arose from their cramped living conditions, Berta's father, a multifaceted individual with a background in both acting and tailoring, provided unwavering encouragement and support for his daughter's pursuit of a career in the performing arts.
Under the watchful eye of her father, a seasoned mentor, Berta embarked upon a theatrical career, commencing her artistic journey in intimate, small-scale productions, where she had the opportunity to share the spotlight with her sister Bela Ais, with whom she formed a dynamic duo act. This auspicious beginning would ultimately serve as the catalyst for her rise to fame, as she went on to captivate audiences in the esteemed stages of Brazil, Argentina, and Portugal.
Berta's life took a dramatic turn at the tender age of twenty, as she exchanged vows with Suchar Handfuss, a talented actor with ties to the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, as she and her husband relocated to the Argentine capital, immersing themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the city.
For the next two years, Berta and Suchar called Buenos Aires their home, surrounded by the city's bustling streets, historic landmarks, and thriving arts scene. It was during this period that Berta began to hone her craft, laying the groundwork for a future filled with promise and possibility.
However, the allure of new horizons soon proved too great to resist, and the couple made the bold decision to uproot themselves and relocate to the picturesque nation of Portugal. It was here that Berta's star began to shine brightly, as she experienced a level of success that would have been unimaginable in her early years.
As her fame grew, so too did her reputation as a talented and versatile actress, capable of captivating audiences with her range and depth. And yet, despite the many accolades that came her way, Berta remained humble and grounded, forever grateful for the opportunities that had been presented to her, and the unwavering support of her loving husband, Suchar Handfuss.
Berta's journey in the entertainment industry commenced in 1952, when she was just twenty-six years old, with a major breakthrough in Brazil's vaudeville theater. It was on the illustrious stage of the 'Teatro Carlos Gomes' that she first made a name for herself, marking the inception of her remarkable film career.
In the following years, she continued to hone her craft, eventually landing her first film role in 1955. This milestone not only solidified her position as a talented actress but also set the stage for a lifelong passion for the silver screen.
Berta embarked on a theatrical journey in the year 1957, making a triumphant return to the stage, this occasion marked by her captivating performance in the esteemed Portuguese production of 'Fogo no Pandeiro'. The resounding success of her portrayal in this theatrical endeavour paved the way for a prolonged sojourn in Portugal, a six-year tenure that would prove to be a defining period in her artistic evolution.
In the year 1963, a significant event took place in the life of Berta, as she made the decision to return to her native Brazil, where she would go on to have a remarkable career in the world of theater. Her remarkable talent and impressive performances in numerous plays and musicals would ultimately lead to her being noticed by television producers, who would extend an invitation to her to join the cast of several television shows, marking a significant turning point in her professional journey.
Berta's professional journey commenced in 1966, when she secured a contract with Rede Globo, the behemoth of South American television networks, thereby inaugurating a distinguished career as a comedic actress of considerable repute.
Berta Loran's remarkable life and career were immortalized in a biographical book titled "Berta Loran: 90 anos de humor" in the year 2016, penned by esteemed journalist João Luiz Azevedo.
