- Born
- Died
- Nickname
- Vesku
- Height1.83 m
- Vesa-Matti Loiri created a significant career in Finland as an actor, singer, writer and sportsman.
Loiri's career in movies started in 1962. He had a leading role in Mikko Niskanen's film Pojat (1962), which brought him a Diplomat of Merit at the Jussi Awards (the Finnish Oscars). After the film he didn't return to films until the late 1960s, playing mainly comedy roles.
In the 1970s, his films were often the highest grossing films of the year and he became "the only Finnish film star", as Academy Award winner Jörn Donner said. Loiri mostly worked with Spede Pasanen who wrote and produced most of Loiri's biggest films. Loiri's portrayal of Uuno Turhapuro, a lazy married man, in Spede show (1968), was the start of the longest running film series in the history of Finnish cinema. He starred as Uuno Turhapuro in 19 successful movies.
Loiri became also a star as a singer in the late 1970s. His album "Eino Leino", songs based on poems by Eino Leino, was released in 1978 and it became the 2nd highest selling album in the history. Loiri recorded several albums, most earning Gold or Platinum awards.
He won several awards for his work in films, TV and music business. In Brussels, at the Festival International du Film Indépendent, in 2003, he was awarded for his role in Pahat pojat (2003). He also won two Jussi Awards for his acting roles plus three special Jussi Awards and several Telvis Awards for his TV work. In music, 10 of his albums won Gold or Platinum.- IMDb mini biography by: Anonymous
- SpousesStina Toljander(1994 - 1999) (divorced, 2 children)Riitta Loiri(July 1978 - 1989) (divorced, 2 children)Mona Loiri(January 1973 - 1977) (her death, 1 child)Tuula Nyman(1967 - 1969) (divorced)
- Children
- Plays a flute, too.
- He is very popular singer in Finland. He has been awarded three gold records and for six platinum record. His album "Eino Leino" is 23th most sold Finnish album for its 117,903 sales.
- Producer Joonas Loiri is his son.
- Has two sons (b. 1995 and 1996) with Stina Toljander.
- Is nearly as well known as a singer. He has recorded several albums, from folk songs and couplets to tangos. Some of his recordings are based on the lyrics of Hermann Hesse or Eino Leino, the famous Finnish poet.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content