Vesa-Matti Loiri (Huilumies)

Vesa-Matti "Vesku" Loiri (4 January 1945 – 10 August 2022) was 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 made a strong impression early in his career with the role of Jake in the drama film The Boys. He later acted in notable films such as Rakastunut rampa, Pedon merkki, and The Howling Miller, as well as the television series Rauta-aika. In the latter part of his career, Loiri appeared in several dramedies, including Tie pohjoiseen (Road North). Loiri's comedic career began in collaboration with Spede Pasanen during the late 1960s. Together, they created the character Uuno Turhapuro, a slovenly anti-hero who entertained audiences and frustrated critics through his misadventures. Other comedic characters Loiri portrayed included Nasse-setä, Jean-Pierre Kusela, and Tyyne, all of which were featured in television sketch shows in the 1980s and later expanded into films and music albums. Loiri, Pasanen, and Simo Salminen formed the popular comedy trio Spede, Vesku ja Simo. In addition to his comedic roles, Loiri delivered critically acclaimed performances in theater, such as his portrayal of Kosola in the Ylioppilasteatteri production of Lapualaisooppera and Tuomas in the Turku City Theatre adaptation of Seven Brothers. Loiri was also known for immersing himself deeply in his roles, sometimes to the detriment of his mental health. This was particularly evident with his roles in The Boys and Pahat pojat, where he portrayed intense and troubled characters. As a singer, Loiri gained acclaim for his interpretations of Eino Leino’s poetry, alongside recording Finnish pop songs, including works by Reino Helismaa and Juha Vainio. Between 2006 and 2008, he released a trilogy of acoustic albums, Ivalo, Inari, and Kasari, which featured Finnish pop and rock classics. According to Yle News, "Loiri was one of Finland's most beloved cultural figures over six decades, playing comic and tragic roles on screen and stage, alongside a musical career." Loiri died of cancer on 10 August 2022.