NEW Interview with Diogo from Luxembourg

Diogo was in Luxembourg this past weekend, where he attended a dinner at the invitation of the owner of Brasserie Chez Ana Paula in Rollingergrund.  Also at the dinner was director Ruben Alves whose latest film, "La Cage Dorée" ("The Golden Cage") was screened in Luxembourg on Saturday.  Diogo attended the screening, tweeting a picture from it, and calling "La Cage Dorée," a "beautiful and unique movie of Ruben Alves. Outstanding!!! Grande filme." (You can see the trailer for "La Cage Dorée" here.)

Also while in Luxembourg, Diogo sat down to chat with BOMDIA Luxemburgo, and you can see his interview below, followed by a translation from @Msliliana:

(video courtesy of BOMDIA Luxemburgo/YouTube)

"Diogo Morgado: Empathy for the immigrants it’s huge.....

Question: How did the opportunity to make “The Bible” come about?

Diogo Morgado: Funny, because the first question that people ask me in Portugal is that one –- how did that opportunity come out?  And I say, like any other else in the acting world -- there was casting and they made a natural selection. I think people in Portugal are not so used to the American format. American Culture has its own characteristics, obviously has its flaws, but also many good things, has virtues that should be copied, like this project. Americans are not so interested about your background, or where do you come from. Since you are the one for the part, they will hire you. It’s funny, because Americans never ask me that! Portuguese always do!

(Click the "Read More" link below to read the rest....)

Diogo on "Entre Nós" -- Part Two

As promised, here is Part Two/the conclusion of Diogo's interview from the SIC Mulher show "Entre Nós" ("Between Us") that aired on Friday, November 30, 2012.  Thanks again to the incredible @MsLiliana for translating all of this for us, which can be found below the clip.  Enjoy.

(clip courtesy of Anamatos25/Diogo Morgado fãs/YouTube)

"Adelaide de Sousa/AS: Welcome back. We are with Diogo Morgado, one of the most successful Portuguese actors, who filmed recently in Los Angeles the sequel to “Born to Race.” But we will talk about that soon… I want to talk to you about theatre… You début in theatre with “Geração Out”…
DM: Yes, I débuted at Teatro Maria Matos, by the hand of Almeno Gonçalves. 
AS: That first impact with live theatre, I saw at the Biography Channel… it was agonizing for you….
DM: It was like… you’re at the back, just waiting to go on scene and you think, “I am not going to make it, it’s impossible for me to go in there…” There is nothing like that.  
AS: At Teatro Maria Matos, right?
DM: Maria Matos… a small theatre (sneering), and you just panic! Just a baby boy, 15 years old… not sure of anything… just jump there like a crazy, trust your instinct, and that’s how it was! Then… I did a piece of children's theater “A Canção dos Oceanos” in which I did a stuttering dolphin! And I can tell you that, doing that character for the first time I thought: “I want to be an actor”. It was like, “I think I am going to try this.” Because it had nothing to do with fame, I was doing a stuttering dolphin in auditoriums around the country, and in the end kids came to us and if I gave an autograph signed “Diogo” they said: “No… Dolphin! Who is Diogo?” and I said, “Ohh sorry…” and write Dolphin… That felt good, the kids laughing every time I s-s said a stutt- stuttered wo-word and I thought: man… I did this, I made this reaction…

(photo courtesy of www.cm-peniche.pt)

AS: It gave you that pleasure of creation, you did something and the reaction was right there. 

DM: An honest, sincere and genuine response, from the kids! 

AS: Ricardo Pereira was here last week and he said the same… play for kids is most challenging work.  Who makes a research about you does not find just good things… 

DM: I believe so.

(Click the "Read More" link below to read the rest....)

First Glimpse of Diogo as "Eduardo" in "Ambição"

Today, SIC TV's E-Especial showed an interview they did with Diogo between his camera tests  for the new SIC novel, "Ambição" ("Ambition") -- giving audiences a first look of Diogo as "Eduardo" in the upcoming series.  

(screen capture courtesy of MsLiliana thanks to E-Especial/SIC)

Our friend MsLiliana was kind enough to grab the above screen cap of it for us, so that we could see a first glimpse, too.  And it looks like Diogo may be wearing colored contacts for "Eduardo."  :)

Obrigada yet again to MsLiliana for sending this my way.

If you want to see even more new pictures of Diogo, take a look at some pictures from an event he attended last night in Luxembourg, courtesy of bomdia.lu:

Diogo Morgado and Ruben Alvez in Luxembourg 

Even more pictures on Diogofanfriends Facebook Page.

--Sara

Tweet

Waiting for "Eduardo" -- A look back at "João Caldas Ribeiro"

Yesterday, Diogo tweeted that he was in Portugal preparing for the new SIC drama series, "Ambição" ("Ambition.)"  Specifically, Diogo said he was really excited about creating his character for the series, "Eduardo," whom he described as a "tricky and unique individual" and that it is going to be fun.  When asked if he will be playing a hero or a villain, Diogo tweeted that "Eduardo" is definitely not a hero.  You may recall, "Eduardo" will have both a trophy wife and a mistress, according to the SIC press release.

So, as we eagerly await to see "Ambição" and get to know "Eduardo," I thought it would be cool to take a closer look back at the last character Diogo played on a TV series -- "João Caldas Ribeiro" in the SIC 2011 Emmy award winning series, "Laços de Sangue" ("Blood Ties.")

(photo courtesy of SAPO)

"João Caldas Ribeiro" was a doctor and humanitarian who took part often in "Doctors Without Borders."  But it was João's tumultuous personal life that was the heart of "Laços de Sangue." Specifically, João was caught in the middle of a love triangle with two sisters -- who, separated during childhood, become arch-enemies as adults -- the villainess "Diana" (played by Joana Santos) and the heroine, "Inês" (played by Diana Chaves.)


Here are two links to two quick clips of Diogo as "João."  Two very different scenes, showing the high and lows of this character's story in "Laços de Sangue."  @MsLiliana has also kindly provided a translation of each scene, found below the link.

João tries to kill Diana

João: Shhh shut up, shut up… I told you Diana, I told you to keep away from my wife and my kid, and you didn't care… 
Diana: So I didn't! And now??.....
João: Shhhh.
Diana: What are you gonna do now?!... You don´t have the guts to shoot, João! We've been through this before, remember? … You are a coward! 
João: You’re right… we have been through this before…  but this time I am going to play by your rules! This time I will do the right thing! Try to follow … I am going to kill you, but it will be in self-defense, because I have a gun at my backpack with an erased serial number. When I kill you, I will put that gun in your hand, and shoot at the door, to pretend you tried to kill me, understand?   But everything will end up the good way. My family will stay safe, and I will not have to pay for your death….
(Judge enters the room.)
Judge: What is this?
João:  Wait. I know you… You are the judge that got Diana free from jail…… 
END.

João and Inês Sing Happy Birthday to Tiago

João: Let’s blow out the candles! 
(Inês and João give baby Tiago to his godfather)
João: Do not feel like going to the hospital now…

Inês: It’s your work. And besides there are people there who need you.

João: That is true. So you mean you don't need me, that it? 

Inês: Noooo I need you! But I know that I will have you forever…

END.
__________

Diogo was in 315 episodes of "Laços de Sangue," from 2010 to 2011.  You may recall, this is also the character/show in which Diogo did his own stunt -- jumping off a cliff.  

For his work as "João" on the series, Diogo was nominated for a "TV 7 Dias" ("7 Days TV Magazine") Award for "Best Actor" in 2011.  Diogo spoke humbly of this honor in this interview, translated below the clip thanks to @MsLiliana:

(clip courtesy of Acesso Total/YouTube)

"Reporter: Diogo Morgado nominated in the category of best actor…

Diogo Morgado/DM: Yes….

Reporter: Nervous?

DM: Uhhh a little bit anxious, yes I am, confess. I am not… how should I say it… This is not a place where I feel at ease… in the middle of all this glamour, these people… this excitement…. For me it is awkward. So… independently of being nominated or not there is always a little anxiety, it’s true.

Reporter: Imagine that today you take that prize home… The prize is voted by the audience, does that change the way you look at the prize, or not?

DM: No, off course not. Well to the prize I won’t look, I will look at it once… There is no way of looking at a prize unless giving thanks to the ones who voted, and for the path we have been doing, and that is a proud motive, but is with no doubt an appreciation for those who voted and keep up with what we do.

Reporter: Do you think that this is a kind of recognition that actors deserve for their work and effort every day?

DM: No doubt!  I think these awards are the ones that at this moment are about TV, and I think because Portuguese TV production is becoming stronger each day, it's a sector that also deserves recognition.  Really deserves it due to the dedication of so many people, not only the actors, but also the technicians, directors, writers… and that not being acknowledged would be a failure. That is why I am here, these events need our presence.

Reporter: I wish you all the best luck in the world and that you take the trophy home.

DM: Thank you… thank you!"
END.

______

Diogo also shared his favorite and least favorite scenes to film in "Laços de Sangue" in this fun interview, again kindly translated by @MsLiliana below the clip: (you will need flash to view this.)

Diogo talks about "Laços de Sangue"

"Diogo: I liked to shoot…. I liked asking Inês to marry me… in Brazil… I thought that scene was fun!

What I liked least … uhhh the scenes where my sister Alice dies pregnant… well I didn't like that! I mean… I liked to shoot it because they were difficult scenes, but I didn't like because I felt uncomfortable… you guys now, c’mon!
(…)
Oh well… about one year and one or two weeks ago, we’re preparing, and rehearsing to make a series at SIC, called “Laços de Sangue.” At the time we were a little nervous about what would happen. There were two actresses who were working with me, we didn't known each other that well. To make sure that this would work out, just like that. Meanwhile we just got along and 3 weeks after rehearsals we thought: This might work!!
One year and a week later… here we are.  It worked out! Things went well, people liked it, YOU who are there, also like it … and for us it's a huge honor being here today celebrating something that was important to SIC and I think for Portuguese TV production too.  All thanks to you, so thank you so much, and big thanks to you from SicOnline."
END.
______________

So while we won't see Diogo as "Eduardo" in "Ambição" for some time, I do think it's great to know that based on what we've read of "Eduardo" and seen of "João," this next character Diogo will play on SIC will be different from his last.  And I personally love that "Eduardo" will be VERY different from "Jesus," maybe even the anti-Jesus, hee.  Seriously, I think it will be really good, interesting and fun to see Diogo play a "tricky individual." 

Until then, if you want to see even more of Diogo as João Caldas Ribeiro, here's an incredible trailer for "Laços de Sangue," WITH English subtitles:

 

(clip courtesy of Luis MBF/YouTube)

Obrigada, as always to @MsLiliana for her time and effort in giving us all these translations.

--Sara

Clip of the Day - Diogo on "Boa Tarde"

In honor of Diogo tweeting today from Portugal, today's "Clip of the Day" is Diogo in Portugal, on Portuguese TV, talking about Portugal!  :)

Specifically, it's a great interview from SIC TV's popular daytime show, "Boa Tarde" that Diogo did in August of 2012, to discuss "Portugal: Melhor Destino" ("Portugal: The Best Destination" -- the campaign for which he was an "appointed ambassador of Portugal."

Diogo appeared on the show alongside Bruno Pinto, from the "O Melhor Destino" organization, and was interviewed by "Boa Tarde" host, Conceição Lino, who, according to our very own Portuguese ambassador, @MsLiliana, is one of the most familiar faces on SIC.  MsLiliana was also kind enough to provide a translation of Diogo's part of the interview, which you can find below the clip.

(clip courtesy of Diogomorgadofans/YouTube)

"Conceição Lino/ CL: If you are one of those Portuguese so proud to say that you are from this country in the point of Europe that in times conquered half the world, then you will like my next guests! The initiative “Portugal: O Melhor Destino,” with the collaboration of all Portuguese people, is creating the biggest photo album in the world. Any of us can participate. To give us more details we have here the ambassador of this initiative, Diogo Morgado, and Bruno Pinto, from the organization. 

Diogo Morgado/DM: Hello, good afternoon! I've missed you Conceição!  (Note: Diogo had cooked with Conceição on the show the year before.)

CL: Awww round of applause for him!  Diogo, since you are here so close to me... (Diogo interrupts: I asked for it! I asked to be closer!)  How did you get to be the ambassador of this initiative?

DM: It was from a company that I've worked with for awhile, Dreambooks, that made this invitation to me, explained to me this action, and I immediately bought the idea. First because I am one of those proud Portuguese who is really proud of our history, our little country that makes such great things, and that is so capable.  So for me, it makes all sense at this time when we, a little bit in low self-esteem.   (Conceição interrupts… “little?” A lot I say!) 

DM: Well I was being an optimist… But it’s initiatives like this that give us the more optimistic side of things, looking to the good part… to the real part! Sometimes we just look at the bad things and forget the real good things that should give us strength to move forward. And I think that Portugal as so many good things, especially the people -- the effort and enterprising we've made to overpass difficult situations, and primarily when bad things happened.  And unfortunately we had many of those cases – Portuguese people unite in a completely unique way.

[Fast Forward to 04:02]

DM We received more than 22,000 pictures so far, people are participating in large-scale. Including not only pictures, but also the comments they make.  People are really proud and have a real need of showing that their place, their location as a special, magical nook that says something unique, that tells them something…

CL: What is your special place?

DM: Look, my special place is my home! (They laugh.)

CL: But for the special places in Portugal that you know, do you have any place that pleases you? Or you don´t want to tell?

DM: No, no… undoubtedly I can say it, because people will understand that it is a place that says much to me. Where I grew up, thought, meditated, and sometimes made some hard decisions.  That is Praia da Fonte da Telha! (Beach).

(photo courtesy of guiadacidade.pt)

[Fast Forward to 08:08] 

DM: As Bruno was saying, I shall say that I like this initiative so much, that I proposed to myself and to the organization for me to go from the north to the south of Portugal to make a collection of what I think is characteristic of our country.  And you will be able to find me somewhere… the script is already set, only missing are the exact dates, but I invite people to go to the website -- Portugal: O Melhor Destino, or go to my Twitter - @D_Moragdo, I will post there the dates and places and invite people to come. I will be around taking pictures and videos…  

CL: Did you made your contribution yet?

DM: I was one of the first ones to do it! I was, wasn’t I?"

End.
____

Click on Diogo's page on the "Dreambooks" website for more information on their association with Diogo (and to see some cool pictures of him too!)

Big thank you and hugs to MsLiliana for providing yet another translation for us.  You are so helpful and we so appreciate ALL you do.

(And another HUGE obrigada to the ever amazing Diogomorgadofans' YouTube Channel for uploading/sharing the interview.)

--Sara

This is the Voice!!!

Okay, forgive the cheesy title please, I am actually watching "The Voice" as I type, hee.  But, bear with me, as this post is actually about Diogo's voice -- as in, did you know he was one of the voices in a Playstation 3 game released in Portugal last year?

(image courtesy of SAPO Digital/Sony)

"Wonderbook: Livro de Feitiços" ("Wonderbook: Book of Spells") was made in conjunction with author J.K. Rowling, of "Harry Potter" fame.  

Using the latest in augmented reality technology, the game allows the player to learn and use twenty of Hogwarts spells, by transforming the Playstation Move motion controller into a magic wand!  The stories come to life as the software displays digital content on the screen. 

(photo courtesy of SAPO)

Diogo provides the voice of "Professor" in "Wonderbook," and you can see a great clip of him recording his part for the game by clicking on this link (courtesy Playstation Portugal's YouTube Channel):

Diogo recording "Wonderbook: Livro de Feitiços" 

Our own Portuguese "wizard," @MsLiliana, provided a translation of the lines in the game that Diogo says in the clip:

"Diogo: Let us hear a story about this witchcraft! Are you ready?!

The witchcraft of levitation was created in 1544 by the wizard Jarleth Hobart… who by mistake, thought he was finally successful, where all the other wizards have failed. He thought that he had learned to fly.

Awww yes!! After a passionate interpretation of the national Anthem, he jumped into the void!

In answer to the whistles, Hobart started vigorous swimming movements that did not have any effect!"

___

When "Wonderbook: Livro de Feitiços" was released in November 2012, Diogo tweeted that enjoyed making the game very much.  I think that definitely shows in the clip of him recording it.  :)

A big obrigada to @MsLiliana for another great translation.

--Sara

Clip of the Day - Horses, Bees, and Highlights?

Today's "Clip of the Day" is all in good fun.

It's a quick, lighthearted interview Diogo did in 2008 for the SIC TV show E-Especial.  The interview was done in Brazil where he was shooting some scenes for the SIC drama, "Podia Acabar o Mundo" ("The World Could End.")  See below the clip for a translation of the fun interview, courtesy of yet again, the wonderfully kind @MsLiliana.

(clip courtesy of CremeTuli1/YouTube)

"Diogo Morgado: One day I rode a horse, scared him, and I hit my nose on the horse's mane… I was the laughing stock for three years, so, horses for me… are great there in the background, I like the animal, see it on the TV, like it.   But to ride, I have some respect.

Reporter/Sofia: I heard someone say you have trouble with bees…?

Diogo Morgado: Oh Sofia… c'mon… You cannot go around there telling these things… right? Look, I can be a victim of an outrage… After this I can be a victim of an outrage! People can go on the street, and can eventually bring with them a swarm of bees, in a little bag, and throw those at me… that’s bad!

Sofia: To make this character, Rodrigo Louro, you had to make some changes to your looks… You are a happy man with a beard…

Diogo Morgado: Yes, to convey the idea of more relaxed, wild, something not so formal. Happily, I had the privilege that they accepted the character with a beard!

Sofia: The character has a beard, does not have much work, is an informal man, but you dye your hair with blond highlights… 

Diogo Morgado: I don't do anything… I don't do anything… What is that sarcastic smile of yours about my highlights…? 

Sofia: It’s just cute, a man doing highlights….

Diogo Morgado: I do not do highlights, Sofia… I can say positively that I don't do them! But… someone does them to me!

Sofia: You are going to be in a love triangle with two amazing and beautiful actresses, Joana Seixas and Claúdia Vieira. And you come to Brazil and don't bring them… I don’t agree!

Diogo Morgado: Yeah I do not agree either! I would like it if they were here too… but it didn't happen… But as compensation, look at this… we have here a gang… as you can see, this team is very brave, because as we are doing this, they are doing jokes behind the camera. But when we put the camera on them, as you can see….. Sofia, I apologize for stealing your control…

Sofia: No, no… you can steal it whenever you want…”
________

Thanks again to @MsLiliana, as always, for her time and help with the translation.

And Feliz Dia das Mães, Happy Cinco de Mayo, and a great rest of the weekend to everyone!

--Sara

"Throwback Thursday" Take 2! From Guest Contributor, Liliana

(Note from Sara: Today's second "Throwback Thursday" post comes from our dear friend Liliana aka @MsLiliana whom many of you will recognize for all her awesome translations on the blog.  Today she makes her guest blog contributor debut, so please show her some love over on Twitter or in the comments section here.  Thanks, Sara)

Hi Diogo Morgado Fans! Liliana here! (@MsLiliana -- the Portuguese girl, Lol) It’s a pleasure to contribute to this awesome Blog! My big thank you to Sara for inviting me to do this "Throwback Thursday" I hope you all enjoy it! 

Today's film features Diogo playing a gay character.....  Say what??

Okay, keep calm, I’ll explain…

“O Crime do Padre Amaro" ("The Crime of Amaro, the Priest") is a 2005 Portuguese film directed by Carlos Coelho da Silva, adapted from the book of the same name written in 1875 by Eça de Queiroz. 

This film broke all box office records of Portuguese films in Portugal. It moves the setting from the book in the city of Leiria in 1875, to Lisbon in 2005, full of problems and socio-cultural marginalization. 

Amaro (Jorge Corrula) is a young priest, fresh out of the seminary, who comes to Lisbon replace a deceased priest. The young Amaro knows Amelia (Soraia Chaves), a young sensual and seductive girl, which causes the priest feelings never before experienced. Amaro does everything to resist the temptation, but Amelia does not give up. Can a man of God overcome this carnal desire?

And where does Diogo fit in to all of this?

In the movie, Diogo plays "Libaninho," and Rui Unas plays "Alex," a gay couple (and hairdressers!) who live near and become enchanted with their new priest, Amaro. 

Click the "Read More" link below to read the rest....)

Portugal: The Best Destination -- in Diogo's Own Words

In learning more about Diogo, one automatically learns more and more about his native homeland of Portugal as well. And I am sure I am not the only one who has become completely enthralled by this country's culture, beauty, and people. 

To that end, many of you may have seen "Eu sou Portugal" ("I am Portugal"), a truly majestic film Diogo made in the summer of 2012 for "Portugal: Melhor Destino" ("Portugal: The Best Destination").  

But as one of several "appointed Ambassadors of Portugal" for this project, Diogo also gave his own "testimony" in his own words, as to why Portugal is the best destination.  

Our amazing friend @MsLiliana, another proud Portugal native, kindly provided a translation of Diogo's passionate words about his country, which you can find right below the clip:

 (video courtesy of OMelhorDestino YouTube Channel)

Diogo Morgado: "Portugal the best destination. 

The best destination, why?  We have to win a new pride about being Portuguese. We have all he best, the best people, the best food, the best weather.  We have to value what is ours. 

With this campaign, we are going to make known a new Portugal.  A Portugal with a different way of seeing, unlike we are used to, and also make the world change the way we are seen. 

We have people taking pictures of Portugal. Pictures of everything, not only the landscapes... the food, the persons, a detail, a doorbell, a lamp, a fountain, why not?  We are going to show that Portugal is a different country. We have it all. 

We are cosmopolitans, maintain our traditions, our untouchable costumes, and we have amazing weather. We have these reasons and a few more to be proud of what we have. 

Every time I come back to Portugal – when I have to be absent for some reason – all the times I have the spirit of Saudade* and warm feelings of being at home, at such a good and competent country.  

We are at the tip of Europe, as it was said before, 9 hours to one side, we are in New York, 9 hours to the other side and we are deep in Asia.  We are privileged for many reasons, but mainly for the people. 

And with this campaign, what we intend, is that each one of us looks at himself, with pride and can say: I am proud to be Portuguese!"

(*Saudade is a Portuguese word that has no direct translation in English. It describes a deep emotional state of nostalgic longing.)
__________

Thank you again to @MsLiliana for another translation, and for being our very own ambassador to Portugal. I am ready to go visit now!  Obrigada!

--Sara