Finnish actresses born in 1904
Here are 6 famous actresses from Finland were born in 1904:
Kaisu Leppänen
Kaisu Leppänen (October 13, 1904 Turku-March 4, 1993 Helsinki) also known as Katri Sisko Leppänen was a Finnish actor. She had one child, Pentti Unho.
Kaisu Leppänen began acting in films in the 1930s, and continued throughout her career to appear in a wide variety of films, including dramas, comedies, and musicals. Some of her most notable roles were in the films "Rakas lurjus" (1936), "Naiskohtaloita" (1947), and "Tie on pitkä" (1951). Leppänen was also a stage actor and was affiliated with the Finnish National Theatre from 1929 until her retirement in 1974. In addition to her acting career, she was also an accomplished painter, and her works were exhibited in Finland and internationally. Overall, Kaisu Leppänen is considered to be one of the most respected and beloved actors in Finnish history.
Irja Kuusla
Irja Kuusla (January 26, 1904 Karstula-July 4, 1988 Helsinki) otherwise known as Irja Digert was a Finnish actor. She had one child, Matti Kuusla.
Irja Kuusla began her acting career in 1923 and appeared in over 50 films throughout her career. She was known for her roles in the movies "Irmeli" (1932), "Sininen viikko" (1935), and "Sulka, kynä ja love" (1955). Kuusla was also a stage actress and performed in various theaters in Finland. In addition to acting, she also worked as a screenwriter and director. Kuusla was awarded the Pro Finlandia medal in 1975 for her contributions to Finnish culture.
Irja Elstelä
Irja Elstelä (March 4, 1904-October 1, 1976) also known as Irja Lautia or Irja Elisabeth Lautiainen was a Finnish actor. She had three children, Kristiina Elstelä, Esko Elstelä and Riitta Elstelä.
Elstelä began her acting career in the 1920s and went on to become a prolific actor in both film and theater in Finland. She appeared in over 50 films and was known for her versatility in playing both comedic and dramatic roles. Her breakthrough role came in the 1939 film "Kultainen vasikka" (The Golden Calf), which became a hit in Finland and Europe.
During World War II, Elstelä was active in various cultural organizations and regularly performed for Finnish soldiers. She also worked as a nurse in a military hospital. In the post-war years, she continued her successful acting career, but also became involved in politics, joining the Finnish People's Democratic League and serving as a member of parliament from 1958 to 1962.
Elstelä was awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal in 1966 for her contributions to Finnish culture. She passed away in 1976 at the age of 72.
Elsa Turakainen
Elsa Turakainen (August 8, 1904 Helsinki-February 7, 1992 Helsinki) a.k.a. Elsa Mercedes Turakainen or Turri was a Finnish actor.
Elsa Turakainen was born in Helsinki, Finland in 1904. She was a prominent figure in the Finnish film industry and had a successful career as an actress, performing in over 30 films during the 1930s and 40s. Turakainen began her acting career in the theatre and then made the transition to the film industry. She was known for her versatility as an actress and her ability to portray a wide range of characters.
Turakainen's most famous roles include her portrayal of Elsa in the film "Poika ja ilves" (The Boy and the Lynx), which was released in 1938 and is still regarded as a classic in Finnish cinema. She also played the lead role in the film "Anna-Liisa" (1945), which was based on a play by Finnish writer Minna Canth.
Aside from her work in film, Turakainen was also a talented singer and dancer. She performed in several stage productions throughout her career and was a member of the Finnish National Opera. Turakainen retired from acting in the late 1940s, but remained active in the arts community until her death in 1992. She was awarded the Order of the Lion of Finland in recognition of her contributions to Finnish culture.
Rakel Laakso
Rakel Laakso (April 2, 1904 Helsinki-March 9, 1985) also known as Raakel Laakso or Rakel Regina Emilia Kivekäs was a Finnish actor.
She began her acting career in 1926 and went on to star in over 80 films throughout her career. Laakso was known for her versatility as an actor, playing a range of roles from dramatic to comedic. She was particularly celebrated for her roles in films such as "Juha" (1937) and "Tuntematon sotilas" (1955). Alongside her acting career, Laakso was also a popular radio personality and voice actress. In 1953, she received the Order of the Lion of Finland for her contributions to Finnish culture. Laakso retired from acting in the early 1960s and spent the rest of her life in Helsinki.
May Pihlgren
May Pihlgren (January 6, 1904 Helsinki-October 29, 1986 Helsinki) also known as May Eleonora Pihlgren was a Finnish actor.
She began her acting career in the 1920s and became a well-known stage actress in Finland. In addition to her work in theater, Pihlgren also appeared in several Finnish films. Her most famous role was in the 1952 film "The White Reindeer" which won several awards at international film festivals. Pihlgren was also a respected acting teacher and taught at the Theatre Academy in Helsinki. She was married to fellow actor Toivo Mäkelä until his death in 1978. Pihlgren continued to act in films and on stage until her death in 1986.