Ernst Rolf

Ernst Rolf [1]
Born Ernst Ragnar Johansson
January 20, 1891
Falun, Sweden
Died December 25, 1932 (aged 41)
Stockholm, Sweden
Occupation actor, singer, musical revue artist
Spouse(s) Margit Strugstad (1916-1923)
Gueye Rolf (1924-1927)
Tutta Rolf (1930-1932)
Children Four (including Tom Rolf)

Ernst Rolf (1891–1932), was a Swedish actor, singer and musical revue artist.[1]

Headshot of Rolf.

Rolf was born in Falun in the Swedish province of Dalarna, where his father was a tailor and member of the temperance movement. His musical talent was evident from the start when even as a young child he performed at IOGT meetings. He would sing while his older brother Birger played the piano.[1]

In 1906 Rolf found work at the Åhlén & Holm mail order company in Insjön, Dalarna. He made his stage debut in a performance of The Wizard of Oz, playing Dorothy in an all-male cast. In 1907 he began touring the country as a singer and comedian, quickly becoming one of Sweden's most famous and successful entertainers.[2]

During the 1920s Rolf was known for producing revues that were acclaimed for their dazzling sets, first class actors and stirring music. He was also a lyricist and composer, who wrote, for instance, the words to Finska Valsen (The Finnish Waltz) and the music for Från Frisco Till Cap (From Frisco to the Cape).[3] He recorded his first song in 1910 and throughout his career made over eight hundred recordings.[4] He acted in a number of films as well.

He was married three times. In 1930 his third wife, actress Tutta Rolf, appeared with him in a Scandinavian version of Paramount on Parade. The following year they had a son, Tom Rolf, who became an Academy Award-winning film editor. In spite of his success, personal and financial problems became overwhelming, and in 1932 Rolf attempted to drown himself. He survived the incident but contracted pneumonia, which proved fatal. He was buried at Norra begravningsplatsen in Stockholm.[2]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Ernst Rolf. sv.wikipedia.org. Retrieved: March 10, 2013.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Ernst Rolf by Uno Myggan Ericson, (Stockholm: Bonnier, 1968).
  3. ↑ Guide to Ernst Rolf collection in Falun falun.se. Retrieved: March 10, 2013.
  4. ↑ Rolf discography atspace.co.uk. Retrieved: March 10, 2013.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ernst Rolf.
Swedish record label owned by Ernst Rolf 1918

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