Henrique Mendes, who presented the very first Festival RTP da Canção in 1964, has died today, in Lisbon.
According to the Hospital Amadora-Sintra, the presenter, aged 73, died at 2.30 p.m. due to a fulminant illness which affected his bones.
In the 1960's he became a very popular and successful radio and TV presenter. However, after the 1974 revolution towards democracy in Portugal, he went to live abroad (Brazil and Canada) as he was accused of being linked to the dictatorship.
Then, in the 1990's he came back to the Portuguese TV through the private station SIC. In addition to hosting TV programmes, he took part in some soap operas, as well.
In short, some will recall him with pleasure, whereas others will keep the image of a man who supported the dictatorship.
