Pathetic Facts

Finnish music stars died at age 55

Here are 5 famous musicians from Finland died at 55:

Oskar Merikanto

Oskar Merikanto (August 5, 1868 Helsinki-February 17, 1924 Hausjärvi) a.k.a. Merikanto, Oskar was a Finnish composer. He had one child, Aarre Merikanto.

His albums include The Most Beautiful Songs (baritone: Jorma Hynninen, piano: Ralf Gothóni) and .

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Ernest Pingoud

Ernest Pingoud (February 14, 1887 Saint Petersburg-June 1, 1942) was a Finnish personality.

Ernest Pingoud was a pioneer of Finnish cinema and is often referred to as the father of Finnish film. He co-founded the film company Suomi-Filmi and was a prominent filmmaker, writer, and actor during the 1920s and 1930s. He directed and acted in several films, including "Pentti the Stone Age Man" (1926) and "The House at Roinila" (1935). Pingoud was also a prolific writer, penning numerous plays and screenplays during his career. Despite his contributions to Finnish film, Pingoud's personal life was reportedly troubled, and he ultimately died by suicide in 1942.

Pingoud's career in film began in the 1910s, where he worked as a stage performer and film actor. He later transitioned into writing, directing, and producing films, including popular comedies such as "Pikku Suorasuu" (1925) and "Sininen viikko" (1932).

Aside from his work in film, Pingoud was also a notable figure in Finnish cultural circles. He was an active member of the Helsinki branch of the Freemasons and served as the head of the Finnish Dramatists' Union. In 1934, he was awarded the Order of the Lion of Finland, one of the country's most prestigious honors.

Despite his success in both film and cultural spheres, Pingoud's personal life was marked by tragedy. His first wife, actress Ester Toivonen, died in 1927, and he later struggled with alcoholism and financial problems. His suicide in 1942 came as a shock to many, but his contributions to Finnish film and culture continue to be celebrated to this day.

During his career, Ernest Pingoud also made an impact in the international film community. He traveled to Hollywood in 1929, where he met with prominent film industry figures such as Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford. He also received praise for his films at international film festivals, including the Venice Film Festival, where his film "Jungle Woman" (1927) was well-received. Pingoud was known for his technical innovations in filmmaking, particularly his use of the camera to create dynamic and visually stunning shots.

In addition to his work in film, Pingoud was also a talented artist and writer. He illustrated several publications, including his own book of poetry, "Symbolistisia ajatuksia" (Symbolic Thoughts), which was published in 1910. He also wrote articles for various publications on topics ranging from politics to culture.

Pingoud's legacy continues to be celebrated in Finland, where he is remembered as one of the trailblazers of Finnish cinema. A monument was erected in his honor in 1956 in Helsinki's Hietaniemi Cemetery, and his films continue to be screened and studied by film scholars and enthusiasts in Finland and beyond.

Despite his tragic end, Ernest Pingoud's impact on Finnish cinema and culture cannot be overstated. His innovative techniques in filmmaking and his contributions to the cultural sphere are remembered and celebrated to this day. The Finnish film industry owes much to his pioneering spirit, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers. Additionally, his work as an artist and writer showed the depth and diversity of his talents. Pingoud's life may have been marked by difficulties, but his contributions to Finnish culture and film have ensured that he will always be remembered as a pioneering and influential figure in Finnish history.

He died as a result of suicide.

Read more about Ernest Pingoud on Wikipedia »

Magnus Enckell

Magnus Enckell (November 9, 1870 Hamina-November 27, 1925 Stockholm) was a Finnish artist and visual artist.

He is known for his contributions to symbolism and art nouveau movement in Finland. Enckell studied at the Central School of Art and Design in Helsinki and later in Paris. He was a versatile artist who worked as a painter, graphic artist, and set designer. Some of his notable works include the murals he painted for the Helsinki National Museum and the Finnish Parliament House. Enckell was also a member of the Finnish Academy of Arts and the Association of Finnish Fine Arts. His legacy continues to inspire the Finnish art scene today.

Enckell's artistic style was greatly influenced by the cultural and social changes that took place in Finland during his time. He was a prominent figure in the Finnish Art Nouveau movement, which sought to break away from traditional artistic styles and embrace new forms of artistic expression.

Enckell was known for his use of vivid colors and expressive lines in his paintings. His works often depicted dreamlike landscapes and mythological figures. He was also a skilled graphic artist, creating intricate illustrations and designs for books and publications.

In addition to his work as an artist, Enckell was also a respected art teacher. He taught at the Central School of Art and Design in Helsinki for many years, and his students included some of the most well-known Finnish artists of the early 20th century.

Enckell's impact on the Finnish art scene was profound, and his works continue to be celebrated and studied today. His legacy is a testament to the power of artistic innovation and creativity.

Enckell was also a pioneer in introducing Finnish art to the international scene. He participated in many exhibitions abroad, including the World Exhibition in Paris in 1900 and the International Exhibition in Rome in 1911. Enckell's success in these exhibitions helped to promote Finnish art on a global scale and inspired other Finnish artists to follow in his footsteps.

In addition to his artistic and teaching pursuits, Enckell was also active in politics. He was a member of the Finnish parliament and was involved in the cultural and artistic policies of the Finnish government. Enckell was a strong advocate for the promotion and support of the arts in Finland, and his efforts helped to establish many of the cultural institutions that still exist in Finland today.

Enckell's life and work were marked by a dedication to artistic innovation and a commitment to improving the cultural landscape of Finland. His legacy continues to inspire artists and art lovers in Finland and beyond, and he is recognized as one of the most important figures in Finnish art history.

Enckell's personal life was also marked by tragedy. He lost his wife and two of his children to illness, which had a profound impact on his artistic output. He turned to more introspective and melancholic themes in his work, creating artworks that reflected his feelings of loss and grief. Some of his most notable works from this period include "The Path of Life" and "The Dark Land."Despite the challenges he faced, Enckell continued to be a prolific artist throughout his life. He created hundreds of paintings, drawings, and illustrations that continue to be admired and studied by art enthusiasts and scholars. Enckell's groundbreaking contributions to Finnish art and his commitment to artistic innovation make him a significant figure in the art world, both in Finland and internationally. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of art to reflect and shape the world around us.

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Jaakko Wallenius

Jaakko Wallenius (January 30, 1958 Hämeenlinna-June 11, 2013) was a Finnish personality.

Jaakko Wallenius was known for his career as a radio host and television presenter. He started his career in the entertainment industry as a radio host in the 1980s, but it wasn't until the 1990s when he gained national fame as the host of the popular Finnish TV program "Kymppitonni". He was also a beloved host of the popular Finnish TV show "Vain Elämää" ("Just Life") where he was known for his humor and inviting personality.

In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Wallenius was also involved in various charitable causes. He was a member of the board of directors of the Finnish Association for Mental Health and was an advocate for mental health issues.

Wallenius passed away in 2013 after a long battle with cancer. His legacy in the Finnish entertainment industry continues to live on as he is remembered for his impact and contributions to Finnish media.

Wallenius was also a talented musician and songwriter. He released his first album in 1991 titled "Mä pyörryn" ("I'm Dizzy"), which became a hit in Finland. He continued to release music throughout his career and also wrote songs for other Finnish artists.

In 2005, Wallenius was awarded the Venla Award for Best Entertainment Program Host for his work on "Vain Elämää". He was also awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal in 2009 for his contributions to Finnish culture.

Outside of his professional life, Wallenius was known for his love of animals and nature. He often spent time at his summer cottage and was an avid fisherman. He was married to his wife, Johanna Wallenius, and they had two children together.

Even after his passing, Wallenius remains a beloved figure in Finnish media and entertainment. Many fans and colleagues remember him for his infectious humor, warmth, and love for life.

Wallenius was born in Hämeenlinna, Finland, on January 30, 1958, and grew up in the nearby town of Hattula. He began his career in radio as a teenage volunteer at a local station. After completing his military service, Wallenius moved to Helsinki to pursue a career in radio and television.

In the 1980s, Wallenius hosted various radio shows, including "Kolmen tunnin vierailu" ("Three-Hour Visit") on YleX. He also worked as a correspondent for Finnish television's news programs.

In the 1990s, Wallenius became a household name in Finland as the host of the game show "Kymppitonni" ("Ten Grand"). The show, in which contestants answered trivia questions for the chance to win 10,000 Finnish markka (approximately 1,500 euros), was a major hit and ran for over a decade. Wallenius's humor and charisma made him a popular television personality, and he went on to host other programs, including "Vain Elämää" and "Vain köyhien tähden" ("Only for the Poor").

In addition to his work in entertainment, Wallenius was an advocate for mental health awareness in Finland. He served on the board of the Finnish Association for Mental Health and was open about his own struggles with depression. He also worked with animal welfare organizations and was a devoted pet owner.

Wallenius's music career included several albums and hit singles. He wrote and performed the theme song for "Kymppitonni" and collaborated with other Finnish musicians on various projects. His music was known for its playful, upbeat style and humorous lyrics.

Wallenius died on June 11, 2013, after a battle with lung cancer. His death was mourned by many in Finland, including colleagues, fans, and charitable organizations he supported.

Throughout his life, Jaakko Wallenius was known for his kindness and generosity. He was involved in numerous philanthropic causes, including supporting cancer research and organizations that helped those struggling with mental illness. In recognition of his charitable work, he was given the 2012 Eino Makunen Award and an honorary membership in the Finnish Association for Mental Health.

His death was a great loss to the Finnish entertainment industry, and his memorial service was attended by thousands of people, including colleagues, fans, and celebrities. In honor of his memory, the Jaakko Wallenius Foundation was established to support various charitable causes, including cancer research, mental health awareness, and animal welfare.

Jaakko Wallenius will always be remembered not only for his contributions to Finnish media and entertainment but also for his compassion and commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

Read more about Jaakko Wallenius on Wikipedia »

Kari Kairamo

Kari Kairamo (December 31, 1932 Helsinki-December 11, 1988 Espoo) a.k.a. Kari Antero Oswald Kairamo was a Finnish businessperson.

Kairamo was a prominent figure in the Finnish business world during the 1970s and 1980s. He served as the CEO of Nokia, a telecommunications company, from 1977 to 1988. Under his leadership, Nokia became one of the largest mobile phone manufacturers in the world. Kairamo was known for his innovative approach to business, and his focus on research and development helped to drive Nokia's success. In addition to his work at Nokia, Kairamo was also involved in a number of other companies and organizations, both in Finland and internationally. Despite his professional success, Kairamo struggled with depression throughout his life, and ultimately took his own life in 1988 at the age of 55.

Kairamo was born into a prominent Finnish family. His father, Henrik Kairamo, was a professor of physiology at the University of Helsinki, and his mother, Anna-Liisa, was a doctor. Kairamo's early education was distinguished, and he went on to study at the Helsinki University of Technology, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering in 1957.

After completing his studies, Kairamo began his career at the Finnish engineering firm Strömberg, where he quickly rose through the ranks. In 1977, he was appointed CEO of Nokia, which at the time was primarily a manufacturer of televisions and other electronic devices. Kairamo recognized the potential of the emerging mobile phone market, and under his leadership, Nokia shifted its focus to telecommunications.

Kairamo's innovative approach to business included a strong emphasis on research and development, which helped to drive Nokia's success. He also championed a culture of openness and creativity, which encouraged employees to bring new ideas to the table. Thanks to Kairamo's leadership, Nokia became one of the most successful companies in Finland, and a globally recognized leader in mobile phone technology.

Despite his professional success, Kairamo struggled with depression throughout his life. He made several suicide attempts, and ultimately took his own life in 1988. His death was a great loss to the Finnish business community, and his legacy as a visionary leader remains an inspiration to many.

Kairamo's legacy didn't end with his death. Many have credited him with helping to put Finland on the map as a hub for technology and innovation, and his impact on Nokia and the wider telecommunications industry can still be felt today. In recognition of his contributions to Finnish business, Kairamo was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland in 1984. Beyond his work at Nokia, Kairamo was also involved in a number of other companies and organizations, including Finnair, the Helsinki University of Technology, and the Finnish Business and Policy Forum (EVA). His innovative approach to business and his commitment to research and development continue to inspire entrepreneurs and business leaders today.

In addition to his work in the business sector, Kairamo was also involved in politics. He was a member of the Social Democratic Party of Finland and served on the Helsinki City Council from 1973 to 1977.

Kairamo was also a strong advocate for education and research. He served as the chairman of the board of the Helsinki University of Technology from 1983 to 1988 and played a key role in the establishment of the university's Center for Wireless Communications.

In his personal life, Kairamo was a lover of literature and poetry. He was particularly fond of the works of T.S. Eliot and played a key role in bringing Eliot's poetry to a wider audience in Finland.

Kari Kairamo's life and career continue to serve as an inspiration to business leaders and innovators around the world. Despite his struggles with depression, he remained committed to pursuing his goals and was a true visionary in the world of technology and telecommunications.