Famous Finns Category

This category is subdivided alphabetically as shown below:

• A
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V (W)
• Other Famous Finns links

Updated: Sat 8 Apr 2006

• Aki and Mika Kaurismäki.
  Web page on the two brothers Aki and Mika Kaurismäki and their many film accomplishments.
  Updated: Fri 4 Nov 2005
  
  
• Alvar Aalto, architect
  "More has been written about him and his work - especially abroad - than about any other architect in the post-war period." The document contains a chronological series of some of his deeper thoughts on architecture and such. As a tribute to Aalto, "the Government of Finland has commissioned an Alvar Aalto coin, designed by Henrik Gummerus. In a further tribute to the maestro, red and white wine from the Tuscany region of Italy will be bottled under a special Alvar Aalto label." This site also contains related Alvar Aalto links.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Alvar Aalto - Famous Finn
  Written by Joe Brady with caricature by PekkaVuori. Alvar Aalto (1898 - 1976) - a bio including quotations from AA.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Alvar Aalto Foundation
  A comprehensive site. Foundation activities are based on the lifetime works of the architect. Archives - written documents & photos. Museum. Bulletin. Calendar. Projects.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• HELI TUHKANEN
  In my art I describe what I find essential and what I cannot force into words; something about the moments when you realize the absurdity of life. Night reigns in many of my paintings: a time of subconscious dreams, a condition transforming reality into puzzled and hidden pictures.
  Updated: Wed 26 Oct 2005
  
  
• Wäinö Aaltonen
  Wäinö Aaltonen (1894 - 1966) was one of the most prominent sculptors of his time in Finland.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  

• Akseli Gallen-Kallela, Finland's National Artist
  Akseli Gallen-Kallela (1865-1931) was described as Finland's National Artist. The website contains a curriculum vitae with personal milestones and scattered links, plus articles and illustrations of his work.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Element Gadolinium - Johan Gadolin
  "Gadolinium, symbol Gd, silvery white metallic element with an atomic number of 64. Gadolinium is one of the rare earth elements in the lanthanide series of the periodic table (see Periodic Law). It is named after the Finnish chemist John Gadolin." Search for Gadolinium.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• European Network for Chemistry
  Use the links to find information about major European chemistry societies & organisations (including EuCheMS), initiatives & projects, industrial & research developments, forthcoming conferences & events, funding & awards, younger chemists activities throughout Europe, important publications, careers advice, access specialist networks in your subject area and keep abreast with the latest in European chemistry.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Janina Frostell, model and singer
  Unofficial website. "Janina Frostell has been voted the sexiest woman in Finland for four years in succession." Pictures. videos. Music. Links.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Ragnar Granit, Nobel Laureate
  Ragnar Granit (1900-1991) received the Nobel Prize in medicine in 1967 (together with the American biophysicist, Haldan Keffer Hartline and biochemist, George Wald) for his work on the electrophysiology of the eye. Professor Ragnar Granit has also received several honors from universities and institutes around the world.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Ragnar Granit, Nobel Laureate
  Received the Nobel Prize in medicine in 1967. The Official Website of the Nobel Foundation. Biography, Presentation Speech, etc.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  

• Tarja Halonen - The President of Finland
  Tarja Kaarina Halonen is Finland’s eleventh President. She assumed office on 1.3.2000. "Ms. Halonen was a Member of Parliament from 1979 until her election and has served as a minister in three governments since 1987. She was Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1995 until her election." Photographs.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  

• Tove Jansson, writer, painter and illustrator
  Tove Jansson (1914-2001) is known as the creator of the children's Moomintroll books and was a gifted artist. Short biography. ".....a strip cartoon entitled Moomin, which was drawn by Tove Jansson and her brother Lars Jansson. It was syndicated and, at the height of its success, was read in 60 languages in the newspapers of 40 countries."
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  

• Aleksis Kivi (1834-1872), writer
  "Finnish national writer, playwright, poet, novelist, the creator of Finland's modern literary language." Bio.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Aleksis Kivi, poet
  The Finnish Land, a poem by Aleksis Kivi (1834-1872), the Finnish writer best loved by his countrymen. His novel "Seven Brothers" has been widely translated, as has his comedy "The Country Peddlers", and his tragedy "Kullervo" (developed from a "Kalevala" story) is the basis of Aulis Sallinen's opera of the same name. Keith Bosley's English translation of the poem is given. One can listen to the poem in Finnish, read by a leading Finnish actress Liisamaija Laaksonen. (long download time)
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Kirka, rock and pop singer
  Kirka Babitzin is one of the best-known Finnish male rock and pop singers. Kirka has been on the stage for over 35 years and to date has recorded 27 albums. Biography, Interviews, Photo album, Fan club. (The English language edition is maintained by Dörte Faatz.)
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Otso Kupiainen
  the artist and his paintings - oil, mixed media, acrylic A nie display of his paintings Upgrading web page.
  Updated: Wed 22 Feb 2006
  
  

• Anders Johan Lexell, mathematician
  Anders Lexell (1740-1784) made major contributions to spherical geometry and trigonometry.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Christine Lahti, actress
  Biography
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Jessica Lange, actress, producer
  Mini-biography. Filmography.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Kalevela, Kainuu and Elias Lönnrot
  A comprehensive treatment - history, bio, literary achievements.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Paavo Lipponen, Prime Minister Finland
  Biographical sketch.
  Updated: Sat 8 Apr 2006
  
  

• C. G. E. Mannerheim
  Course of his Life, Family, Time of Growth, Military Career, War of Independence, Regent 1919-1919, Civilian, Defence Council, Commander-in Chief 1939-1946, President of the Republic 1944-1946, Retirement, Special Topics, Search.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• C. G. E. Mannerheim, marshal
  Mannerheim was "leader of the "White" forces in the civil war, first head of state of the independent republic that emerged with the end of Russian rule, commander-in-chief of the Defence Forces during the Second World War, and sixth President of the Republic." His reputation as a war leader is legendary.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Gustaf Mannerheim, military leader and president of Finland
  Very nicely written biographical sketch by Niklas Labbart, Research Worker, The Mannerheim Museum. The website contains nice photos as well as the memorable final passage from Mannerheim's memoirs, published in 1950.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Karita Mattila, Soprano
  Ms. Mattila, opera singer, was born born 5.9.1960, Somero. A short bio with cartoon drawing by Pekka Vuori.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Saga: The Journey of Arno Rafael Minkkinen, Photographs 1970 - 2005
  Date: 10 Sep 2005 - 8 Jan 2006 time 11:19 PM Place DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park, 51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln, MA , USA
  Updated: Sun 13 Nov 2005
  
  

• Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld, explorer and scientist
  "Finnish-born explorer and scientist who was in exile in Sweden from 1857. Nordenskiöld made his most famous expedition in 1878-1880. He navigated the 'North-east passage' on the Vega from northern Norway to the Bering Strait and described his journey in several books. They were translated during the following years into 11 languages. Nordenskiöld's literary oeuvre includes some 200 publications, from books to articles. The collection of his maps and geographical works is considered by UNESCO one of the world's most important collections of documents."
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• A Tribute to Ville Nieminen
  Some interesting fotos of Ville in action.
  Updated: Sat 12 Nov 2005
  
  
• Paavo Nurmi, runner
  Article from Encarta Encyclopedia on the "Flying Finn".
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Rolf Herman Nevanlinna, mathematician
  His biography and mathematical discoveries.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  

• Jorma Ollila, CEO - Time Digital 50 Archive
  Nokia Corp., Chairman and CEO - bio
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  

• Virpi Pahkinen, choreographer and solo dancer
  Biography. Works. Touring. Theatres and Festivals. Press quotations.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  

• Ainola: Sibelius at Home
  Bio - text and photos by Liisa Berg.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Eero Saarinen, architect
  Finnish-American architect Saarinen (1910-1961) was noted for his St-Louis "Gateway Arch" plus many other projects. Biography.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor, composer
  Salonen became an international sensation when he made his debut in London with the Philharmonia Orchestra in 1983, at the age of 25. He was appointed artistic director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 1989, assuming the appointment in 1992. The website contains a wonderful caricature drawing of Salonen by Pekka Vuori.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Frans Emil Sillanpää, Nobel Laureate
  Received the Nobel Prize in literature in 1939. The Official Website of the Nobel Foundation. Biography, Presentation Speech, etc. Click on presentation for a biography of Sillanpää.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Hanna-Maria Seppälä, swimmer
  World champion 100 meter free-styler. Bio, achievements, gallery.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Jarno "Paroni" Saarinen, motorcycle racer
  World champion, 1972 - 250 cc class.
  Updated: Mon 24 Oct 2005
  
  
• Jean Sibelius, composer
  Brief article with quotes and drawing by Pekka Vuori. Links.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Jean Sibelius, composer
  (Go to Directory, Famous Finns) A crisp writeup on Sibelius with the usual eye-catching drawing by Pekka Vuori plus a select list of important links.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Jean Sibelius, composer
  Many (over 30) excellent links. Possibly the best links page for Sibelius. Some link titles: Sibelius Index, Sibelius Speaks, Selected Resources, His Home, Short Bio.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Jean Sibelius, composer
  From Sibelius Museum, Turku. The story of Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) composer; his life and times. Many pictures. Nice and simply done.
  Updated: Fri 4 Nov 2005
  
  
• Jukka-Pekka Saraste, conductor
  Maestro on two continents - Artistic director of the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra since 1987. Appointed principal conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 1993. The website contains a delightful caricature drawing of Saraste by Pekka Vuori.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Sibelius - Finland's Voice in the World
  A treatise with sections titled: Inspiration from Finnish | Patriotism as art | Setbacks | Greatness from a bleak setting | Growing isolation | Anglo-Saxon admiration | Last generation. Links to Sibelius Speaks - extracts from an interview in Finnish.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Teemu Selänne, hockey player
  Bios and statistics on Teemu Selänne, hockey player.
  Updated: Fri 4 Nov 2005
  
  

• Linus Torvalds, computer software guru
  About Linux and Linus Torvalds web resources.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Linus Torvalds - Master Programmer
  Written by Patrick Humphreys, Secretary-General of the Association of European Journalists. Drawing by Pekka Vuori. Torvalds is the creator of the Linux computer operating system. Bio and brief history of the development of Linux.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Märta Tikkanen, writer and poet
  Ms Tikkanen was born 3.4.1935 Helsinki. Her Finland-Swedish work "The Love Story of the Century" has been translated into some 20 languages. (Includes a drawing by the inimitable Pekka Vuori.)
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Zachris Topelius, author
  Biography and works (references to) of Zachris Topelius (1818 ­ 1898). In addition to writing plays, poems, fairytales, and historical novels, he was also a journalist and educator. Links to: Timelines. Genealogical table. Photos of his home and place of burial. In Finnish and English..
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  

• Presidential Election 2000, Riitta Uosukainen
  Short bio - Riitta Uosukainen, Speaker of Parliament.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  

• Artturi Ilmari Virtanen, Nobel Laureate
  A. I. Virtanen (1895 - 1973) was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1945 for his research and inventions in agriculture and nutrition chemistry, especially for his fodder preservation method. Biography & photo.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Tapio Wirkkala, designer and sculptor
  Written for Virtual Finland by professor Juhani Pallasmaa. Drawing by Pekka Vuori. Photos: © Iittala Glass. "Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) was a father figure of Finnish applied art. He is best known as a glass designer although his artistry ranged from postage stamps to a fell-sized landscape memorial and from a tumbler to a futuristic cityscape."
  Updated: Fri 4 Nov 2005
  
  

• Famous Finns Today
  A "celebrities" page - links to info on a select group of Finns who have, in their own spheres of expertise, achieved international and even global recognition. By no means a comprehensive roll call. It will be regularly updated. Currently includes:Music: Paavo Berglund, conductor; Ralf Gothoni, pianist; Monica Groop, singer; Jorma Hynninen, singer; Soile Isokoski, singer; Magnus Lindberg, composer; Karita Mattila, singer; Olli Mustonen, pianist; Einojuhani Rautavaara, composer; Kaija Saariaho, composer; Aulis Sallinen, composer; Matti Salminen, singer; Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor; Jukka-Pekka Saraste, conductor; Osmo Vänskä, conductor.Literature: Paavo Haavikko; Tove Jansson; Mauri Kunnas; Märta Tikkanen.Architecture & design: Juha Leiviskä; Timo Sarpaneva.Film: Aki Kaurismäki.Famous Finns past and present: Jean Sibelius; Paavo Nurmi; George August Wallin; Alvar Aalto; C. G. E. Mannerheim; Elisabeth Rehn; Helvi Sipilä; Santa Claus.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Famous Women on Finnish Stamps
  Photos of Finnish issues (1944 and later). By stamp collector Anne-Maritta Digranes.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Finnish Alliance (FA) - a Finnish Cultural Organization
  The objectives of The Finnish Alliance are to strengthen Finnish consciousness and culture. Includes a section on "Great and Famous Finns". "The element Gadolinium was named for the Finnish chemist Johan Gadolin, whose original Finnish surname was Isolin."
  Updated: Fri 7 Apr 2006
  
  
• Finns on the International Stage
  Written for Virtual Finland by Paavo Keisalo, it lists 10 individuals of international stsature. They are: Sakari Tuomioja, A. E. Martola, Ensio Siilasvuo, Kurt Jansson, Max Jakobson, Helvi Sipilä, Elisabeth Rehn, Pekka Tarjanne, Martti Ahtisaari, Harri Holkeri. Brief bios given for each. Their contributions to society range from politics to peace-keeping to international affairs.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Flying Finns - Famous Finnish Rally Drivers
  ".... it is in the sport of rallying that the Finns truly excel, as rally drivers from Finland have dominated the International rally scene for over four decades." Lists some of the better known Finnish Rally Drivers since the 1960s, with links.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Miss Universe Titleholders
  A list of Miss Universe Titleholders which includes the first titleholder, Armi Kuusela (1952), and Anne Marie Pohtamo (1975), both Finns. Photo of Armi Kuusela found at the Miss Universe archives at: http://www.pageant.net/universe/history/ak.html .
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Santa Claus, Father Christmas
  Written for Virtual Finland by Sinikka Salokorpi. Drawing by Pekka Vuori. All about Santa Claus with reference to the Finnish Santa. Links.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Well Known Mathematicians Born in Finland
  Includes Ahlfors, Lexell, Lindelof, Mellin and Nevanlinna. Links to biographies.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005
  
  
• Women of Learning
  Personal biographies of female scholars (current list of about 30 scholars) as well as general information on the status of women in the Finnish academic world. The pages are organized chronologically and according to academic disciplines, and also via index of names.
  Updated: Thu 3 Nov 2005