Actress Mel Maia, 21, shared an emotional outpouring on Instagram at the start of 2026, reflecting on the lessons of 2025, particularly after losing her mother, Débora Maia, in November. In the post, she highlighted the importance of family, romantic, and self-love, urging followers to cherish their affections and endure hardships.
Mel Maia, known for playing Mirna in Netflix's 'Os Donos da Jogo', started 2026 with a reflective Instagram post, sharing lessons from 2025, a year overshadowed by the sudden death of her mother, Débora Maia. The 21-year-old actress was found dead on November 28, 2025, at age 53, in her home in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, according to reports; another source places it in the city's Zona Sudoeste. The body was discovered by the housemaid upon arriving at the property.
In the caption of a New Year's Eve photo carousel, Mel wrote: '2025 taught me that the most important thing in this life is love. All of them: family love, romantic love, self-love… Nothing is more important to me than affections. The great goal of life is to love, be loved, and be happy in whatever way possible. I am rich because I have the love of my family and friends.' She added: 'Take care of yourself and yours. In the end of the day, they are the ones who will hear your rants about a bad day, dry your tears, laugh at your silliest jokes, and truly support you'.
Mel also addressed those facing hardships: 'And look: it's okay if your biggest achievement in 2025 was simply surviving. For you who stayed standing even when you didn't know how, give yourself a hug. 2026, please be kind.' The post, made just over a month after the loss, stirred emotion on social media, with Mel's name going viral and fans and celebrities offering solidarity. This outpouring underscores grief and the cherishing of emotional bonds amid sorrow.
