Finnish actresses born in 1938
Here are 11 famous actresses from Finland were born in 1938:
Rose-Marie Precht
Rose-Marie Precht (April 19, 1938 Helsinki-September 26, 2000 Helsinki) also known as Astrid Rose-Marie Precht or Rose-Mari Precht was a Finnish actor. She had one child, Santeri Kinnunen.
Rose-Marie Precht began her career in the 1950s and acted in several Finnish films and television shows. Some of her notable works include "The White Reindeer" (1952), "The Maiden of the Office" (1964), and "Russian Flu" (1985). She was also a popular stage actress and performed in several plays.
Apart from acting, Precht was also a skilled singer and recorded several songs in Finnish. She was a part of the Finnish Broadcasting Company's (Yle) popular children's program "Lastentunti" and also wrote books for children.
Precht was known for her versatility and ability to perform a wide range of roles. She was awarded the Eino Leino Prize in 1994 for her contributions to Finnish culture. Precht passed away in 2000 due to cancer.
In addition to her work as an actor, singer, and writer for children, Rose-Marie Precht was also an accomplished translator. She translated several books from Swedish to Finnish, including the popular Pippi Longstocking series by Astrid Lindgren. Precht was also a dedicated advocate for animal rights and was a member of the Finnish animal welfare organization SEY. She even founded her own animal shelter in the Helsinki region in 1997, which still carries her name today. Precht's legacy as a versatile and talented performer and a passionate animal lover continues to be celebrated in Finland.
She was born in Helsinki to a Finnish father and a Danish mother, and grew up bilingual in both Finnish and Danish. In addition to her work as an actor, Precht was also an active member of the Finnish theater community, serving as the chairperson of the Finnish Actors' Union for several years. She was also a board member of the Finnish Film Foundation and the Finnish Cultural Foundation.Precht's dedication to animal welfare extended beyond her personal efforts, as she was also an active supporter of animal rights organizations across the world. She was a member of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), and her contributions to the organization's work were recognized with an award in 1995. In addition to her work for animals, Precht was also an advocate for women's rights and was involved in several feminist organizations.Precht's impact on Finnish culture and society continues to be celebrated, and her legacy as a talented actor, beloved performer, and passionate advocate for animals lives on.
Irma Martinkauppi
Irma Martinkauppi (June 28, 1938 Oulu-) a.k.a. Irma Karkama is a Finnish actor.
She started her acting career in the 1960s, and has since appeared in dozens of films and television shows. Some of her most memorable roles include her performances in "The Winter War" (1989), "The Secret of the Iceflower" (1990), and "The Last Wedding" (1995).
In addition to her acting work, Martinkauppi has also been a prominent figure in the Finnish theater scene, having worked for several theater companies as an actor and director. She has received a number of awards throughout her career, including the prestigious Pro Finlandia medal in 2001 for her contributions to Finnish culture.
Martinkauppi continues to work in the entertainment industry today, and is considered one of the most respected and beloved actors in Finland.
Martinkauppi was born in Oulu, Finland and attended the Helsinki Theatre Academy in the 1960s. Her first role was in the Finnish film "Syntipukki" (1963). In the 1970s, she gained wider recognition for her roles in the popular Finnish sketch comedy show "Velipuolikuu". Martinkauppi's talent and versatility as an actor earned her roles in a variety of genres and productions including dramas, comedies, and children's shows.
In addition to her work on stage and screen, Martinkauppi has also been active in Finnish politics, having served as a member of the Finnish parliament in the 1990s. She has been an outspoken advocate for social and environmental issues.
In recent years, Martinkauppi has continued to work in both film and television, appearing in popular Finnish productions such as "Bordertown" (2016) and "Roba" (2019). She has also continued to receive recognition for her work, including a Jussi Award, the highest film award in Finland, for her role in "The Last Wedding" in 1996.
Martinkauppi remains a respected and beloved figure in Finnish culture, known for her talent, professionalism, and dedication to social justice issues.
In addition to her prolific acting career, Irma Martinkauppi has also been a vocal advocate for equal rights and environmental sustainability. She is a member of the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, and has been involved in various campaigns to promote conservation and sustainable living practices. Martinkauppi has also spoken out in support of LGBTQ+ rights and was one of the first public figures in Finland to publicly support same-sex marriage. Her advocacy work has made her a role model for many Finnish people, both in and outside of the entertainment industry.
Martinkauppi has also been involved in several international collaborations and projects, including films and theater productions in Europe and North America. She has worked with directors such as Peter Brook and Robert Lepage, and has performed in productions that have been staged in several languages.
Despite her many accomplishments, Martinkauppi has remained modest and grounded throughout her career. She is known for her warm personality and her kindness to her colleagues, and she remains approachable and accessible to her fans.
Pirkko Mannola
Pirkko Mannola (December 27, 1938 Sääksmäki-) otherwise known as Pirkko Martta Irmeli Mannola, Pirkko Mannola-Lindman or Manola, Pirko is a Finnish actor and singer. Her child is called Heidi Kara.
Born in Sääksmäki, Finland, Pirkko Mannola began her career as a singer in the 1950s and eventually transitioned to acting. She appeared in numerous films and TV shows, becoming a household name in Finland. Mannola was particularly known for her roles in comedies, but also showcased her dramatic acting skills in various works.
Aside from her acting and singing career, Mannola has also been involved in charity work and was named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Finland in 1995. She has received several awards for her contributions to Finnish culture, including the Pro Finlandia medal and the Finnish State Prize for Film.
Mannola has been married three times and has one daughter, Heidi Kara, who is also a well-known actor in Finland. Despite being in her 80s, Mannola remains an active public figure in Finland and continues to be a beloved member of the entertainment industry.
In addition to her successful acting and singing career, Pirkko Mannola has also authored several books. She wrote her autobiography "Pienestä pitäen" (From a Young Age) which was published in 2003. Mannola has also written books on Finnish cuisine, and a book on her love for gardening called "Pirkko Mannolan Puutarhamuistikirja" (The Garden Memoirs of Pirkko Mannola).
Mannola was awarded the "Golden Venla" award for her outstanding contribution to Finnish television industry in 2010. In 2015, she was awarded the "Suomi-palkinto" award from the Finnish Minister of Culture and Education for her accomplishments in the field of arts and culture.
In addition to her philanthropy work with UNICEF, Mannola has also contributed to a number of other charities throughout her career. She has been an active member of the Finnish Cancer Society and has also supported organizations that provide aid to children in need.
Pirkko Mannola's legacy in Finnish entertainment industry continues to inspire younger generations. She has been a role model for many aspiring actors and singers in Finland, and her contributions to the arts and culture in Finland have been invaluable.
Throughout her long career, which spans over 60 years, Pirkko Mannola has acted in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions. Some of her most popular films include "komisario Palmun erehdys" (1960), "A Day in the Life of a Finnish Housewife" (1955) and "Noin 7 veljestä" (1968). She has also been a regular on Finnish TV shows, hosting game shows and variety shows throughout the years.
In addition to her successful entertainment career and philanthropic work, Pirkko Mannola has also been recognized for her contributions to the Finnish society. She was awarded the medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland in 1988 and the Pro Finlandia medal in 1999. The Finnish State Prize for Film was awarded to her in 1974, and she was presented with the Finnish Cultural Foundation's award for life achievement in the arts in 2008.
Until this day, Pirkko Mannola remains one of the most beloved and respected entertainment figures in Finland, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Saara Pakkasvirta
Saara Pakkasvirta (July 23, 1938 Viipuri Province-) a.k.a. Saara Pulkkinen or Saara Tellervo Pulkkinen is a Finnish actor.
Saara Pakkasvirta began her acting career in the 1960s and quickly became a popular figure in Finnish theater and film. She has worked with many esteemed directors and actors, and is known for her versatile and naturalistic performances. In addition to acting, Pakkasvirta has also worked as a director and teacher of theater. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to Finnish culture, including the Pro Finlandia Medal.
Saara Pakkasvirta was born in Vyborg, which was then a part of Finland. She later moved to Tampere with her family. After completing her studies, she joined the Tampereen Teatteri theatre in 1962, where she worked for several years before moving to Helsinki. In Helsinki, she appeared in various plays, TV series, and films, including the critically acclaimed movie 'Tulipää' (1978) directed by Pirjo Honkasalo.
Pakkasvirta has been involved in numerous productions and has worked with many leading actors and directors. She is known for her professionalism and is respected for her contribution to Finnish theatre and cinema. She has appeared in over 50 films during her career, including 'Punainen viiva' (1961), 'Rauta-aika' (1982) and television series like 'Metsolat' (1993–1995).
In addition to acting, Saara Pakkasvirta has also directed theatrical productions and has taught acting at the Theatre Academy Helsinki. She was awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal in 1995 for her contributions to Finnish culture. She retired from acting in the early 2000s but remained active in the theatre industry. Today, she is considered one of the most important figures in Finnish theatre and cinema.
Saara Pakkasvirta was especially known for her ability to portray complex and nuanced characters with great finesse. Her work in the movie 'Tulipää' as a mother who struggles to cope with her son's schizophrenia was particularly notable. Pakkasvirta was also recognized for her contributions to feminist theater in Finland. She directed and acted in several productions that tackled issues related to gender and sexuality.
In addition to her Pro Finlandia Medal recognition, Pakkasvirta was awarded the prestigious Jussi Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1981 for her role in the movie 'Pilkkuja ja pikkuhousuja'. She was also awarded the State Prize for Art in 2002.
Outside of her work in the arts, Saara Pakkasvirta has been an active member of the Finnish Democratic Women's League and has been a strong advocate for women's rights. She has also been involved in environmental activism and campaigned for the protection of the Finnish archipelago from pollution.
Today, Saara Pakkasvirta is remembered as a pioneering figure in Finnish theater and film, who pushed boundaries and opened up new possibilities for future generations of artists.
Liisa Roine
Liisa Roine (June 27, 1938 Tampere-) also known as Liisa Marjatta Roine or Liisa Roine-Mäki is a Finnish actor. Her children are called Alina Mäki and Alex Mäki.
Roine first became interested in theater while studying in school, and she later went on to attend the Finnish Theatre Academy in Helsinki. She made her stage debut in 1961, and has worked with several prominent Finnish theaters such as the Helsinki City Theatre and Tampereen Teatteri.
In addition to her extensive theater career, Roine has also appeared in films and television series. Some of her notable film roles include the films "Here, Beneath the North Star" and "The Unknown Soldier". On television, she is perhaps best known for her role as Liisa Tavi in the long-running Finnish television drama series "Kotikatu".
Roine has received numerous awards for her work as an actress, including the Pro Finlandia Medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland in 1992 and the Jussi Award for Best Actress in 2009. She is widely regarded as one of the most talented and respected actors in Finland.
Roine has also been involved in teaching acting, having worked as a lecturer in the Theatre Academy of Tampere University of Applied Sciences from 1976 to 1988, and as a professor in the Theatre Academy from 1989 to 2002. She has been recognized for her contributions to education with an honorary doctorate from Tampere University of Technology in 2009. In addition to her career as an actress and educator, Roine has been involved in various social and environmental causes, such as her work with the Tampere Art Museum and the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation. Despite being in her 80s, Roine continues to work in theater and film, and remains an active and beloved figure in Finnish cultural life.
Roine has also been involved in radio productions such as radio plays and radio documentaries. Her voice has been described as melodic and captivating, and she has been praised for her ability to bring characters to life with her voice alone. Roine has been recognized for her contributions to Finnish culture with several other awards, including the State Prize for Performing Arts in 1982 and the honorary title of Lector of Arts in 1993. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Roine is known for her philanthropic work. She has been involved in raising awareness about poverty and has actively supported various charities focused on improving the lives of those in need. Roine is widely regarded as a national treasure in Finland, and her contributions to Finnish theater and culture have left an indelible mark on the country's artistic landscape.
Anja Hatakka
Anja Hatakka (February 21, 1938 Zaporozhskoye-) a.k.a. Anja Geissbühler is a Finnish actor.
She was born in present-day Ukraine to Finnish parents. Hatakka moved to Finland with her family in 1944 during World War II. She trained as an actor at the Theatre Academy in Helsinki and began her career with the Helsinki City Theatre in the 1960s. She has also appeared in several Finnish films and TV series, including the popular drama series "Kotikatu". Hatakka is known for her versatile roles and has been awarded the Pro Finlandia medal for her contribution to Finnish theatre and culture. She has also worked as a theatre director and writer.
Hatakka has been recognized as one of the most prominent actors of Finnish theatre, and has won several awards for her performances. She has also been a professor of theatre arts at the Theatre Academy in Helsinki. In addition to her work in the theatre, Hatakka has acted in various Finnish films, including "Jäniksen vuosi" ("The Year of the Hare") and "Tuntematon sotilas" ("The Unknown Soldier"). She has also published several books and plays, some of which have been translated into Swedish and English. Outside of her artistic career, Hatakka has been involved in various social and environmental causes, and has served as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.
Her notable achievements in Finnish theatre include her role as Marlene Dietrich in the cabaret play "Falling in Love Again" and as the lead character in Samuel Beckett's play "Happy Days". Her performance in the latter received critical acclaim, and she has since directed productions of the play both in Finland and abroad.
In addition to her work on stage and on screen, Hatakka has also been active in promoting Finnish culture internationally. She has represented Finland at various arts events and festivals around the world, and has worked to promote Finnish theatre and literature in other countries.
Throughout her career, Hatakka has received numerous awards and honours for her contributions to Finnish culture. In addition to the Pro Finlandia medal, she has been awarded the State Prize for Theatre, the Order of the Lion of Finland, and the Swedish Academy's Nordic Drama Prize. She has also been granted honorary doctorates from the University of Helsinki and the University of Turku.
Hatakka continues to work in the arts, both as a performer and as a writer and director. She is recognized as one of the most important figures in Finnish theatre and culture, and her contributions continue to be celebrated both in Finland and beyond.
Liisamaija Laaksonen
Liisamaija Laaksonen (May 6, 1938 Lahti-) also known as Liisa-Maija Laaksonen, Liisa Laaksonen or Liisamaija Laaksonen-Kaitue is a Finnish actor and screenwriter. She has one child, Katariina Kaitue.
Laaksonen began her acting career in 1958 when she was cast in the film "Poikkihuilu". She went on to appear in numerous other films and television series throughout the 1960s and 1970s, including "Mää ja pieni elämäni", "Kaverukset", and "Seitsemän veljestä".
In addition to her acting work, Laaksonen also wrote screenplays for several movies and TV shows in the 1980s and 1990s. Some of her notable writing credits include the TV series "Maalausliike" and the film "Huhtikuu on kuukausista julmin".
In recognition of her contributions to Finnish film and television, Laaksonen was awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal in 1997. She continues to be active in the industry and is considered one of the most respected actresses in Finland.
Laaksonen is known for her versatility in portraying various roles, from comedic to dramatic. Her notable performances include her role as Kalevala's singer in the musical film "Täällä Pohjantähden alla" and as the mother of Tom of Finland in the biopic "Tom of Finland". Apart from her work in film and television, Laaksonen also appeared on stage, including in productions by the Tampereen Teatteri and the Finnish National Theatre.
Aside from her artistic endeavors, Laaksonen is also known for her activism. She has been a member of the Finnish Actors' Union and has served as the union's vice-chairman. She is also an advocate for animal rights and has been actively involved in supporting animal shelters in Finland.
Laaksonen's enduring legacy in Finnish film and television continues to inspire younger generations of actors and writers in the country.
In addition to her work in film and television, Liisamaija Laaksonen has also made a name for herself as a voice actor, lending her voice to numerous animated films and TV shows in Finland. She dubbed the Finnish voice for Mrs. Potts in the Disney classic "Beauty and the Beast" and also lent her voice to characters in "The Lion King" and "Pocahontas". Laaksonen's talents as a writer and actress were celebrated in 2017 when she was awarded the Jussi Award, Finland's highest honor for film, for her supporting role in the movie "Tyttö nimeltä Varpu". Despite being in her seventies, Laaksonen remains an active member of the Finnish film industry and continues to work on new projects. She is also an inspiration to many in Finland for her strong work ethic and commitment to her craft.
Eira Jauckens
Eira Jauckens (September 16, 1938 Kokkola-) a.k.a. Eira Karén or Eira Marita Jauckens is a Finnish actor.
She began her career in the arts as a theater actress in Helsinki in the 1960s. Eira gained recognition for her role in the cult Finnish film "Jäniksen vuosi" (The Year of the Hare) in 1977, and her performance earned her the Jussi Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 1978.
In addition to her acting career, Eira also worked as the artistic director of the Tampere Theater in Tampere, Finland in the early 1990s. She was also a board member of the Finnish National Theater from 1999 to 2003.
Eira has been married twice, first to actor and director Esko Nikkari and later to Finnish actor Kari Franck. She has two children from her first marriage. Today, she continues to act, both on stage and in films, and is recognized as one of Finland's most respected and accomplished actors.
Eira Jauckens was born in Kokkola, Finland and graduated from the Theatre Academy of Finland in 1961. She then began her career as a theater actress in Helsinki, appearing in several productions before making her film debut in "Rakastin sinua, Hilde" (I Loved You, Hilde) in 1967. Over the course of her career, Jauckens has appeared in nearly 50 films and television shows, including several popular Finnish TV series.
Aside from her work in theater and film, Jauckens has also worked extensively as a voice actress, providing Finnish dubbing for foreign films and TV shows. She has lent her voice to characters in movies such as "The Lion King" and "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," as well as TV shows like "The Sopranos" and "Desperate Housewives."
Jauckens has received numerous awards and accolades for her acting, including the Pro Finlandia medal in 1995 and the Order of the Lion of Finland in 2004. She has also been honored with lifetime achievement awards from both the Tampere Film Festival and the Finnish Film Foundation.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Jauckens is also known for her activism on behalf of various social causes. She has been an advocate for LGBTQ rights, women's rights, and environmentalism throughout her career, and has been recognized for her contributions to these causes both in Finland and internationally.
Eira Jauckens has been involved in numerous social and political causes in addition to her prominent acting career. In the late 1970s, she co-founded a feminist theater group in Helsinki, which aimed to promote women's voices in the performing arts. She has also been involved in environmental activism, working with Greenpeace and other organizations to raise awareness about climate change and sustainable living.
Jauckens is a respected cultural figure in Finland, and her influence extends beyond the arts. In 2000, she was appointed as a member of the Finnish Cultural Foundation, a prestigious organization that provides grants and support to artists and cultural institutions throughout Finland.
Despite her advancing age, Jauckens continues to act and engage in social and political activism. She is seen as a trailblazer for women and LGBTQ people in the arts, and her work has left an indelible mark on Finnish culture.
Christina Indrenius-Zalewski
Christina Indrenius-Zalewski (November 24, 1938 Turku-) is a Finnish actor.
She started her acting career in the 1960s and has performed in numerous movies, TV shows, and theater plays in Finland. Some of her notable roles in Finnish films include the 1977 film "Mennyt mies", and the 1982 film "Bensaa suonissa". She has also appeared in several international productions, such as the Soviet-Finnish co-production "Lumikuningatar" (1986) and the Swedish-Finnish co-production "Jordskott" (2015). In addition to her acting career, Indrenius-Zalewski has also worked as a director, scriptwriter, and dubbing actress. She has received several awards for her contribution to Finnish cinema, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Tampere Film Festival in 2012.
Indrenius-Zalewski studied drama at Turku Theater Academy before embarking on her acting career. She gained recognition for her work in theater plays during the 1960s and 1970s, and later transitioned to film and television. In addition to her acting work, she has also written scripts for movies and television shows, including the popular Finnish crime series "Paskalampi".
Indrenius-Zalewski has also done voice work for many animated movies and TV series, lending her voice to characters in Finnish versions of Disney movies such as "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast". She has also dubbed foreign films into Finnish language. Her versatility as an actor, director, and scriptwriter has made her a well-respected figure in Finnish cinema.
Indrenius-Zalewski has been married twice and has two children. She continues to be active in acting and other forms of artistic expression.
Indrenius-Zalewski grew up in Turku, Finland and was the daughter of a businessman and a housewife. She started taking acting classes at a young age, and after finishing high school, she enrolled in the Turku Theater Academy. While studying there, she appeared in various student productions and gained valuable experience in theatrical productions. After graduating from the academy, she joined the Finnish National Theater in Helsinki, where she continued to hone her craft and build her reputation.
Besides her successful acting career, Indrenius-Zalewski has been an advocate for the arts in Finland. She has served on the board of the Finnish Actors' Union and has been a member of various other organizations that aim to promote the arts. In 2018, she was awarded the Order of the Lion of Finland for her contributions to Finnish culture.
Indrenius-Zalewski is also known for her involvement in environmental activism. She has been a spokesperson for environmental causes and has spoken out against nuclear power and other practices that harm the environment. In 2019, she participated in a protest against a new nuclear power plant in Finland.
Overall, Christina Indrenius-Zalewski is a multi-talented artist and activist who has made significant contributions to Finnish culture and society.
Ulla Eklund
Ulla Eklund (March 26, 1938 Lapinjärvi-) also known as Ulla Maria Eklund is a Finnish actor. She has one child, Linda Brava.
Ulla Eklund began her career as an actress in the 1960s and has since appeared in numerous Finnish films and television series. She is most known for her roles in "The Unknown Soldier" (1955), "Merirosvoradio" (1983) and "Hilja maitotyttö" (1953). In addition to acting, Eklund has also worked as a director and screenwriter. She has won several awards throughout her career including the Jussi Award for Best Actress in 1998. Besides her successful career in the entertainment industry, Eklund has also been involved in various charity and social activism organizations.
Eklund's contribution to the Finnish film industry has been enormous, and she is widely regarded as one of the most talented and versatile actresses of her generation. Over the years, she has worked with many prominent Finnish directors and actors, and her performances have been critically acclaimed. Some of her notable works include "Kylmäverisesti sinun", "Tuntematon sotilas" (1985), and "Sisko ja sen veli".
Aside from her acting career, Eklund has also been a passionate advocate for social and environmental issues. She has been actively involved in campaigns aimed at protecting the Finnish forests, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and advocating for the rights of women and children. In recognition of her humanitarian work, she was awarded the Order of the Lion of Finland in 2009.
Despite her age, Ulla Eklund remains an icon in the Finnish film industry, inspiring upcoming actors with her talent, passion, and dedication to her craft.
Ulla Eklund was born in Lapinjärvi, a small town in southern Finland, in 1938. She grew up in a family of artists and musicians and developed an interest in performing at a young age. After completing her education, Eklund moved to Helsinki to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. She began working as an actress in the 1960s and quickly established herself as a prominent figure in the Finnish film and television scene.
Throughout her career, Eklund has appeared in over 50 films and television series, showcasing her range and versatility as an actress. She is known for her ability to bring depth and nuance to her roles, and her performances have been praised for their emotional intensity and authenticity.
In addition to her work as an actress, Eklund has also directed and written a number of films and television shows. She has shown herself to be a talented and insightful filmmaker, bringing her unique perspective and artistic vision to her projects.
Outside of her artistic endeavors, Eklund is a committed activist and philanthropist. She is involved in a number of causes, including environmental conservation, women's rights, and social justice. Her dedication to these issues has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Order of the Lion of Finland.
Overall, Ulla Eklund is a true icon of Finnish culture, known not only for her talent and skill as an actress and filmmaker, but also for her deep commitment to making the world a better place. Her legacy will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of artists and activists for years to come.
Seija Haarala
Seija Haarala (October 27, 1938 Oulu-) a.k.a. Seija Marjatta Haarala is a Finnish actor.
She started her acting career in the 1960s and has appeared in numerous films, television series, and stage productions in Finland. Some of her notable film credits include "The Snow Queen" (1986), "The Earth Is a Sinful Song" (1973), and "Mikaël" (1993). She has also appeared in popular television series such as "Kulkurin Valssi" (1981-1982) and "Rehupaikka" (1996-2001).
In addition to her acting career, Haarala has also worked as a voice actress, dubbing foreign films and television shows into Finnish. She has received several awards for her contributions to Finnish theater and film, including the Jussi Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1987 for her role in "The Snow Queen." Haarala continues to work in the entertainment industry in Finland.
Haarala was born in Oulu, which is located in northern Finland. She grew up in a family of artists; her mother was a singer and her father was a painter. She studied acting at the Finnish Theatre Academy in Helsinki and graduated in the early 1960s. After graduating, she started performing in various theater productions before moving on to film and television work.
Apart from her successful acting career, Haarala is also a writer and has published several books. Her debut book, "Kirsikkapuisto" (Cherry Blossom Garden), was released in 1978 and is a collection of short stories.
Haarala has been recognized for her contributions to Finnish culture, and in 2002 she was awarded the Order of the Lion of Finland, a prestigious Finnish honor awarded for civil and military merit.
Even in her eighties, Haarala has not slowed down and continues to act in films and television shows, including a role in the Finnish crime drama series "Bullets" in 2018. She is considered one of the leading actresses of Finnish cinema and theater.
Haarala is widely regarded as a pioneer for breaking traditional gender roles in Finnish theater and film. She has often portrayed strong female characters that challenged societal norms and expectations. In the 1970s, she co-founded the women's theater group Kaisa Poutanen, which focused on producing and promoting feminist works. Haarala was also a founding member of the feminist magazine Tulva in the 1980s.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Haarala has been active in social and political causes. She has spoken out on issues such as gender equality and the rights of indigenous people. She was a member of the Finnish Parliament from 1987 to 1991, representing the Left Alliance party.
Despite her many accomplishments, Haarala remains humble and dedicated to her craft. In an interview, she once said, "I have always been interested in different roles, different people, and different societies. That is what drives me as an actress."