Antônio Calixto, Longtime Junior Cover, Dies at 38

Overview

• Producer Quarto Sinal confirmed late Wednesday that Antônio Calixto died after months in hospital care for pneumonia that developed an esophageal fistula.
• Reports say he had severe weight loss during his illness and was hospitalized for complications that medical teams could not fully reverse.
• Friends, fans and his team ran an online vaquinha and held a benefit show in recent months to raise money for his treatment and recovery.
• Calixto built a public profile as the official cover of Junior, appeared in the Globoplay documentary 'Sandy e Junior: A História', and performed alongside fellow cover Natiare Azevedo for years.
• Family and his production team said funeral and wake arrangements will be announced later, and his case highlights how tribute performers often rely on community fundraising for medical and living expenses.