Acclaimed soap opera writer and playwright Benedito Ruy Barbosa died on Tuesday, July 7, at the age of 95. His death was due to complications from chronic kidney failure. The legendary scribe had been struggling with his health for the past three years. In January this year, he was hospitalised for 19 days for treatment of a urinary tract infection associated with chronic kidney failure.

Benedito was behind more than 20 soap operas and is considered one of the greatest soap opera writers in the history of Brazilian television. Speaking of the secret of his success, he said: "First of all, a soap opera needs to have a great love story." He also indicated his protagonists must have "good character, determination to fight, belief in positive values." He was renowned for his real-life sagas, creating stories that traversed the Brazilian rural landscape and explored cultural diversity. He had a special interest in Italian immigration.

He began his TV writing career in 1966, and some of his most famous works include 1971's Meu Pedacinho de Chão, 1990's Pantanal, 1996's O Rei do Gado and 1999's Terra Nostra.

Prior to his work in television, he had established himself as a writer and was the first biographer of football legend Pelé. Eu sou Pelé was published in 1961 and gave a glimpse into the sporting icon’s early years.

On Pelé’s 80th birthday, Benedito recalled being asked to do the job. "The owner of the bookstore, Francisco Alves, came to me. He said: ‘'ook, Ruy, we need a book about a football player. We’ve already had Leônidas, Jair da Rosa Pinto… but we want something about Pelé.

"I argued that Pelé was a boy, but he insisted, mentioning that in Europe they already called him king," he said.

Tributes flooded in for the icon as fans learned the news of his death. On Facebook, one wrote: "It is such a shame; he was an author who focused his stories on simple, humble people, looking at the rural worker and the real, everyday lives of those with calloused hands. May God comfort his family..."

Another added: "Nothing lasts forever, and there goes another brilliant mind who penned great dreams. Soon we will have to look to new authors and hope they are as good...My condolences to his family and to the families of so many others who have passed on.

A third chimed in: "I had no idea he was that old! A brilliant mind; he knew how to captivate viewers with his well-crafted plots full of twists and turns that delighted the audience! May the Lord welcome him into His kingdom!"

Meanwhile, a fourth simply penned: "A visionary. A star that keeps on shining."