Tuomas Marjamäki, who visited Iltalehti’s analysis studio, reminds us of Loir’s versatility.
The acting legend who died on Wednesday Vesa-Matti Loiri made by the writer-journalist Toomas Marjamäki an indelible influence already as a child.
Marjamäki, who has written dozens of newspaper stories about Loir and has also interviewed him for several books, tells in Iltalehti’s analysis studio what kind of man he encountered in one-on-one meetings.
– When it was agreed that we would now do something, he threw himself completely, Marjamäki sums up.
– I can’t say whether it was the artist Loiri or Vesku, but he was very cordial and considerate. Even the interview was like a performance for him, Marjamäki continues.
Tuomas Marjamäki met Loir personally several times. Elle Laitila
Loiri is remembered on the big screen especially for his role in Turhapuro, but Marjamäki believes that the man himself was not overshadowed by Turhapuro.
– He specifically fought for being allowed to be everything else. He didn’t stay in one compartment, but sang Eino Leino, played billiards and boxing and everything possible besides that. He was talented in almost everything he did, Marjamäki characterizes Loir.
On the television side, Loiri was especially known as a great comedian. Many of the characters were created by Loir himself.
Marjamäki tells how, for example, Uncle Nasse and Tyyne were born. Loiri knew what people liked and what made them laugh.
– And certainly also the other way around. For the past twenty years, Vesku had the feeling that whatever he did, the people liked it, Marjamäki sums up.
What kind of gap will there be in the Finnish cultural field now that Loiri is gone?
Watch the analysis video above.