Lúcia Moniz is a name instantly familiar to many as the captivating Aurélia from the beloved filmLove Actually. But her story begins long before a charming romance with a writer in France, and holds a surprising twist for music fans.
In 2003, Richard Curtis’sLove Actuallyswept audiences away with its interwoven tales of love during the Christmas season. The film, a remarkable success earning $250.2 million on a $40 million budget, featured Moniz as a Portuguese housekeeper whose quiet connection with a heartbroken Englishman blossomed amidst a language barrier.
Jamie, played by Colin Firth, found himself drawn to Aurélia, and embarked on a passionate journey to learn her language and express his feelings. Their story, a tender exploration of connection beyond words, remains one of the film’s most cherished moments.
However, years before captivating audiences with her subtle performance, Moniz stood on a much larger stage – the Eurovision Song Contest. A rising talent nurtured by a musical family, she was poised to represent her nation.
Born on the island of Terceira in the Azores, Moniz’s upbringing was steeped in music. Her father was a composer, performer, and conductor, and her mother a celebrated singer and actress. She began formal musical training at the age of six, quickly mastering both piano and violin.
At 19, she entered Portugal’s Festival da Canção, the national competition to select the country’s Eurovision entry. Performing her original song, “O meu coração não tem cor” (My Heart Has No Colour), she secured victory by a mere four points, earning her the honor of representing Portugal.
The 1996 Eurovision Song Contest, held in Oslo, Norway, saw Moniz achieve a remarkable sixth-place finish out of 23 contestants. To this day, she remains Portugal’s second most successful participant, surpassed only by Salvador Sobral’s win in 2017.
Eurovision proved to be a pivotal moment, opening doors to a career in acting. In 1997, she landed her first role in the soap operaA Grande Aposta, followed by another inTerra Mãe. She also began to establish herself as a recording artist, releasing her debut album,Magnolia, in 1999.
But it was the role of Aurélia that propelled her to international recognition. Reflecting on the experience years later, Moniz described being part ofLove Actuallyas “incredible,” never anticipating the film’s enduring legacy.
“Nobody expected the film would have that impact,” she shared. “The entire experience was marvellous. I learned a huge amount and encountered an incredible reality and great actors, such as Colin Firth.”
She maintains friendships with several cast members, including Firth and Bill Nighy, and occasionally connects with Emma Thompson. A reunion a few years ago sparked hopes for a sequel, a prospect Moniz enthusiastically embraced, though it ultimately didn’t materialize.
SinceLove Actually, Moniz has continued to release music, with five albums to her name, includingLeva-me p’ra casa(Take Me Home) andCalendário. She has also appeared in films likeFatimaandListen, and even reprised her role as Aurélia for a short Red Nose Day sequel.
Her journey, from the vibrant stage of Eurovision to the intimate scenes of a Christmas romance, showcases a remarkable talent and a captivating spirit. Lúcia Moniz’s story is a testament to the power of pursuing passions and the unexpected turns life can take.
