Finnish actors born in 1946

Here are 8 famous actors from Finland were born in 1946:

Markku Huhtamo

Markku Huhtamo (August 10, 1946 Rovaniemi-) also known as Markku Tapani Huhtamo is a Finnish actor.

In addition to his acting career, Markku Huhtamo has also worked as a television host, journalist, and writer. He began his career in the late 1960s as a radio host and later transitioned to television. He has since hosted several popular television programs in Finland, including "Euroviisut" (The Eurovision Song Contest) and "Kuninkaan katsomo" (The King's Audience).

Despite his success in television, Huhtamo is perhaps best known for his work as an actor. He has appeared in numerous Finnish films and television series, including "Badding", "Kuningasjätkä", and "Rakkautta ennen aamua". In addition to his work in front of the camera, Huhtamo has also worked behind the scenes as a writer and producer.

Throughout his career, Huhtamo has been recognized for his contributions to Finnish entertainment. He was awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal in 2012, a prestigious honor awarded to individuals for their contributions to Finnish culture. Today, he continues to be a well-respected figure in the Finnish entertainment industry.

Huhtamo was born in Rovaniemi, Finland, and grew up in the Lapland region. He studied at the Theatre Academy in Helsinki, where he developed a passion for acting. As an actor, he is known for his versatility and ability to play a wide range of characters. He has also been praised for his ability to bring a sense of humor to his roles.

In addition to his work in entertainment, Huhtamo is also an accomplished writer. He has written several books, including "Nauravan rakkauden talo" (The House of Laughing Love), which is a collection of short stories. He has also worked as a journalist, writing for newspapers and magazines in Finland.

Huhtamo has been recognized not only for his contributions to entertainment but also for his advocacy work. He has been a vocal supporter of environmental causes and has been involved in campaigns to protect Finland's natural beauty. In 2015, he was awarded the Order of the Lion of Finland, a prestigious honor given to individuals who have contributed to the promotion of Finland's welfare and international reputation.

Despite his success, Huhtamo remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to be a beloved figure in Finland and is admired for his talent, creativity, and commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

Throughout his career, Markku Huhtamo has demonstrated versatility and a willingness to take on challenging roles. In the 1980s, he appeared in several films directed by Aki Kaurismäki, a Finnish filmmaker known for his distinctive style and deadpan humor. Huhtamo's roles in Kaurismäki's films showcased his range as an actor, as he played both serious and comedic characters.

In addition to his work on screen, Huhtamo has also been a dedicated stage actor. He has appeared in numerous productions at theaters throughout Finland, including the Helsinki City Theatre and the Tampereen Teatteri. He has also directed several productions, including "Kolme sisarta" (Three Sisters) at the Hämeenlinna City Theatre.

Huhtamo's contributions to Finnish culture have been recognized by numerous organizations and institutions. In addition to the Pro Finlandia Medal and Order of the Lion of Finland, he has also received the Eino Leino Prize for his contributions to Finnish literature. He has been a member of the Finnish Academy of Sciences and Letters since 2005, and in 2009, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Lapland.

Despite his many accomplishments, Markku Huhtamo remains committed to his craft and to making a positive impact on society. He continues to be an inspiration to aspiring actors, writers, and activists in Finland and beyond.

Heikki Kinnunen

Heikki Kinnunen (April 8, 1946 Raahe-) a.k.a. Kinnunen, Heikki or Heikki Pentti Ilmari Kinnunen is a Finnish actor and musician. His children are called Vilma Kinnunen, Santeri Kinnunen and Paavo Kinnunen.

Kinnunen started his career as a musician in the 1960s, playing in a number of rock bands. He later turned to acting, and has appeared in over 50 films and TV series. Some of his notable works include the films "Kesäkaverit" (2014) and "The Winter War" (1989), as well as the TV series "Tuntematon sotilas" (1985) and "Mustat lesket" (2014). Kinnunen has also done voice acting for animated films and TV series. In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Kinnunen has been involved in political activism and has been a member of the Left Alliance party. He is also a supporter of animal rights and has been a vocal advocate for the protection of the Finnish wolf population.

Heikki Kinnunen was born in Raahe, Finland in 1946. He started playing music in the 1960s, performing with several rock bands, including The Speakers and Soulset. In the early 1970s, he formed the band Tabula Rasa with his friend and fellow musician Pekka Streng. The band's fusion of Finnish folk music and rock was well received by audiences, and they released several successful albums.

Kinnunen made his acting debut in the 1980s, and quickly established himself as one of Finland's leading actors. He has appeared in numerous films and TV series, and has won critical acclaim for his performances. In addition to his acting work, Kinnunen has also done voice acting for animated films and TV series.

Kinnunen's political activism began in the 1970s, when he joined the environmentalist movement in Finland. He became involved in left-wing politics in the 1980s and later joined the Left Alliance party. He has been an outspoken advocate for social justice, environmentalism, and animal rights.

In recent years, Kinnunen has continued to work as an actor and musician, while also devoting time to his political and social activism. He remains a beloved and respected figure in Finland's cultural and political landscape.

In addition to his successful acting and music careers, Heikki Kinnunen is also known for his work as a writer. He has written several books, including "Kanteleen Nostalgiatrio," a memoir about his experiences as a musician in the 1960s, and "Katkera Aamukaste," a collection of essays about politics, culture, and society.

Kinnunen has also been recognized for his contributions to Finnish culture and society. In 2010, he was awarded the Pro Finlandia medal, one of the highest honors given to artists in Finland. The medal recognized his lifelong dedication to music, acting, and political activism, as well as his efforts to promote social justice and animal rights.

Despite his many accomplishments, Kinnunen remains humble and grateful for his success. He continues to be an inspiration to younger generations of musicians, actors, and activists in Finland and around the world.

Sulevi Peltola

Sulevi Peltola (December 7, 1946 Viljakkala-) also known as Kom Old Stars or Sulevi Antero Peltola is a Finnish actor, television director and screenwriter.

Born in Viljakkala, Finland, Sulevi Peltola began his career as an actor in the early 1970s, appearing in several Finnish films and television series. He soon shifted his focus to television directing and screenwriting, becoming a respected figure in the Finnish television industry.

Peltola is perhaps best known for his work on the popular Finnish television series "Kotikatu," which he created, wrote, and directed. The series aired from 1995 to 2012 and was one of the longest-running dramas in Finnish television history. Peltola also directed and wrote for several other Finnish television shows during his career.

In addition to his television work, Peltola has also acted in several theatre productions in Finland. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Jussi Award for Best Screenplay in 1988 for the film "Ariel," which he co-wrote.

Peltola continues to be active in the Finnish entertainment industry and is considered a pioneer in the development of Finnish television drama.

His interest in acting began in his youth, when he acted in school plays and local theatre productions. He later studied theatre and drama at the Tampereen kaupunginteatterin näyttelijäkoulu (Tampere City Theatre Actor School).

Aside from his work in the entertainment industry, Peltola has also been involved in politics. He was a member of the Finnish parliament for the Social Democratic Party from 1995 to 2003. During his time in parliament, he was a member of the Education and Culture Committee and the Transport and Communications Committee.

Peltola has been recognized for his contributions to Finnish culture and entertainment. He was awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal in 2006, one of the highest honours that can be given to a Finnish citizen. In 2016, he was also awarded the Finnish Cultural Foundation's State Award for his work in television.

Despite retiring from directing and writing for television, Peltola remains involved in the Finnish entertainment industry. He has also been active in promoting cultural exchanges between Finland and other countries, and has been a frequent participant in international film and television festivals.

In addition to his successful career in television, Sulevi Peltola has also contributed to Finnish literature. He has written several books, including a memoir titled "Näin sitä eletään" (That's How You Live) which was published in 2015. Peltola has also been involved in promoting Finnish-language literature, serving as the chairman of the Finnish Writers' Association from 2005 to 2008.

Peltola's talents and contributions have not gone unnoticed by the Finnish government. In 2018, he was awarded the Order of the Lion of Finland, one of the country's highest honors for civilian achievements.

Despite his success and numerous accolades, Peltola remains known for his humility and dedication to his craft. He has been described as a true artist, committed to creating meaningful works that reflect Finnish culture and society.

Rolf Björkholm

Rolf Björkholm (August 8, 1946 Oravais-) also known as Rolf Arne Björkholm is a Finnish actor.

He began his acting career in the 1970s and has since appeared in numerous theater productions, films, and television shows in Finland. Björkholm is perhaps best known for his roles in the films "The Unknown Soldier" (1985) and "Tango Kabaree" (1993). In addition to his acting career, he has also worked as a screenwriter and directed several plays. Björkholm has been recognized for his contributions to Finnish culture and was awarded the Order of the Lion of Finland in 2014.

Björkholm was born in Oravais, Finland. After completing his early education, he moved to Helsinki to pursue his passion in acting. He graduated with a degree in acting from the Theatre Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki in 1975. His first role was in the play "Viimeinen kevät" (Last Spring), which was performed at the Finnish National Theatre in Helsinki.

In addition to his work in theater, Björkholm has also had a successful career in television and film. He appeared in the popular Finnish television series "Kotikatu" (1995-2007) and "Mustat lesket" (Black Widows) (2014-2016). He has also acted in films including "Tuntematon sotilas" (2017), which was based on the classic Finnish novel of the same name.

Björkholm's contributions to Finnish culture have been widely recognized. In addition to receiving the Order of the Lion of Finland in 2014, he was awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal in 2018.

Björkholm has also made significant contributions as a screenwriter and director. He has written several plays, such as "Vuoropuhelu" (Dialogue) and "Oudot kulkijat" (Strange Travelers), which have been performed in theaters across Finland. Björkholm's directing credits include productions of "Kuningas Lear" (King Lear) and "Yön kantaja" (Night's Carrier), both of which were critically acclaimed. In addition to his work in the arts, Björkholm has also been a vocal advocate for environmental protection, human rights, and social justice issues. He has been involved in several organizations that promote these causes, including Greenpeace and Amnesty International. Despite his success, Björkholm remains humble, and he continues to work on new projects that challenge him as an artist.

Pekka Autiovuori

Pekka Autiovuori (March 19, 1946 Riihimäki-) otherwise known as Pekka Kullervo Autiovuori is a Finnish actor.

Autiovuori started his acting career in the 1970s and has since appeared in numerous movies, TV series, and theater productions. Some of his notable roles include the character of Korpela in the 1984 film "Väliaikainen", and Kaarle in the 1993 film "Matka huomiseen".

Aside from his acting career, Autiovuori is also known for his social and political activism. He has been a member of the Finnish Communist Party and has been involved in various causes such as environmentalism and human rights. He was also one of the founders of the Finnish Film Workers' Union in 1985.

In 2006, Autiovuori was awarded the Jussi Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film "Kosto". Despite his successful career in acting, Autiovuori has stated that he does not consider himself a "real actor", but rather "a political activist who happens to be an actor".

Autiovuori was born and raised in Riihimäki, Finland. He studied acting at the Finnish Theatre Academy and graduated in 1971. He then began his acting career on stage at various theaters in Finland before transitioning to film and television roles. Autiovuori has been recognized for his contributions to Finnish cinema with a lifetime achievement award from the Finnish Film Foundation in 2016. He has also served as a jury member for the Tampere Film Festival and the Jussi Awards. Autiovuori is known for his rugged looks and distinctive voice, which has made him a sought-after voice actor in addition to his screen and stage work. He has done voice work for animated films and TV shows, as well as numerous radio productions. Despite his busy career, Autiovuori has remained committed to his political and social causes, and he continues to speak out on issues he believes in.

Autiovuori's activism is deeply rooted in his upbringing. His parents were actively involved in leftist politics and instilled their beliefs in their children. Autiovuori's own political awakening came when he was a student in the late 1960s, during a time of political and social upheaval in Finland and around the world. He became involved in various youth organizations and political groups before joining the Finnish Communist Party. Despite the fall of the Soviet Union and the decline of communism as a political force, Autiovuori has remained committed to leftist politics and has supported causes such as workers' rights, environmentalism, and anti-racism.

In addition to his activism, Autiovuori has also been involved in education and mentoring. He has taught acting at the Theatre Academy of Finland and has mentored younger actors in the industry. He has also collaborated with theater companies and filmmakers to create works that address social and political issues. Autiovuori has received numerous awards and recognition for his contributions to Finnish culture and society, including the Order of the Lion of Finland and the Finnish Cultural Foundation's State Prize.

Autiovuori is married and has two children. Despite his busy schedule, he remains dedicated to his family and his causes. He continues to work in film and theater and is often sought after for his distinctive voice and rugged appearance. He has become a beloved and respected figure in Finnish culture and society, admired for his talent, his activism, and his commitment to social justice.

Jotaarkka Pennanen

Jotaarkka Pennanen (May 17, 1946 Helsinki-) also known as Jotaarkka Aleksis Vissarion Pennanen is a Finnish television director, actor, screenwriter and film director. His children are called Kasimir Pennanen, Aarnio Pennanen, Anna Pennanen and Tyyne Pennanen.

Pennanen began his career in the entertainment industry as a child actor in the Finnish film "Silloin kun sinä lasket kyyneleitä" in 1952. He later attended the Theatre Academy of Finland and worked as a theater director before transitioning to television and film. He is perhaps best known for his work as a director on popular Finnish TV shows such as "Uuno Turhapuro" and "Studio Julmahuvi." He has also directed several feature films, including "Uuno Turhapuron muisti palailee pätkittäin" and "Olimme sotilaita."

In addition to his work in entertainment, Pennanen has been involved in politics as a member of the Finnish parliament for the Left Alliance from 1995 to 1999. He has also worked as a teacher at the Helsinki Theatre Academy, where he has mentored several successful Finnish actors and directors.

Pennanen's contributions to Finnish entertainment have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Pro Finlandia Medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland, and his influential impact on Finnish comedy is widely acknowledged.

Outside of his work as a director, actor, and screenwriter, Jotaarkka Pennanen has also made significant contributions to the Finnish cultural scene through his writing. He has authored several books, including the humorous "Laitetaan Lapiot Lapasesta" and the political satire "Kuningas Georgen uudet vaatteet."

Pennanen has also been an advocate for animal rights and environmental causes in Finland. He has been a vocal supporter of the animal rights organization Animalia, and has spoken out against the use of fur in fashion. In addition, he has campaigned for the protection of Finnish forests and wilderness areas.

Throughout his long and distinguished career, Jotaarkka Pennanen has solidified his place in the pantheon of Finnish cultural icons. His influence on Finnish entertainment is immeasurable, and his legacy as a trailblazer in Finnish comedy and satire continues to inspire new generations of artists and performers.

In addition to his directing work, Jotaarkka Pennanen has also established himself as a respected actor in Finland. He has appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career, including the Finnish drama "Käsky" and the popular comedy "Latkakommando". He is also known for his performances in stage productions, having acted in plays by Shakespeare and Ibsen.

Pennanen's work in entertainment and politics has also led him to receive international recognition. In 2000, he was awarded the Nordic Council's Film Prize for his contributions to Nordic film, and in 2010, he was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on the television series "Siskonpeti".

Despite his success, Pennanen remains a humble and committed artist. He has stated that his goal as a director is to create work that is both entertaining and meaningful, and to use his platform to promote important societal issues. With his diverse body of work and unwavering dedication to his craft, Jotaarkka Pennanen is a true icon of Finnish culture.

Erkki Saarela

Erkki Saarela (October 24, 1946 Helsinki-) also known as Erkki Juhani Saarela or Kom Old Stars is a Finnish actor and theatre director. He has one child, Niko Saarela.

Saarela began his acting career in the 1970s and has since appeared in over 100 film and television productions. He is perhaps best known for his roles in Finnish crime dramas, such as "Vares" (2011), "Bullets" (2018), and "Hurja Joukko" (1998).

Aside from acting, Saarela has also directed numerous productions for various theaters throughout Finland, including the Helsinki City Theatre and Tampereen Teatteri. He has been recognized for his work with several awards, including the Pro Finlandia Medal in 2011 and the Finnish State Prize for Performing Arts in 1995.

Saarela's son, Niko, followed in his father's footsteps and became an actor as well. In recent years, the two have even appeared on screen together in the film "Niko 2: Little Brother, Big Trouble" (2012).

Saarela had a difficult childhood as his mother died when he was young, and he was raised by his father who was a journalist. Saarela himself initially wanted to become a journalist as well, but he instead discovered his love for the theatre while studying at the University of Helsinki. He joined the Q-Theatre company in the late 1960s, where he worked as an actor and director before eventually branching out on his own.

Aside from his work in television and film, Saarela has also appeared in a number of stage productions in Finland, including "The Cherry Orchard" and "A Streetcar Named Desire". He has also directed plays for various theatre companies both inside and outside Finland.

In addition to his Pro Finlandia Medal and Finnish State Prize for Performing Arts, Saarela has also been recognized for his contributions to Finnish culture through his work in theatre and film with the Eino Leino Prize in 1999 and the Order of the Lion of Finland in 2006.

Saarela has been known for his versatility as an actor and his ability to portray complex characters. He has also been praised for his work as a director, known for his innovative and bold interpretations of classic plays. In 1988, Saarela founded his own theatre company, Kom Theater, which is still active today.

Apart from his professional accomplishments, Saarela has been actively involved in various social and environmental causes over the years. He is a strong advocate for animal rights and has supported organizations that work for the protection of endangered species. Saarela has also been an outspoken critic of the Finnish government's policies on immigration, arguing for more compassionate and inclusive practices.

Saarela continues to work as an actor and director, and is highly respected in the Finnish arts community. His contributions to Finnish theatre and film have made him a cultural icon in his home country.

Ilkka Vanne

Ilkka Vanne (March 31, 1946 Lappeenranta-) a.k.a. Ilkka Erkki Tapani Vanne is a Finnish film director, actor, screenwriter and television director. He has one child, Karoliina Vanne.

Ilkka Vanne started his career in the film industry in the late 1960s and directed his first feature film "Virran taa" in 1973. He went on to direct several successful movies such as "Piilopirtti" (1982), "Rosso" (1985) and "Isäntä soittaa hanuria" (1993). Apart from directing, he has also acted in several films and television series such as "Punainen viiva" (1979) and "Hovimäki" (1999-2000).

Ilkka Vanne has won several awards for his contribution to Finnish film industry, including the Jussi Award for Best Director for "Kulkuri ja joutsen" (1998) and the Pro Finlandia medal in 2007. In addition to his film career, Vanne has also directed numerous television series such as "Metsolat" (1993-1998) and "Irtiottoja" (2003).

Ilkka Vanne is known for his versatile style of filmmaking and his ability to bring out the best in his actors. He is considered as one of the most influential figures in the Finnish film industry and continues to inspire young filmmakers.

In addition to his work in film and television, Ilkka Vanne has also worked as a theatre director. He has directed numerous plays for the Finnish National Theatre, Helsinki City Theatre, and Tampere Workers' Theatre. Vanne has also written scripts for the theatre, including his adaptation of the Finnish classic "Seven Brothers" in 2012.

Outside of his career, Ilkka Vanne is a prominent advocate for the environment and sustainable living. He is involved in several environmental organizations in Finland and has worked to promote eco-friendly practices in the film industry. Vanne is also a supporter of human rights and has been a vocal advocate for refugees and immigrants.

Ilkka Vanne continues to be an active member of the Finnish film industry and is currently working on a new film project. His contributions to the film, theatre, and television industries have cemented his place as a legendary figure in Finnish cultural history.

Ilkka Vanne's passion for the environment led him to become a founding member of the Green Party in Finland in 1987. He served as a Member of Parliament for the Green League from 1991 to 1995 and remained an active member of the party until 2003. In addition to his environmental activism, Vanne is also a philanthropist and has supported several charitable causes in Finland including the Finnish Red Cross and Save the Children Finland. In recognition of his humanitarian work, he received the Humanitarian of the Year award from the Finnish Red Cross in 2017.Ilkka Vanne's legacy in the Finnish film industry has been celebrated with several retrospectives of his work, including a major exhibition at the National Audiovisual Institute in Helsinki in 2016. Despite his numerous achievements, Vanne remains humble and continues to prioritize his family and personal life. He enjoys spending time at his summer cottage in the Finnish countryside, where he can relax and enjoy nature.

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