Petrônio Rosa Santana was born in Cruzeiro, SP, on December 1, 1919. He began his acting career in the circus, as the clown Picolé.

Later, as Colé, he worked as a comedian in the pocket theaters in Copacabana. His performances in Jardel and Follies earned him fame and prestige. He made his film debut in 1945 in the film O Cortiço, beginning a successful film career in films such as Carnaval na Atlântida (1953), Dona Xepa (1959), Jesus Cristo eu Estou Aqui (1971), etc.