Matti Pellonpää
Biography
Matti Pellonpää was a Finnish actor and musician. He started his career in 1962 as a radio actor at the Finnish state-owned broadcasting company YLE. He performed in many amateur theatres during the 1970s while studying at the Finnish Theatre Academy, completing his studies in 1977. Pellonpää rose to international fame with his roles in films by Aki and Mika Kaurismäki, particularly appearing in 18 films by Aki Kaurismäki. He was nominated for Best Actor by the European Film Academy and won the Felix award. Pellonpää is known for his work in both film and theatre, with a career spanning multiple decades.
Career overview
Matti Pellonpää began his acting career in 1962 as a radio actor at the Finnish state-owned broadcasting company YLE. He continued to act in amateur theatres during the 1970s while studying at the Finnish Theatre Academy, completing his studies in 1977. Pellonpää's career gained momentum as he appeared in numerous films, particularly those directed by Aki Kaurismäki, in which he often portrayed societal outsiders.
Pellonpää's association with Aki Kaurismäki's films led to his international recognition. He appeared in 18 films directed by Aki Kaurismäki, among other works by the director and his brother Mika Kaurismäki. This collaboration showcased Pellonpää's versatility as an actor and contributed to his growing reputation in the film industry.
Pellonpää's acting career spanned several decades, during which he established himself as a talented and award-winning actor. His performances in various films earned him recognition, including a nomination for Best Actor by the European Film Academy for his role in La Vie de Boheme.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
64 titles- Some of You May Have Heard of Me (2025) as self
- Dirty Hands (2015) as Hugo Barine
- Bluesia Pieksämäen asemalla (2013) as Self - Guest Vocals: Danish
- Bohemian Eyes (2011) as Self (archive footage)
- Drifting Clouds (1996) In Memory Of
- Sirpaleita (1995) as Cook
- Iron Horsemen (1995) as Seeker
- Konstan Pylkkerö (1994) as Anselmi
- Pieniä valheita (1994) as Luikki
- Leningrad Cowboys Meet Moses (1994) as Moses / Vladimir
- Take Care of Your Scarf, Tatjana (1994) as Reino
- Total Balalaika Show (1994) Production Assistant
- The Hobbits (1993) as Saruman
- Sutki (1993) as Dino
- Chaplinesque (1993) as The Man Who Greets the Sun
- The Last Border (1993) as Dimitri
- Shit Happens (1992) as Mustache Man
- La Vie de Bohème (1992) as Rodolfo
- Where Is Musette? (1992) as Self
- Night on Earth (1991) as Mika
- Zombie and the Ghost Train (1991) as Harri
- Moonlight Sonata II: The Street Sweepers (1991) as Toimistovirkailijat
- Dolly and Her Lover (1990) as Räpsy
- Kiljusen herrasväen uudet seikkailut (1990) as Interpreter of Fruktosian
- Kumma juttu (1989) as self
- Leningrad Cowboys Go America (1989) as Vladimir (Manager)
- Cha Cha Cha (1989) as Matti Ojanperä
- Paper Star (1989) as Ravintolan asiakas
- Ariel (1988) as Mikkonen
- Hamlet Goes Business (1987) as Guard
- Hamlet Goes Business (1987) Gaffer
- Macbeth (1987) Gaffer
- Shadows in Paradise (1986) as Nikander
- Näkemiin, hyvästi (1986)
- Rocky VI (1986) as Aljosa, Igor's Coach
- Päätepysäkki (1986) as Sepi
- Kuningas lähtee Ranskaan (1986) as Earless Man
- Calamari Union (1985) as Frank
- Ylösnousemus (1985) as Formulakuski, joka etsii kuolemaa
- ... And You Will Be a Clown (1985) Sound Effects
- Viimeiset rotannahat (1985)
- Marked (1984) as Morgue Worker
- Aikalainen (1984)
- Rakkauselokuva (1984) as Säikky-Nilsson
- Kello (1984) as Honest Man
- The Clan: Tale of the Frogs (1984) as Ritsari
- Se minun töistäni - Matti Pellonpää (1984) as Self
- Crime and Punishment (1983) as Nikander
- Onnentyttö (1983) as Kapula Kirkasoja
- Huhtikuu on kuukausista julmin (1983) as kiiluvasilmäinen pilleristi
- Regina ja miehet (1983) as Rex Räsänen
- The Worthless (1982) as Manne
- Jackpot 2 (1982)
- Pedon merkki (1981) as Hermonsa menettänyt sotilaskarkuri
- Kauhea murhamies Lalli (1981) as Puhelias keihäsmies
- The Liar (1981) as Fan of Chandler
- Ruskan jälkeen (1979) as Jaakko Sammalsuo
- Päivä ennen (1978) as Mopedimies
- Viimeinen savotta (1977)
- Antti Puuhaara (1976) as Comedian
- Kesän maku (1975) as Hessu, tykkimies
- Akseli and Elina (1970) as Valdemar Leppänen, "Valtu"
- Finnish Frustrations (1969)
- The Boys (1962) as Schoolboy (uncredited)
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Matti Pellonpää best known for?
Matti Pellonpää is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Night on Earth (1991), Ariel (1988), Shadows in Paradise (1986), Calamari Union (1985).
When and where was Matti Pellonpää born?
Matti Pellonpää was born on March 28, 1951 in Helsinki, Finland. They passed away on July 13, 1995.
How many credits does Matti Pellonpää have?
Matti Pellonpää has accumulated over 64 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1962 to 2025.
What is Matti Pellonpää's background in cinema and television?
Matti Pellonpää was a Finnish actor and musician. He started his career in 1962 as a radio actor at the Finnish state-owned broadcasting company YLE. He performed in many amateur theatres during the 1970s while studying at the Finnish Theatre Academy, completing his studies in 1977. Pellonpää rose to international fame...
Matti Pellonpää by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Night on Earth (1991) as Mika — aged about 40
- Shadows in Paradise (1986) as Nikander — aged about 35
- Ariel (1988) as Mikkonen — aged about 37
- Calamari Union (1985) as Frank — aged about 34
- The Boys (1962) as Schoolboy (uncredited) — aged about 11
- The Worthless (1982) as Manne — aged about 31
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