Emmi Jurkka

Emmi Jurkka was a Finnish actor and theatre manager, with a career in stage, film and TV spanning over 60 years.

Career

Emmi Jurkka has been described as "legendary" in the world of Finnish theatre. As an actor, she was physical, sensual, expressive and immersive. She performed a wide range of roles, from tragic to comic, and serious to lighthearted.

Stage

During her career, Jurkka was attached to several Finnish theatres, including Turku City Theatre, Tampere Theatre Helsinki City Theatre and the Finnish National Theatre.
In 1953, Emmi Jurkka, together with her daughter Vappu, founded a small studio theatre,, which continues to operate to this day.

Film

Jurkka appeared in over 40 films, mainly in the 1940s and 50s. Among her more notable roles was as Hilda Husso in the 1954 , for which she received the Best Supporting Actress Jussi Award.
She is also credited with directing five short films.

Honours and awards

In 1954, Jurkka received the medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland, and in 1977, Finland's premier theatre award, the.

Personal life

Emmi Jurkka was married to fellow thespian, and the couple had three children, Sakari, Jussi and, each of whom also went into acting.