Vilho Kekkonen was an American actor best known for his roles in Taikayö, The Stars Will Tell, and Inspector Palmu. Born on February 21, 1909, in Finland, he had a long and varied career, showcasing his talents until his death on October 20, 2014, in Jyväskylä, Finland.
Personal and Family Life
Vilho Kekkonen received a cantor-organist degree and later graduated with a diploma in singing from the Sibelius Academy at the age of 41. Before that, he sang in the Finnish Opera chorus and held supporting roles in films. He also served as a choirmaster and singing teacher, contributing to his local church from 1950 to 1974.
Military Service
During the Winter War in 1939, Kekkonen served as a messenger between Russian front-line troops and headquarters. He faced danger when Soviet paratroopers were nearby, and to avoid being shot, he sang Lenski’s aria from Tchaikovsky’s opera “Eugene Onegin.” Remarkably, his singing spared his life while his fellow soldier was shot beside him.
Death and Legacy
Vilho Kekkonen celebrated his 100th birthday and gained recognition as the world’s oldest still-performing tenor. He passed away in 2014 but left a legacy of music and acting that inspired many. He was known for singing during Christmas and Midsummer celebrations, continuing to engage with the community until the end of his life.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Nainen on valttia | 1944-08-13 | Radio Worker (uncredited) |
| Tähdet kertovat, komisario Palmu | 1962-09-07 | Fredrik Nordberg |
| Suurin voitto | 1944-04-29 | (uncredited) |
| Anja tule kotiin | 1944-11-19 | (uncredited) |
| Niin se on, poijaat! | 1942-12-27 | (uncredited) |
| Katariina ja Munkkiniemen kreivi | 1943-01-31 | (uncredited) |
| Hevoshuijari | 1943-08-15 | (uncredited) |
| Suomisen taiteilijat | 1943-12-25 | (uncredited) |
| Onni pyörii | 1942-04-05 | (uncredited) |
| Suomisen Olli rakastuu | 1944-12-25 | (uncredited) |
| Hilja – maitotyttö | 1953-12-25 | (uncredited) |
| Pekka Puupää kesälaitumilla | 1953-10-12 | (uncredited) |
| Sylvi | 1944-09-10 | (uncredited) |
| Miesmalli | 1944-10-22 | (uncredited) |
| Senni ja Savon sulttaani | 1953-11-20 | (uncredited) |
| Taikayö | 1954-11-12 | (uncredited) |
| “Ei se mitään!” sanoi Eemeli | 1962-05-18 | (uncredited) |
| Naiset, jotka minulle annoit | 1962-08-17 | (uncredited) |
| Pikku suorasuu | 1962-03-09 | |
| Hän varasti elämän | 1962-08-03 | (uncredited) |
| Ylijäämänainen | 1951-03-16 | Tanssiva mies häissä (uncredited) |
| Ihmiset suviyössä | 1948-10-09 | “gentlemanly” man in Mettälä |