Brazilian actress and singer Lua Blanco died on Sunday, October 18, at age 39, CNN Brasil and the magazine Quem reported. Her family announced her death in a joint post on social media, CNN Brasil and Quem reported.

The family said she had been fighting cancer in the last months of her life and was surrounded by the love of family and friends, CNN Brasil and Quem reported. The family wrote that she died in peace and full of love, and asked for respect and silence during their grief, CNN Brasil and Quem reported.

Blanco died in Rio de Janeiro, Quem reported.

Born in São Paulo, Blanco became known across Brazil for playing Roberta Messi in the Brazilian version of the telenovela "Rebelde," CNN Brasil and Quem reported. The show aired on RecordTV from 2011 to 2012, and she also sang in the music group that grew out of it, CNN Brasil reported.

Her other TV work included roles in "Malhação" and "A Força do Querer" on TV Globo, CNN Brasil and Quem reported. She also appeared in "Pecado Mortal" on Record TV in 2013, Quem reported.

In her final days, Blanco did not speak openly about her health on social media, CNN Brasil reported. Her last post, shared on October 13, was a photo album with a caption that translates as moments of gratitude, CNN Brasil and Quem reported. Many fans read the post as a farewell, Quem reported.

Dulce María, who played Roberta in the original Mexican version of the show, sent condolences on Instagram and said she was completely in shock, CNN Brasil reported. Former castmate Sophia Abrahão also mourned her, Quem reported.

What we know: Lua Blanco, known for "Rebelde" in Brazil, died on Sunday at 39, and her family said she had been fighting cancer in recent months.
What we don't: Details of her illness beyond the family's statement.