[1][2] Born in Viana do Castelo, Óscar de Lemos moved to Porto at the age of ten to live with his uncle and aunt while pursuing his studies.

[2] In his twenties, Lemos married and relocated to Lisbon, where he worked in various professions, including as a salesman, perfumer, and insurance collector.

[2] In 1938, Lemos was recommended to director Jorge Brum do Canto, who cast him as Caçarola in the movie A Canção da Terra.

This marked the beginning of his acting career, during which he took on roles such as a bumpkin in Aldeia da Roupa Branca, a soldier in João Ratão, and a fisherman in Porto de Abrigo.

[2] Outside of his professional life, Óscar de Lemos described himself as superstitious nature and noted his fondness for large breakfasts, often consisting of soup, two main dishes, fruit, bread, and wine.