Mônica Garcia Assis OMC, professionally known as Mônica Martelli, is a multi-talented Brazilian actress, comedian, playwright, journalist, writer, and television presenter. Born on May 17, 1968, in Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, she has built a prominent, decades-long career spanning theater, television, film, and literature. Widely recognized as one of Brazil’s most authentic voices for women’s issues, Martelli captivates audiences through her work on stage, her role as a host on the GNT talk show Saia Justa, and her record-shattering cinematic projects.
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| Full Name | Mônica Garcia Assis |
| Professional Name | Mônica Martelli |
| Date of Birth | May 17, 1968 |
| Age | 58 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Birthplace | Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Occupation | Actress, Comedian, Playwright, Writer, Presenter |
| Children | Julia (born 2009) |
| Notable Works | Os Homens São de Marte… e É pra Lá que Eu Vou, Minha Vida em Marte, Saia Justa |
Early Life and Background
Mônica Garcia Assis was born and raised in the coastal city of Macaé in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Before entering the entertainment industry, she studied journalism in college. This background influenced her observational approach to comedy, scriptwriting, and character development.
While attending university, Martelli discovered a passion for performance and enrolled in an acting course. She then studied at the prestigious Casa das Artes de Laranjeiras (CAL) in Rio de Janeiro, honing her theatrical craft. At the age of 21, she made her professional theatrical debut in the play Torturas do Coração (Tortures of the Heart).
Career Breakthrough and Major Films
Following her early theater work, Martelli transitioned to television, making her TV debut on the comedy program Chico Total in 1995. She spent two years on the show before joining the cast of the Rede Globo telenovela Por Amor. Over the years, she appeared in various television productions, including Ti Ti Ti (portraying Dorinha Bacelar between 2010 and 2011), Dilemas de Irene, and the anthology series As Canalhas.
The turning point of her career arrived in 2005 when she created, wrote, and starred in the hit one-woman stage play Os Homens São de Marte… e É pra Lá que Eu Vou (Men Are from Mars… And That’s Where I’m Going). The theatrical production became an unprecedented sensation, touring across Brazil and into Portugal for over a decade.
Capitalizing on the play’s success, Martelli adapted the material for the silver screen. Released in 2014, the film adaptation Minha Vida em Marte became the highest-grossing Brazilian film of that year, outperforming major international blockbusters and securing her status as a cinematic powerhouse.
Television Hosting and Saia Justa
Beyond acting and writing, Martelli has established herself as a trusted television presenter. She serves as a primary host on the long-running GNT network talk show Saia Justa. In this role, she engages in discussions about modern womanhood, relationships, aging, and cultural topics alongside a panel of notable public figures.
Personal Life, Children, and Relationships
Mônica Martelli balances a high-profile career with a carefully managed personal life. She was previously married to Jerry Marques from 2002 to 2012.
Martelli is the mother of one daughter, Julia, who was born in 2009. She has frequently spoken in interviews about how motherhood shifted her worldview, priorities, and perspective on aging. Regarding her dating life, Martelli has maintained discretion, though she confirmed in media appearances that she is in a dedicated romantic relationship.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
As of 2026, industry estimates place Mônica Martelli’s net worth around $4 million. Her wealth stems from a diversified portfolio of creative ventures, including box office and streaming royalties from Minha Vida em Marte, book sales, national theater tour ticket revenues, and her television salary from GNT.
Awards and Recognition
Martelli’s contributions to Brazilian culture and cinema have earned her critical acclaim and prestigious accolades. Her most notable honors came in 2015 at the Grande Prêmio do Cinema Brasileiro, where she won awards for Best Film and Best Actress for her work on Minha Vida em Marte. She has also received honors from theatrical associations such as APTR for her contributions to Brazilian playwrighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mônica Martelli’s full name?
Her full birth name is Mônica Garcia Assis, and she holds the honorary title of Comendadora da Ordem do Mérito Cultural (OMC).
When is Mônica Martelli’s birthday and how old is she?
Mônica Martelli was born on May 17, 1968. As of 2026, she is 58 years old, and her astrological sign is Taurus.
Does Mônica Martelli have children?
Yes, she has one daughter named Julia, born in 2009.
What is Mônica Martelli’s most famous work?
She is best known for creating, writing, and starring in the theatrical production and subsequent film adaptation Minha Vida em Marte (*Os Homens São de Marte… e É pra Lá que Eu Vou*), as well as hosting the GNT talk show Saia Justa.
What did Mônica Martelli study in college?
Before launching her career in acting and comedy, Martelli studied journalism in college, a background that influences her observational writing style.
What is Mônica Martelli’s estimated net worth?
As of 2026, her net worth is estimated to be approximately $4 million, generated through film royalties, theater tours, television hosting, and book sales.
