Masa Niemi was an American actor known for his work in films such as Pekka ja Pätkä Suez’illa, Pekka Puupää, and Pekka ja Pätkä ketjukolarissa. He was born on July 20, 1914, in Viipuri, Finland, and passed away on May 3, 1960, in Tampere, Finland.
Personal and Family Life
Masa Niemi was born Martti Elis Niemi and became widely loved for his role as “Pätkä” (Shorty) in various comedies. His performances gained him many young fans who enjoyed his humor. Unfortunately, he faced struggles with depression that affected his life significantly.
Death and Legacy
Masa Niemi died by suicide on May 3, 1960, leaving behind a touching note stating, “It is good to be when you are zero -Masa.” His passing shocked many, especially his fans, and he is remembered for his contributions to Finnish cinema. His character “Pätkä” remains a beloved figure in the hearts of those who grew up watching his films.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Pekka ja Pätkä lumimiehen jäljillä | 1954-07-30 | Pätkä |
| Pekka ja Pätkä ketjukolarissa | 1957-03-01 | Pätkä |
| Pekka ja Pätkä mestarimaalareina | 1959-09-18 | Pätkä |
| Pekka ja Pätkä sammakkomiehinä | 1957-12-20 | Pätkä |
| Pekka ja Pätkä puistotäteinä | 1955-03-04 | Pätkä |
| Pekka Puupää kesälaitumilla | 1953-10-12 | Pätkä |
| Pekka ja Pätkä pahassa pulassa | 1955-12-02 | Pätkä |
| Kiinni on ja pysyy | 1955-05-06 | Pätkä |
| Pekka ja Pätkä neekereinä | 1960-03-11 | Pätkä |
| Pekka ja Pätkä Suezilla | 1958-04-25 | Pätkä |
| Pekka Puupää | 1953-04-30 | Pätkä |
| Pekka ja Pätkä miljonääreinä | 1958-08-29 | Pätkä |
| Pekka ja Pätkä salapoliiseina | 1957-08-23 | Pätkä |
| Hei, rillumarei! | 1954-02-19 | Napoleon (uncredited) |
| Lentävä kalakukko | 1953-03-13 | Leevi Lindroos ‘Läski-Leevi’ |
| Kaks’ tavallista Lahtista | 1960-05-13 | kehavustaja |
| Majuri maantieltä | 1954-12-03 | Masa Pikkarainen / Mikko Pikkarainen |
| Ei ruumiita makuuhuoneeseen | 1959-05-01 | |
| Kipparikvartetti | 1952-09-05 | Jussi (uncredited) |
| Äidittömät | 1958-01-10 | (uncredited) |
| Kahden ladun poikki | 1958-02-28 | (uncredited) |
| Yks’ tavallinen Virtanen | 1959-08-14 | Pätkänen |
| Isaskar Keturin ihmeelliset seikkailut | 1960-02-24 | (uncredited) |
| Me tulemme taas | 1953-07-24 | Reetrikki |
| Taikayö | 1954-11-12 | Mr. Small (uncredited) |