Ernst Rolf, real name Ernst Ragnar Johansson, (January 20, 1891 – December 25, 1932), was a Swedish revue actor and singer. In the 1920s he was famous for producing revues that were acclaimed for their dazzling sets, first class actors and stirring music. He was also a lyricist and composer. He wrote, for instance, the words to Finska Valsen (The Finnish Waltz) and the music for Från Frisco Til Cap (From Frisco to the Cape).
Ernst Rolf was born in Falun, Dalarna in central Sweden, where his father was a tailor and member of the temperance movement. Ernst Rolf's interest in music started at an early age and as a child he used to perform at IOGT meetings. Ernst sang songs while his older brother Birger played the piano.
In 1906, Ernst Rolf started working at the mail order company Åhlén & Holm in the small town of Insjön, Dalarna. He made his career debut in a Wizard of Oz performance, playing Dorothy in an all-male cast.
In 1907 he started touring the country as a singer and bondkomiker (rustic comic). He soon became a celebrity and was very successful. He was renowned for his large trench coat, shown in the photograph. Ernst Rolf’s first recording was made in 1910, and throughout his career he made 851 recordings. He also acted in a couple of films.
Rolf was married three times. The last time was from 1930, with actress Tutta Rolf.
In 1932, Ernst Rolf tried to commit suicide by drowning himself. The attempt failed, but as a result of it he caught pneumonia which eventually took his life on Christmas Day the same year. He is buried at Norra begravningsplatsen in Stockholm.
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