Emmi Jurkka (née originally Bergström, later Tuomi; 21 April 1899 — 17 October 1990) was a Finnish actor and theatre manager, with a career in stage, film and TV spanning over 60 years.[2]
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Emmi Jurkka | |
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![]() Jurkka in her role as Tussan Lyyti, in Nyrki Tapiovaara's One Man's Fate (1940) | |
Born | Emmi Irene Bergström (1899-04-21)21 April 1899[1] Helsinki, Grand Duchy of Finland |
Died | 17 October 1990(1990-10-17) (aged 91) Helsinki, Finland |
Spouse | Eino Jurkka
(m. 1922; div. 1931) |
Awards |
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Emmi Jurkka has been described as "legendary" in the world of Finnish theatre.[2] As an actor, she was physical, sensual, expressive and immersive.[3] She performed a wide range of roles, from tragic to comic, and serious to lighthearted.[4]
During her career, Jurkka was attached to several Finnish theatres, including Turku City Theatre, Tampere Theatre Helsinki City Theatre and the Finnish National Theatre.[1][4]
In 1953, Emmi Jurkka, together with her daughter Vappu, founded a small studio theatre, Teatteri Jurkka [fi], which continues to operate to this day.[4][3]
Jurkka appeared in over 40 films, mainly in the 1940s and 50s. Among her more notable roles was as Hilda Husso in the 1954 Kun on tunteet [fi], for which she received the Best Supporting Actress Jussi Award.[5]
She is also credited with directing five short films.[5]
In 1954, Forssell received the Pro Finlandia [fi] medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland,[6] and in 1977, Finland's premier theatre award, the Ida Aalberg Prize [fi].
Emmi Jurkka was married to fellow thespian Eino Jurkka [fi], and the couple had three children, Sakari, Jussi and Vappu Jurkka [fi], each of whom also went into acting.[1]