Vesa-Matti Loiri

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Vesa-Matti Loiri
Born January 4, 1945 (1945-01-04) (age 63)
Helsinki, Finland
Other name(s) Vesku
Occupation actor, musician

Vesa-Matti "Vesku" Loiri (born January 4, 1945, Helsinki) is a Finnish actor, musician and comedian, best known for his role as Uuno Turhapuro, whom he portrayed in a total of 20 movies between the years 1973 and 2004.

Loiri became an actor in 1962, when he had a role in the movie "Pojat", directed by Mikko Niskanen. Loiri did most of his work with Spede Pasanen. In 2005, he starred in the film Kaksipäisen kotkan varjossa, which was directed by Timo Koivusalo.

As a musician, Loiri has performed Perttu Hietanen's compositions, Eino Leino's poems, Carl Michael Bellmans drinking songs and Juha "Watt" Vainio's songs. Loiri also plays the flute. He did so representing Finland at the Eurovision Song Contest 1980 in The Hague/Netherlands with the song "Huilumies", dedicated to his flute. He finished last in a field of 19 participating countries. He was the voice of the Genie in the Finnish dub of Disney's Aladdin, even performing the musical number Friend Like Me.

Loiri has also had a life long interest in sports. In billiards he had the office of chairman of the finnish billiards association for multiple years.

[edit] Awards

  • Honorary Jussi Award 1963 for his role in the film Pojat
  • Best male actor Jussi 1976 in Rakastunut rampa
  • Best supporting male actor Jussi 1982 in Pedon merkki
  • Jussi 1983 for his wide appearance in the year's films
  • Concrete Jussi 1998
  • Festival International du Film Indépendent awarded Loiri in Brussels in 2003 for his role in Pahat pojat
  • Best Actor Telvis in 1984, 1986 and 1987
  • Special Telvis in 1999
  • Special Venla in 1989

[edit] Filmography

[edit] External links