Joana Marques is one of Portugal’s most influential and celebrated comedians, radio personalities, and screenwriters. Born on January 3, 1986, in Lisbon, she has carved a remarkable career that spans television, radio, and digital media. Known for her sharp wit and satirical humor, Marques has become a household name in Portugal, particularly through her wildly popular radio segment Extremamente Desagradável (Extremely Disagreeable) on Rádio Renascença.
Her influence extends far beyond entertainment. In April 2024, Joana Marques was ranked ninth on a prestigious list of the 25 most influential women in Portugal. She has also won the Globo de Ouro for Digital Entertainment Personality three times—in 2022, 2023, and 2025—cementing her status as a dominant force in Portuguese media.
Quick Facts Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joana Marques |
| Date of Birth | January 3, 1986 |
| Age (2026) | 40 years old |
| Birthplace | Lisbon, Portugal |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Occupation | Comedian, Screenwriter, Radio & TV Presenter |
| Years Active | 2007–present |
| Height | 153 cm (5’0″) |
| Spouse | Daniel Leitão (married 2014) |
| Children | Two |
| Father | João Pedro Marques (historian, novelist) |
| Education | Communication Sciences, NOVA University Lisbon |
| Net Worth | Estimated over €1 million (company value) |
| Notable Work | Extremamente Desagradável, Altos e Baixos |
| Major Awards | 3× Globo de Ouro (2022, 2023, 2025) |
Table of Contents
Who Is Joana Marques?
Joana Marques is a Portuguese comedian, screenwriter, television presenter, and radio personality who has become one of the most recognizable voices in Portuguese entertainment. She is best known for her satirical comedy segment Extremamente Desagradável, which airs on Rádio Renascença’s morning show As Três da Manhã alongside Ana Galvão and Inês Lopes Gonçalves.
Her comedy style is characterized by sharp social commentary, witty observations about Portuguese celebrities and current events, and a uniquely engaging delivery that has earned her a massive following. In 2023, her podcast became the most listened-to radio comedy in Portugal.
Beyond radio, Marques has worked extensively in television as a screenwriter and presenter. She has also served as a judge on the seventh season of Ídolos, the Portuguese version of American Idol. Her influence in the digital space is undeniable, with three Globo de Ouro awards in the Digital Entertainment category.
Early Life and Education
Joana Marques was born on January 3, 1986, in Lisbon, Portugal. She spent her childhood between her grandparents’ home in Santa Maria de Belém and her parents’ house in Linda-a-Velha, a parish in the outskirts of Lisbon.
Her father, João Pedro Marques, is a distinguished historian and novelist. Her mother worked as a translator. Growing up in an intellectually stimulating household, Marques was exposed to literature, history, and creative thinking from an early age. She has an older brother, Vasco Batista Marques, with whom she shares a six-year age gap. While she listened to the Spice Girls, her brother preferred Nick Cave—a contrast that, as she recalls, helped her develop a unique perspective on the world.
Marques describes her childhood home as having strict rules, while her grandparents’ home offered freedom and indulgence. She would often throw tantrums when her parents came to pick her up, reluctant to return to the “world of rules”. As a teenager, she was somewhat rebellious, which she attributes to the strict discipline at home. One memorable punishment involved watching classic films for an entire month.
She earned a degree in Communication Sciences from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at NOVA University Lisbon. Interestingly, she never wanted to be a journalist. During her first year of university, she realized the course wasn’t for her and simultaneously took a screenwriting course because she knew she wanted to become a scriptwriter.
Career Journey
Pre-Debut Career
Joana Marques began her professional career in 2007 as a screenwriter. She started working at Produções Fictícias, a Portuguese production company, where she honed her writing skills. Her early work focused on developing scripts for television, laying the foundation for her future success as both a writer and performer.
Debut and Rise to Fame
In 2012, Marques created and co-presented the television program Altos e Baixos (Highs and Lows) on the Portuguese cable channel Canal Q. She co-hosted the show with her future husband, Daniel Leitão. The title was a playful joke referencing the significant height difference between the two—Daniel stands at 198 cm (6’6″) while Joana is just 153 cm (5’0″). The program ran successfully for five seasons.
Also in 2012, Marques joined Antena 3 radio station, where she participated in programs such as As Donas da Casa (The Housewives), which she co-hosted with Ana Galvão. In December 2014, she took part in the Toca a Todos event, hosting a continuous 73-hour broadcast alongside Galvão and Diogo Beja to raise funds for Caritas Portugal in the fight against child poverty.
In December 2018, Marques left Antena 3 and made her debut on Rádio Renascença the following month. She became one of the announcers on the morning show As Três da Manhã, alongside Ana Galvão and Inês Lopes Gonçalves.
It was on this show that her comedy segment Extremamente Desagradável was born. The segment quickly became the most listened-to radio comedy in Portugal. Her sharp, satirical takes on Portuguese celebrities and current events resonated deeply with audiences, propelling her to nationwide fame.
Recent Activities
From 2020 onward, Marques expanded her reach into television as a scriptwriter for the satirical SIC program Isto É Gozar Com Quem Trabalha, starring Ricardo Araújo Pereira. In 2022, she served as a judge on the seventh edition of Ídolos, the Portuguese singing competition, making her the only jury member without a background in music.
In 2024, Marques was recognized as the ninth most influential woman in Portugal. The following year, in September 2025, she won her third Globo de Ouro for Digital Entertainment Personality, having previously won in 2022 and 2023.
In May 2026, Marques is set to premiere her new stand-up show Em Sede Própria in Lisbon and Porto. The show, inspired by her highly publicized legal battle with the musical duo Anjos, has already sold out almost all sessions months before its debut—a testament to her immense popularity.
Family Background
Joana Marques was born into a culturally rich family. Her father, João Pedro Marques, is a historian, professor, and novelist. Her mother worked as a translator. She has one brother, Vasco Batista Marques, who is six years older.
Marques has spoken about her father’s influence on her life, noting that he often calls her to advise against talking about certain people when he detects “a degree of madness”. She has also mentioned that her father is disappointed she doesn’t read his books, but she simply doesn’t have the time.
Her childhood was divided between two very different environments: the strict, rule-bound household of her parents and the liberating, indulgent home of her grandparents in Belém. This contrast helped shape her creative personality and her ability to view the world from multiple perspectives.
Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
Joana Marques stands at approximately 153 cm (5 feet 0 inches). She is known for her petite stature, which has been a source of playful humor throughout her career—most notably in the title of her show Altos e Baixos, which referenced the height difference between her and her much taller husband, Daniel Leitão (who is 198 cm / 6’6″).
Her physical appearance is characterized by her distinctive short hair and expressive features, which she uses effectively in her comedic performances. While specific weight details are not publicly available, Marques maintains a healthy and active lifestyle.
Relationship Status
Joana Marques is married to Daniel Leitão, a fellow comedian and radio personality at Rádio Renascença. The couple met approximately 15 years ago in a Creative Writing course.
Their meeting story is wonderfully unconventional. Daniel was asked to play the role of a “chubby guy” in a short film that Joana and another friend were making. When Daniel spotted Joana near the catering table looking at cakes, he thought, “soulmate”. While Daniel felt an immediate connection, Joana took about seven months to develop feelings.
They married in 2014. The couple has two children together. Despite their contrasting personalities—Daniel is social and enjoys going out at night, while Joana is more home-oriented—their relationship has endured for over 15 years.
Joana and Daniel also run a joint company, Marques Leitão, Lda, which was founded in 2016. Their business has been highly successful, with profits quadrupling in 2024.
Net Worth and Income Sources
As of 2026, Joana Marques has an estimated net worth exceeding €1 million. Her wealth primarily comes from her company, Marques Leitão, Lda, which she co-owns with her husband, Daniel Leitão.
The company’s financial performance has been remarkable. In 2023, it generated revenues of €484,000 with profits of €152,000. In 2024, revenues nearly tripled to €1.3 million, and profits quadrupled. The company ended 2024 with over €1.23 million in assets.
Her income streams include:
- Radio Work: Her daily segment Extremamente Desagradável on Rádio Renascença
- Television: Screenwriting and presenting roles
- Stand-up Comedy: Sold-out shows across Portugal
- Brand Endorsements: Partnerships with major brands including McDonald’s, Generali, and Perfumes & Companhia
- Podcast: One of the most listened-to podcasts in Portugal
- Live Events: National and international tours
In 2025, Marques was involved in a high-profile legal case with the musical duo Anjos, who demanded over €1.1 million in damages. She was ultimately acquitted, and her financial success meant she would have been able to pay the indemnity if necessary.
Social Media Profiles
Joana Marques maintains an active presence across various social media platforms, where she engages with her fans and shares updates about her work. While specific follower counts fluctuate, she is widely recognized as one of Portugal’s most influential digital personalities.
| Platform | Handle |
|---|---|
| @joanamarques_oficial (or similar) | |
| Joana Marques | |
| Twitter/X | @joanamarques |
| YouTube | Joana Marques |
Note: Exact handles may vary. For the most current information, please check official sources.
Awards and Achievements
Joana Marques has received numerous accolades throughout her career, reflecting her immense impact on Portuguese entertainment.
Globo de Ouro Awards
| Year | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Digital Entertainment Personality | Won |
| 2023 | Digital Entertainment Personality | Won |
| 2025 | Digital Entertainment Personality | Won |
Her third win in 2025 came despite a highly publicized legal battle with the musical duo Anjos, demonstrating her enduring popularity and influence.
Other Recognitions
- April 2024: Ranked 9th on the list of the 25 most influential women in Portugal
- 2025: Named one of the most influential women in Portugal by Executiva magazine
Her comedy segment Extremamente Desagradável has been recognized as the most listened-to radio comedy in Portugal.
10 Interesting Facts About Joana Marques
- She learned to write at age six—and has been “specializing in wasting paper” ever since, as she humorously puts it.
- Her height is a running joke—at just 153 cm (5’0″), she co-hosted a show called Altos e Baixos (Highs and Lows) with her 198 cm (6’6″) husband.
- She met her husband through a casting call—he was asked to play a “chubby guy” in a short film she was making.
- Her father is a historian and novelist—and he’s disappointed she doesn’t read his books because she’s too busy.
- She was a rebellious teenager—once punished by being made to watch classic films for an entire month.
- She never wanted to be a journalist—despite studying Communication Sciences, she always knew she wanted to be a screenwriter.
- She hosted a 73-hour live broadcast—in December 2014, as part of a charity event for Caritas Portugal.
- She was the only non-musician judge on Ídolos—serving on the jury of Portugal’s version of American Idol in 2022.
- Her company’s profits quadrupled in 2024—Marques Leitão, Lda went from €152,000 in profits to over €600,000 in just one year.
- She turned a lawsuit into a comedy show—her 2026 stand-up Em Sede Própria is inspired by her legal battle with the duo Anjos.
FAQ Section
1. Who is Joana Marques?
Joana Marques is a Portuguese comedian, screenwriter, radio personality, and television presenter. She is best known for her comedy segment Extremamente Desagradável on Rádio Renascença and has won three Globo de Ouro awards.
2. How old is Joana Marques?
Joana Marques was born on January 3, 1986, making her 40 years old in 2026.
3. What is Joana Marques’ net worth?
Joana Marques has an estimated net worth exceeding €1 million. Her company, Marques Leitão, Lda, ended 2024 with over €1.23 million in assets.
4. Who is Joana Marques’ husband?
Joana Marques is married to Daniel Leitão, a fellow comedian and radio personality at Rádio Renascença.
5. How tall is Joana Marques?
Joana Marques is approximately 153 cm (5 feet 0 inches) tall.
6. What movies has Joana Marques appeared in?
Joana Marques is known for her roles in Gente que não sabe estar (2019), Nelo e Idália (2015), and Camada de Nervos (2013).
7. Does Joana Marques have children?
Yes, Joana Marques has two children with her husband Daniel Leitão.
8. What awards has Joana Marques won?
Joana Marques has won three Globo de Ouro awards for Digital Entertainment Personality (2022, 2023, 2025) and has been ranked among the most influential women in Portugal.
9. What is Joana Marques’ most famous work?
Her most famous work is the radio comedy segment Extremamente Desagradável on Rádio Renascença’s As Três da Manhã, which is the most listened-to radio comedy in Portugal.
10. Where was Joana Marques born?
Joana Marques was born in Lisbon, Portugal.
Conclusion
Joana Marques has established herself as one of Portugal’s most influential and beloved comedians. From her early days as a screenwriter to becoming a three-time Globo de Ouro winner and one of the most listened-to radio personalities in the country, her journey is a testament to talent, hard work, and an unmistakable comedic voice.
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