| Birth Name: | Emmi Irene Bergström |
| Birth Date: | 21 April 1899 |
| Birth Place: | Helsinki, Grand Duchy of Finland |
| Death Place: | Helsinki, Finland |
| Awards: |
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Emmi Jurkka (originally Bergström, later Tuomi; 21 April 1899 — 17 October 1990) was a Finnish actor and theatre manager, with a career in stage, film and TV spanning over 60 years.[1]
Emmi Jurkka has been described as "legendary" in the world of Finnish theatre. As an actor, she was physical, sensual, expressive and immersive.[2] She performed a wide range of roles, from tragic to comic, and serious to lighthearted.
During her career, Jurkka was attached to several Finnish theatres, including Turku City Theatre, Tampere Theatre Helsinki City Theatre and the Finnish National Theatre.
In 1953, Emmi Jurkka, together with her daughter Vappu, founded a small studio theatre,, which continues to operate to this day.[3]
Jurkka appeared in over 40 films, mainly in the 1940s and 50s. Among her more notable roles was as Hilda Husso in the 1954 , for which she received the Best Supporting Actress Jussi Award.[4]
She is also credited with directing five short films.
In 1954, Jurkka received the medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland,[5] and in 1977, Finland's premier theatre award, the .
Emmi Jurkka was married to fellow thespian, and the couple had three children, Sakari, Jussi and, each of whom also went into acting.[6]