neubarth was born in rio de janeiro, daughter of an ad executive father and a speech therapist mother. her parents moved to brasilia while she was still a child and she grew up there. leilane made her television career debut in 1979 at rede globo as a trainee, while still in university. in 1982, after graduation, neubarth moved back to rio de janeiro, seeking for better career opportunities. she achieved a deep interest in news covering. in 1986, she married the sportv production designer, olivio petit, with whom she remains married until now.