A former flight inspector for Brazilian international carrier Varig, she became fluent in English, Italian and French.

When De Sica cast her in Una Breve Vacanza, the film that introduced her to North America, he said: "I chose you because your eyes have known hunger."

She replied: "Those born in Ceará bring within themselves a strong and hard share of the real thing."

[citation needed] For 20 years, Bolkan was the life partner of Countess Marina Cicogna,[3][4] producer of Una Breve Vacanza.[1].

In 2000, Bolkan debuted as director in the Brazilian film Eu Não Conhecia Tururu.