His parents were Finns who arrived in the USSR in the 1930s in hope of
a future - although soon they were sent to Siberia and in late 1930s
the father disappeared. In the 1950s it was revealed he had been
executed.
Educated in the Ostrovski Theatre Academy in Leningrad.
Was awarded the title Honored artist of Russia and Karelia.
Since his retirement, he has lived winters in Kouvola, Finland and
summers in his cabin in Russian Karelia.