Finnish actors born in 1912
Here are 5 famous actors from Finland were born in 1912:
Armand Lohikoski
Armand Lohikoski (January 3, 1912 Astoria-March 20, 2005 Helsinki) was a Finnish film director, screenwriter and actor.
He started his career in the film industry as an actor during the 1930s, appearing in several Finnish films. In the 1940s, he began directing and became known for his work in popular Finnish films such as "Kultainen Kynttilänjalka" and "Pekka ja Pätkä sammakkomiehinä".
Lohikoski's films often had comedic themes and were popular with Finnish audiences. He continued to direct films until the 1970s, with one of his later works being the 1970 film "Vodkaa, komisario Palmu" which starred famous Finnish actor Joel Rinne. Lohikoski also wrote the screenplay for several of the films he directed.
In addition to his work in film, Lohikoski was also involved in Finnish theatre and television. He was awarded the honorary title of professor in 1962 for his contributions to Finnish culture. Lohikoski passed away in Helsinki in 2005 at the age of 93.
Lohikoski's career in the film industry spanned over five decades, during which he directed more than 30 films. Some of his other notable works include "Kuosmanen and Rautaparta" (1953), "Jälkeen syntiinlankeemuksen" (1954) and "Minkkiturkki" (1955). He was particularly skilled at creating entertaining and engaging narratives, and his films often showcased his talent for character development and witty humor.
Besides being a celebrated filmmaker, Lohikoski was also a cultural figurehead in Finland. He served as a mentor and teacher to many aspiring filmmakers and was instrumental in shaping the Finnish film industry. His contributions to the theatre and television industries were also significant, and he was widely regarded as a visionary artist who brought a unique perspective to Finnish cultural life.
Lohikoski's legacy continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers in Finland and beyond, and he remains a revered figure in the history of Finnish cinema. In 2002, he was awarded the Pro Finlandia medal, the highest honor available in Finland to artists and cultural figures.
Toimi Kiviharju
Toimi Kiviharju (April 2, 1912 Miehikkälä-October 29, 1975 Helsinki) also known as Toimi Viljo Kiviharju was a Finnish printmaker, actor and painter.
Kiviharju was primarily known for his woodcuts and linocuts, which often depicted Finnish landscapes and mythology. He studied art at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in Helsinki and went on to have a successful career as a printmaker, exhibiting his work in numerous exhibitions both in Finland and abroad.
In addition to his printmaking, Kiviharju was also a well-known actor, appearing in a number of Finnish films and television shows throughout his career. He was particularly noted for his performance in the film "The Unknown Soldier," which is widely considered to be one of the greatest Finnish movies of all time.
Kiviharju was also an accomplished painter, creating a number of works in the early part of his career before focusing on printmaking. He was one of the founding members of the Finnish printmakers' society and was awarded numerous honors and awards for his contributions to Finnish art.
Later in his career, Kiviharju also ventured into teaching and became a professor of art at the University of Art and Design Helsinki, where he had previously studied. He was a highly respected teacher and mentor to many aspiring artists and printmakers. Kiviharju's legacy continues to inspire and influence Finnish art to this day, and his work is widely celebrated as an important part of the country's cultural heritage.
Olavi Saarinen
Olavi Saarinen (April 30, 1912 Helsinki-May 5, 1987 Seattle) was a Finnish actor.
Saarinen was born in Helsinki, Finland, and began his acting career on stage at the age of 20. He went on to become a prominent actor in Finnish cinema during the 1930s and 40s, appearing in over 50 films. Saarinen was known for his versatility and range as an actor, and his performances often combined humor with pathos.
In addition to his work in film, Saarinen also had a successful career in theater and on television. He was a member of the Finnish National Theatre from 1945 to 1965, and he appeared in several popular TV series in the 1970s and 80s.
Saarinen was recognized for his contributions to Finnish culture, receiving numerous awards throughout his career. In 1971, he was awarded the Order of the Lion of Finland, one of the highest honors in the country.
In the late 1970s, Saarinen moved to the United States and settled in Seattle, where he continued to act in local theater productions until his death in 1987. He is remembered as one of the most beloved actors in Finnish history, with a career spanning over six decades.
Saarinen was not only a talented actor but also a gifted singer. He recorded several songs, some of which became popular hits in Finland. His signature tune was "Kultaiset korvarenkaat" ("Golden Earrings"), which he recorded in 1949. Saarinen was also a skilled painter and photographer, and he held several exhibitions of his artwork throughout his lifetime.
Despite his success as an actor, Saarinen faced personal struggles throughout his life. He struggled with alcoholism, which affected his health and relationships. However, in his later years, he overcame his addiction and became an advocate for sober living.
Saarinen's legacy continues to resonate in Finnish culture. In 2003, the Finnish postal service issued a stamp featuring his likeness, and in 2015, he was posthumously awarded the Finnish State Prize for Cinema in recognition of his contribution to Finnish film.
Kullervo Kalske
Kullervo Kalske (February 28, 1912 Lahti-January 21, 1977 Helsinki) a.k.a. Keijo Kullervo Kalske was a Finnish actor. He had two children, Kari Kullervo and Meri Sisko.
Kullervo Kalske was best known for his work in films like "Kulkurin valssi" (1941), "Kaivopuiston kaunis Regina" (1941), and "Herra ja ylhäisyys" (1944). He began his acting career in the late 1930s and went on to appear in over 50 Finnish films.
Besides being an actor, Kalske was also a writer and a director. He wrote screenplays for a number of Finnish films, including "Kultainen vasikka" (1961) and "Tuntematon sotilas" (1955). He also directed a few films, such as "Mäkitupalaiset" (1951) and "Kaks' tavallista Lahtista" (1950).
In addition to his work in film, Kalske was also a well-known radio personality. He hosted several popular radio programs in Finland during the 1950s and 1960s. Kalske was recognized for his contributions to Finnish culture in 1959 when he was awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal.
Kalske passed away in Helsinki in 1977 at the age of 64. He is remembered as one of the most important figures in Finnish entertainment history.
Born in Lahti, Finland, Kullervo Kalske developed an interest in acting at a young age. He began his studies at the Helsinki Theater School in the 1930s and made his stage debut in 1935. During his early years as an actor, he also worked as a freelance journalist and wrote movie reviews for Finnish newspapers. Kalske's breakthrough role came in the 1941 film "Kulkurin valssi," which was directed by Valentin Vaala. The film became a box office success and established Kalske as one of the leading actors in Finnish cinema.
During World War II, Kalske worked as a war correspondent and documented the Finnish military's activities on the front lines. He later used his experiences as a war correspondent to write and direct the documentary film "Sotilaan tarina" (A Soldier's Story) in 1949. In the 1950s, Kalske continued to act in films and also began hosting several popular radio programs on Yleisradio, the national Finnish public broadcasting company. He also lent his voice to numerous Finnish dubs of foreign films, including "The Seventh Seal" and "Ben-Hur."
Kalske's last film role was in the 1975 comedy "Jäniksen vuosi" (The Year of the Hare), which was directed by Risto Jarva. Kalske's legacy in Finnish cinema was recognized posthumously in 2001 when the Finnish Film Foundation named him one of the "100 Finnish films' greats" in honor of the centenary of Finnish cinema.
Joel Asikainen
Joel Asikainen (July 18, 1912 Viipuri Province-July 7, 1968 Pori) was a Finnish actor.
Joel Asikainen started his acting career in the early 1930s and quickly became one of the most popular actors in Finland. He appeared in numerous stage plays, films, and television shows throughout his career, earning critical acclaim for his versatile performances. Asikainen was particularly known for his comedic roles, and his ability to effortlessly switch between comedy and drama.
During World War II, Asikainen was conscripted into the Finnish Army and served as a lance corporal. After the war, he returned to his acting career and continued to entertain audiences with his performances. In addition to acting, Asikainen was also a talented screenwriter, penning several screenplays throughout his career.
Unfortunately, Asikainen's life was cut short when he died of a heart attack in 1968 at the age of 55. However, his legacy as one of Finland's greatest actors lives on, and he is remembered fondly for his contributions to Finnish cinema and theater.
One of Asikainen's most well-known roles was as the lead character in the film "Nuoruus vauhdissa" (Youth on the Run), which was released in 1951. He also appeared in the film "Juha" in 1956, which was directed by the acclaimed Finnish director, Aki Kaurismäki's grandfather, and was submitted as Finland's entry for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.Asikainen was awarded the title of "Artist Professor" in 1963 for his contributions to Finnish culture, and he was also awarded the Jussi Award for Best Actor in 1948.Asikainen's personal life was just as eventful as his career. He was married twice, and he had a total of six children. His daughter, Taina Asikainen, is also an established actress in Finland.