Timo Koivusalo
Encyclopedia
Timo Johannes Koivusalo (born 31 October 1963 in Pori
, Finland) is a Finnish
actor, director
, writer
, columnist, composer
and musician
. His most successful film to date was Työnnän syvälle kammioon, which debuted in the movie theaters in 2001.
He has directed, written and acted in a number of films and is also an accomplished composer and musician.
. As Pekko Aikamiespoika, he has also twice won the Finnish joketelling championships and made two cassettes with Pekko material. In 1992, Koivusalo appeared in the TV series
Pekko Aikamiespoika, followed by a full-length movie called Pekko Aikamiespojan poikamiesaika the next year. All in all, five Pekko movies were made and already while making those, Koivusalo showed his desire to master all of the subareas of making movies: he produced, directed and wrote the script for his movies in addition to playing the lead.
and Reino Helismaa
, Rentun ruusu
(2001) about Irwin Goodman
and Sibelius
(2003), which was the first full-length biographical movie about Jean Sibelius
. Koivusalo's second-to-last movie Kaksipäisen kotkan varjossa
(2005), which is an adventure and musical set in Finland during the period of its russification
. Koivusalo and his common-law wife, Susanna Palin, composed the soundtrack for the movie.
Finnish movie critics have not appreciated Koivusalo's movies; for example, nearly all of them lambasted Kaksipäisen kotkan varjossa
. The Finnish public, however, loves them and they have come in droves to see his movies.
The name of Koivusalo's latest movie is Kalteva Torni
(The Leaning Tower), which debuted in Finland on 20 October 2006. Kalteva torni is the story of a benevolent man who does not know he has multiple personalities. His greatest fear is that he will not be able to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa
before it falls. The leading roles in the movie are played by Martti Suosalo
, Seela Sella
, Liisa Kuoppamäki
, Siiri Suosalo, Esko Nikkari
, Mats Långbacka, Laura Jurkka, Jemina Sillanpää and Risto Salmi.
. From 1992 to 2002, he co-hosted the popular couple's show on TV2
called Tuttu Juttu Show with Joel Hallikainen. Hallikainen left the show, however, already in the spring of 2000, after which Koivusalo co-hosted the show with various presenters. The Tuttu Juttu Show originated from a set that was called Elämäntoveri that Hallikainen and Koivusalo used to perform on the ships between Finland
and Sweden
. The theme song
of the Tuttu Juttu Show, Kuurankukka, has become a classic and which made Hallikainen one of Finland's most popular artists at the beginning of the 1990s. From 2002 to 2006, Koivusalo hosted another show on TV2; this game show was called Leikin varjolla.
.
and a mental nurse
. He owns a restaurant called Trattoria Bucco in Pori together with Jani Lehtinen. They also used to own a restaurant together in Rauma, which open only a short time.
Koivusalo has been married once; this marriage ended in divorce. He has three children from this marriage: Severi (b. 31 October 1990, sharing the same birthday as his father), Merika (b. 24 November 1992) and Samuli (b. 7 August 1997). Koivusalo is currently engaged.
Pori
Pori is a city and municipality on the west coast of Finland. The city is located some from the Gulf of Bothnia, on the estuary of the Kokemäenjoki river, which is the largest in Finland. Pori is the most important town in the Satakunta region....
, Finland) is a Finnish
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
actor, director
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
, writer
Writer
A writer is a person who produces literature, such as novels, short stories, plays, screenplays, poetry, or other literary art. Skilled writers are able to use language to portray ideas and images....
, columnist, composer
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
and musician
Musician
A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
. His most successful film to date was Työnnän syvälle kammioon, which debuted in the movie theaters in 2001.
He has directed, written and acted in a number of films and is also an accomplished composer and musician.
Pekko Aikamiespoika
The 6 ft 5½ inch (197 cm) Koivusalo rose to fame with his character Pekko Aikamiespoika, which he had developed while working as a stand-up comedianStand-up comedy
Stand-up comedy is a comedic art form. Usually, a comedian performs in front of a live audience, speaking directly to them. Their performances are sometimes filmed for later release via DVD, the internet, and television...
. As Pekko Aikamiespoika, he has also twice won the Finnish joketelling championships and made two cassettes with Pekko material. In 1992, Koivusalo appeared in the TV series
Television program
A television program , also called television show, is a segment of content which is intended to be broadcast on television. It may be a one-time production or part of a periodically recurring series...
Pekko Aikamiespoika, followed by a full-length movie called Pekko Aikamiespojan poikamiesaika the next year. All in all, five Pekko movies were made and already while making those, Koivusalo showed his desire to master all of the subareas of making movies: he produced, directed and wrote the script for his movies in addition to playing the lead.
Film director
After the movie Pekko ja unissakävelijä (1997), Koivusalo hung up Pekko's hat and moved behind the camera full-time. His next films were biographies: Kulkuri ja joutsen (1999), about Tapio RautavaaraTapio Rautavaara
Kaj Tapio Rautavaara was a Finnish athlete, singer and movie actor.-Early life:...
and Reino Helismaa
Reino Helismaa
Reino Vihtori "Repe" Helismaa was a Finnish singer-songwriter, musician and scriptwriter, mainly known for his humorous, yet homely songs. One of his best-known interpreters was Tapio Rautavaara.-Works:...
, Rentun ruusu
Rentun Ruusu
Rentun Ruusu is a 2001 Finnish biographical film drama directed and written by Timo Koivusalo.The film won an award and nomination at the Jussi Awards....
(2001) about Irwin Goodman
Irwin Goodman
Irwin Goodman was a popular Finnish rock and folk singer. In the late 1960s he was widely known as a protest singer. He recorded over 300 songs, most of which were his own compositions, with lyrics written by Vexi Salmi...
and Sibelius
Sibelius (film)
Sibelius is a 2003 Finnish film biography of Jean Sibelius directed and written by Timo Koivusalo. It is the first full-length feature film about the famous composer.-Cast:*Martti Suosalo as Jean Sibelius*Heikki Nousiainen as Ben Haenni...
(2003), which was the first full-length biographical movie about Jean Sibelius
Jean Sibelius
Jean Sibelius was a Finnish composer of the later Romantic period whose music played an important role in the formation of the Finnish national identity. His mastery of the orchestra has been described as "prodigious."...
. Koivusalo's second-to-last movie Kaksipäisen kotkan varjossa
Kaksipäisen kotkan varjossa
Shadow of the Two-headed Eagle is a 2005 Finnish film directed and written by Timo Koivusalo.-Plot:The film is about an early twentieth century Finnish poet under the Russian regime.-Cast:...
(2005), which is an adventure and musical set in Finland during the period of its russification
Russification of Finland
The policy of Russification of Finland was a governmental policy of the Russian Empire aimed at limiting the special status of the Grand Duchy of Finland and possibly the termination of its political autonomy and cultural uniqueness...
. Koivusalo and his common-law wife, Susanna Palin, composed the soundtrack for the movie.
Finnish movie critics have not appreciated Koivusalo's movies; for example, nearly all of them lambasted Kaksipäisen kotkan varjossa
Kaksipäisen kotkan varjossa
Shadow of the Two-headed Eagle is a 2005 Finnish film directed and written by Timo Koivusalo.-Plot:The film is about an early twentieth century Finnish poet under the Russian regime.-Cast:...
. The Finnish public, however, loves them and they have come in droves to see his movies.
The name of Koivusalo's latest movie is Kalteva Torni
Kalteva torni
Kalteva Torni , is a 2006 Finnish comedy film.It debuted in Finland on October 20, 2006, is the latest movie directed by Timo Koivusalo....
(The Leaning Tower), which debuted in Finland on 20 October 2006. Kalteva torni is the story of a benevolent man who does not know he has multiple personalities. His greatest fear is that he will not be able to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa or simply the Tower of Pisa is the campanile, or freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa...
before it falls. The leading roles in the movie are played by Martti Suosalo
Martti Suosalo
Martti Juhani Suosalo is a Finnish actor and singer.Suosalo began his career in 1986 appearing on a mini TV series...
, Seela Sella
Seela Sella
Seela Maini Marjatta Sella is a Finnish film actress. She was born in Tampere, Finland.During her career, which has spanned more than 40 years to date, Seela Sella has had roles in productions at the Finnish National Theatre, the TTT-Theatre, the Tampere Comedy Theatre, etc and has made almost 35...
, Liisa Kuoppamäki
Liisa Kuoppamäki
Liisa Kuoppamäki is a Finnish film actress.Although Kuoppamäki began her career in 1986 working in film, she mainly appeared on television between 2000 and 2004. In 2006, she appeared in the Timo Koivusalo film Kalteva torni which co-stars Martti Suosalo and Seela Sella.-External links:...
, Siiri Suosalo, Esko Nikkari
Esko Nikkari
Esko Nikkari was a prolific Finnish actor who made more than 70 appearances on film and television. He debuted in 1974 in the movie Karvat....
, Mats Långbacka, Laura Jurkka, Jemina Sillanpää and Risto Salmi.
TV host
Timo Koivusalo also has considerable experience as a TV hostPresenter
A presenter, or host , is a person or organization responsible for running an event. A museum or university, for example, may be the presenter or host of an exhibit. Likewise, a master of ceremonies is a person that hosts or presents a show...
. From 1992 to 2002, he co-hosted the popular couple's show on TV2
Yleisradio
The Finnish Broadcasting Company , abbreviated to YLE , is Finland's national broadcasting company, founded in 1926. YLE is a public-broadcasting organization which shares many of its characteristics with its British counterpart, the BBC, on which it was largely modelled...
called Tuttu Juttu Show with Joel Hallikainen. Hallikainen left the show, however, already in the spring of 2000, after which Koivusalo co-hosted the show with various presenters. The Tuttu Juttu Show originated from a set that was called Elämäntoveri that Hallikainen and Koivusalo used to perform on the ships between Finland
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
and Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
. The theme song
Theme music
Theme music is a piece that is often written specifically for a radio program, television program, video game or movie, and usually played during the title sequence and/or end credits...
of the Tuttu Juttu Show, Kuurankukka, has become a classic and which made Hallikainen one of Finland's most popular artists at the beginning of the 1990s. From 2002 to 2006, Koivusalo hosted another show on TV2; this game show was called Leikin varjolla.
Writer
Koivusalo has also written 2 books: Pekko ja outolintu in 1997 and Rysän päältä – siikahyvä ruokakirja in 2005. The latter he wrote with restaurateur Jani Lehtinen and reporter Mikko Peltola. He has also had a column in the Helsingin SanomatHelsingin Sanomat
Helsingin Sanomat is the largest subscription newspaper in Finland and the Nordic countries, owned by Sanoma. Except after certain holidays, it is published daily. In 2008, its daily circulation was 412,421 on weekdays and 468,505 on Sundays...
.
Miscellaneous
Despite Timo Koivusalo's long career in the arts, he has been educated as a chefChef
A chef is a person who cooks professionally for other people. Although over time the term has come to describe any person who cooks for a living, traditionally it refers to a highly skilled professional who is proficient in all aspects of food preparation.-Etymology:The word "chef" is borrowed ...
and a mental nurse
Psychiatric and mental health nursing
Psychiatric nursing or mental health nursing is the specialty of nursing that cares for people of all ages with mental illness or mental distress, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychosis, depression or dementia...
. He owns a restaurant called Trattoria Bucco in Pori together with Jani Lehtinen. They also used to own a restaurant together in Rauma, which open only a short time.
Koivusalo has been married once; this marriage ended in divorce. He has three children from this marriage: Severi (b. 31 October 1990, sharing the same birthday as his father), Merika (b. 24 November 1992) and Samuli (b. 7 August 1997). Koivusalo is currently engaged.
Filmography
- Pekko aikamiespojan poikamiesaika (1993)
- Pekko ja poika (1994)
- Pekko ja massahurmaaja (1995)
- Pekko ja muukalainen (1996)
- Pekko ja unissakävelijä (1997)
- Kulkuri ja Joutsen (1999)
- Rentun RuusuRentun RuusuRentun Ruusu is a 2001 Finnish biographical film drama directed and written by Timo Koivusalo.The film won an award and nomination at the Jussi Awards....
(2001) - Sibelius (2003)
- Kaksipäisen kotkan varjossaKaksipäisen kotkan varjossaShadow of the Two-headed Eagle is a 2005 Finnish film directed and written by Timo Koivusalo.-Plot:The film is about an early twentieth century Finnish poet under the Russian regime.-Cast:...
(2005) - Kalteva torniKalteva torniKalteva Torni , is a 2006 Finnish comedy film.It debuted in Finland on October 20, 2006, is the latest movie directed by Timo Koivusalo....
(2006) - Täällä Pohjantähden alla (scheduled for 2009)
Television
- Pekko Aikamiespoika (1992)
- Tuttu Juttu Show (1992–2002)
- Leikin varjolla (2002–2006)