Finnish actors died in 1987
Here are 2 famous actors from Finland died in 1987:
Esko Toivonen
Esko Toivonen (June 28, 1920 Helsinki-November 9, 1987 Helsinki) also known as Eemeli or Repe ja Eemeli was a Finnish actor and singer.
He started his acting career in the 1940s and appeared in over 50 films throughout his career. In addition to his film work, he was also a popular singer and recorded over 300 songs. Toivonen was known for his comedic roles, and he worked closely with the Finnish comedian Tauno Palo in many films. He received the Jussi Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1955 for his role in the film "Viimeinen savotta". Toivonen was also a respected theater actor and appeared in many productions at the Helsinki City Theatre. He continued to work in film and television until his death in 1987.
Toivonen was born into a musical family, and his mother was a singer. He started performing on stage at a young age, and by the 1930s, he was a regular performer on Finnish radio. Toivonen's breakthrough role in film came in 1941 when he appeared in "Valkoinen peura", directed by Erik Blomberg. He went on to work with many of Finland's most prominent directors, including Edvin Laine and Matti Kassila.
In addition to his acting and singing, Toivonen was also a writer and wrote several books. He was married twice and had four children. One of his daughters, Leena Toivonen, also became an actress.
Toivonen was widely beloved in Finland, and his comedic talent and warm personality endeared him to audiences. He remains a significant figure in Finnish culture and is remembered as one of the country's greatest actors.
Toivonen was a versatile performer, and his talent extended beyond acting and singing. He was also an accomplished athlete and represented Finland in the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, where he competed in the 4 × 400 metres relay. Additionally, he was an avid motorsport enthusiast and competed in rallies, winning the Finnish Championship in 1952. Toivonen was also known for his charity work and was involved in several organizations, including the Finnish Red Cross and the Finnish Guide and Scout Movement. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Order of the Lion of Finland in 1972. Toivonen's legacy continues to live on in Finnish popular culture, with his films and music still enjoyed by audiences today.
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.
Saarinen's most notable films include "Kultainen vasikka" ("The Golden Calf"), "Juha" and "Kahden ladun poikki" ("Across the Tracks"). He also worked with some of the most renowned Finnish directors of his time, including Toivo Särkkä and Edvin Laine. Saarinen was particularly known for his roles in comedies, but he also demonstrated his dramatic skills in films such as "Juha" and "Tositarkoituksella" ("In All Seriousness").
Outside of his artistic pursuits, Saarinen was a devoted father to his two children, Ulla and Harri. He was married twice, first to actress Eeva-Kaarina Volanen and later to Marjatta Marushka Leppänen. Despite his personal struggles, Saarinen remained dedicated to his craft and continued to perform until his death at the age of 75. His contributions to Finnish culture and entertainment continue to be celebrated to this day.