Teté's extraordinary journey from circus clown to cultural icon

Teresa Ricou, better known as Teté, has spent her life bringing art and laughter to people around the world. Born in Portugal in 1946, she left home as a teenager to chase her creative dreams. Now, she shares her story on the latest episode of Geração 40, hosted by Júlio Isidro. Teté was born in Praia de Granja in November 1946 to a Brazilian mother and a Portuguese father. The family lived in Switzerland before she set off on her own at 16. Her journey took her across Europe, where she explored different forms of expression.

In London, she worked in restaurants and shops while discovering her passion for creativity. Later, she trained at a circus school in Hungary, shaping her future in performance. After the 1974 Revolution, she returned to Portugal, ready to make an impact.

She became famous for her clown-woman character, delighting people in Paris with her playful presence. Her biggest project came when she founded Chapitô, an arts and crafts centre in a former women’s prison. The space now promotes social integration through creativity. Teté’s work has left a mark on both the arts and social change. From clowning in the streets to building a cultural hub, her journey reflects a lifelong dedication to creativity. Her appearance on Geração 40 gives audiences a closer look at her extraordinary path.