Tommi Korpela – A Laid-Back Standout
Actor – Artist – Fly Fisher
Tommi Korpela is a beloved interpreter of Finnish male emotions, standing out from the crowd. His versatility has made him Finland’s most renowned male actor.
Tommi masters the stage, the silver screen, and television alike. He has been a part of Finnish everyday life for over thirty years.
A True Helsinki Guy
Tommi was born into a Helsinki family in 1968 and began his schooling at Tehtaankatu Elementary School in Eira. He attended middle school and high school at Ressu, which at the time was not yet the elite school it is today. Later, Tommi settled in Etu-Töölö after living in Punavuori—making him a true South Helsinki native.
After completing his military service, 19-year-old Tommi applied to and was accepted into the theatre program at Lahti Folk High School. When he got the chance to secretly attend rehearsals and plays at the Theatre Academy during Jouko Turkka’s era, there was no turning back. The true spark for acting had ignited, and his future plans became clear.
In 1991, he began his studies at the Theatre Academy under the guidance of Kari Heiskanen and Kari Väänänen. That same year, Antti Raivio founded Q-Theatre, where Tommi secured a place right at the start of his studies. The rest is Finnish acting history.
It’s All About Emotion
Acting wasn’t a clear childhood dream for Tommi. However, one memory has stayed with him—perhaps more significant than he realized at the time.
"I remember my elementary school teacher, Anja Kaikkonen, and her encouragement. When I was eight, I wrote a poem called Tähti, which included Tauno Palo. Anja recognized some kind of talent in my writing and consistently supported my creativity. She undoubtedly played a big role in shaping my confidence and enthusiasm for this field."
"I have always been fascinated by theatre and film. They are incredible art forms—when done well, they can be magical, profound, and larger than life. At their best, movies and theatre create unforgettable experiences. I felt a deep connection to stories and emotions, and that’s exactly what this work is about. Art holds immense meaning for me."
It All Started with Theatre
Tommi began his career on the stage of Q-Theatre in 1991 while simultaneously studying at the Theatre Academy.
"I felt like I was attending two schools at the same time. Antti Raivio’s productions included educational elements with plenty of acting exercises. The foundation of my craft still comes from those lessons with Antti. I’m deeply grateful for that."
"Q became my home theatre. We are all freelancers. One of Q-Theatre’s greatest strengths has always been its freedom. If the same group sticks together year after year, decade after decade, it starts to stagnate. A healthy rotation and variety help maintain energy and creativity—this applies to me as well. You truly understand the significance of Q-Theatre only when you take a break or work elsewhere for a while."
"When Jani Volanen became more involved in Q-Theatre around the early 2000s, the approach shifted towards a more actor-driven process. Actors were given the space to bring their own perspectives into the work, rather than just following the director’s vision. This was both liberating and an added responsibility, in the best possible way."
Turning Points
"One of the most significant theatre productions in my career was Hitlerin kellonsoittaja, which premiered in 2006. It was the first time I felt I had a real influence on shaping my character. The legendary Kalle Holmberg played the other lead role."
"My performance received great reviews, as did the entire production. It gave me a lot of confidence and courage in my acting."
A Man’s Job
In 2007, Tommi starred in A Man’s Job, directed by Aleksi Salmenperä. He played Juha, a man struggling to make ends meet after being fired from a concrete factory. Desperate, Juha eventually turns to selling himself to older women. The film received 11 Jussi Award nominations, and Tommi won his first Jussi Award for Best Actor.
His career as a film actor had truly begun. His collaboration with Aleksi Salmenperä has continued over the years, with films like Distractions, Void, and Bubble.
Finland’s Most Renowned Actor
For over three decades, Tommi has been a constant presence in Finnish entertainment, from Q-Theatre and Studio Julmahuvi to the hit TV series M/S Romantic. He has performed at Espoo Theatre, the Finnish National Theatre, Ryhmäteatteri, and Takomo. His film and television roles are too numerous to count.
Throughout his career, he has taken on a wide range of roles, from drama to comedy. If there’s one thing Tommi can’t be accused of, it’s stagnation. For him, versatility is key to growing as an actor.
Mastery Through Work
"The broader your experience, the better you become. Theatre, film acting, and writing all feed into each other. I believe you should also challenge yourself in areas where you feel less confident."
"The film industry is unfair to actors in many ways. Only success leads to new opportunities. It’s a small industry, and you don’t get many chances."
"Acting for the camera is something you can only learn by doing. You have to get used to the camera, understand it, and eventually enjoy being in front of it. It takes an enormous amount of time and energy to internalize things that, from an acting perspective, feel secondary."
A Passionate Team Player
"My work means the world to me. I love what I do, and it gives me so much in return. Those fleeting moments in the middle of a performance stay with you forever. One of the greatest aspects of this profession is the chance to create something together with others."
"These days, I can be more selective about my projects. More than ever, I feel it’s essential—for the sake of the whole team—that I am fully committed and sincere about the production."
"In both theatre and film, good team dynamics are crucial to success. High-pressure productions have no room—or time—for egos or tantrums. Those kinds of people get sidelined quickly nowadays. Many professionals in the film industry are freelancers, essentially running their own businesses. Maintaining good relationships is key if you want to keep working."
Excited by the New
"Meeting passionate new artists who approach their craft from their own unique perspective is one of the best parts of this job. You can’t afford to get stuck in your ways or become complacent. That’s how you fall behind."
"My own fear of stagnation keeps me moving forward. You have to be brave enough to jump into new situations and open yourself up to learning from others. Challenges ignite the fire in a great actor. That’s the only way to stay mentally sharp. And, of course, you have to take care of yourself physically as well—hopefully for many years to come."
A Man Who Loves Peace
"I'm a big guy. I've always been shy, calm, and slow-paced. I believe in being kind. There was a time when I saw these traits as weaknesses, and of course, others picked up on them mercilessly. But now, I can proudly see them as my strengths."
"I want to give others space and peace. Professional tolerance is important to me."
Trust Yourself
"You have to trust that your own personality is enough—because, in the end, that's all you have. That’s what makes your work and your roles unique, no matter how much you twist your face or bounce off the walls. Experience has brought me a sense of ease, and I hope it shows."
"As a young man, I was an observer, someone on the sidelines. I liked to watch and take in details about others. I suppose that’s been a pretty healthy approach to this profession."
A Profession of Costume Changes
Being a theatre actor involves a lot of costume changes. Sometimes, it’s almost like an athletic performance, where timing down to the second is crucial. Even the smallest mistake can cause a delay in the next scene.
"One colleague was once asked what stood out the most from their career. Their answer? ‘The whole thing has been one damn endless costume change.’"
Clothes Make the Character
"Often, the costume itself has defined how I approach a role. In The Possessed by Dostoevsky, a heavy coat helped me connect with the character and their world. The weight of the coat was a physical sensation that unlocked the mindset."
"I don’t see clothing and style as vanity. They can shift the mood throughout the day—just as they do on stage, where I change looks multiple times a night."
A Laid-Back Standout
When he was younger, Tommi dressed to blend in. Back then, he didn’t dare to stand out from the crowd.
"I don’t really care about other people’s opinions anymore. I guess that’s another thing age has given me—confidence, and honestly, just not having the energy to worry about it. Now, I can and want to stand out, even through clothing. Though my style is still pretty relaxed."
Tommi prefers wool fabrics for their comfort and flexibility. They keep him warm and don’t need ironing. In daily life, he gravitates toward soft, muted, natural tones. Instead of bright colors, he opts for deep shades like dark red, brown, and forest green.
Comfort and Practicality
"As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started paying more attention to comfort and quality, and how clothes should be taken care of. I’ve learned it’s worth investing in pieces that last—both in wear and washing. Fast fashion hasn’t been part of my wardrobe for a long time."
"Even at formal events, I choose clothes that are both stylish and comfortable. It would feel strange to celebrate in something that doesn’t feel right, just for the sake of protocol."
"Clothing should feel good and true to who I am—both at work and in everyday life. What I wear represents me."
Finnish Elegance
"I first met Antti and Jarkko from FRENN in the spring of 2014 when I was modeling in a charity fashion show for the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare (MLL) at the Old Student House in Helsinki. I shared the stage with Jorma Uotinen, Tomi Björck, Antero Vartia, Jussi 69, and Mikael Jungner. The moment I put on FRENN’s clothes, they felt like my own."
"FRENN embodies Finnish elegance—simple, yet distinct. But not too distinct."
Quality with Responsibility
"I’ve been convinced of Antti and Jarkko’s craftsmanship and their genuine commitment to responsible production for a long time. They don’t just talk about it—they actually do it. That’s something to be proud of."
Kupla Bursts on November 25
Tommi’s latest film is set to premiere in November. Directed by Aleksi Salmenperä, the film was shot a couple of years ago, but due to the pandemic, its release was postponed until this fall.
"Kupla" is a dramedy about a Finnish family living in a small town. The family's teenage daughter struggles with her awakening sexuality while trying to mend her parents’ crumbling marriage. Alongside Tommi, the film stars Stella Leppikorpi and Minna Haapkylä.
Friends' Quartet
There’s also something exciting happening next year. Together with his spouse Elina Knihtilä, Pirjo Lonka, and Hannu-Pekka Björkman, Tommi will be starring in a new play at Q-Theatre. The play will be directed by the brilliant Akse Pettersson.
Younger actors at Q-Theatre have playfully nicknamed the production the "Quartet of the Oldies," but it won’t be a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Instead, it will be something fresh and relevant to today’s world. Keep an eye on Q-Theatre’s website for more details.
www.q-teatteri.fi
Location: Q-Theatre
Set Design: Milja Aho for Saara Turunen’s play Järjen hedelmät
Photography: Eeva Suutari
Grooming: Ia Luhtanen
Styling: Antti Laitinen
Clothing: FRENN
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