Biografie

One of the Supporting Actresses of the Year in the New York Film Poll of Village Voice for "Mysteries of Lisbon".

Born in the Parish of Benavente.

Was victim of armed robbery while shooting a TV series in Brazil: that resulted in a security guard getting wounded and the robbers later trying to fire on Maria João as she angrily attacked one of them after they were apprehended. It took her some time to recover from this traumatic experience, something she achieved through boxing and self-defense classes.

Sister of Maria Matilde David da Silva Bastos and Susana David Bastos.

Last name is pronounced bus-too-shh.