Theater director and screenwriter Ralf Långbacka has died at the age of 89 after a long illness. Långbacka’s children confirm the sad news for HS and To Yle.
Born in Närpiö in 1932, Långbacka directed two hundred theater performances in his career. He managed the Swedish Theater of Turku, the City Theater of Turku and the City Theater of Helsinki. In addition, he worked in opera and as a film and television director and screenwriter.
Ralf Långbacka and Ilpo Tiihonen in 2010. TOMMY HEINO
Långbacka’s film work is remembered for example in 1979 Mr. Puntila and his ring Matti. Lasse Pöysti received the Jussi award for his leading role in the film.
During his career, Långbacka received numerous awards for his work, including the Pro Finlandia award in 1973 and the Suomi award in 2001.
In 2004, Långbacka was appointed academician of arts. In 2018, the University of the Arts awarded Långbacka an honorary doctorate.
Ralf Långbacka had a long career in the theater industry. Laura Vesa