Famous Estonian Film & Theater Personalities

Johann Urb is a talented Estonian-American actor with a successful career in both film and television. He is known for his captivating performances and versatility in portraying a wide range of characters. Urb has showcased his acting skills in various genres, including action, drama, and comedy. With his strong presence on screen, he has garnered a dedicated fan following and critical acclaim for his work. Urb's commitment to his craft and passion for storytelling have solidified his reputation as a respected and accomplished actor in the entertainment industry.

Lennart Georg Meri was a prominent figure in Estonian politics and culture. He served as the country's foreign minister during a critical period of transition from 1990 to 1992, playing a key role in Estonia's path to independence. Subsequently, he assumed the presidency from 1992 to 2001, guiding the nation through its early years as a newly independent state. In addition to his political career, Meri was also known for his work as a writer and film director, contributing significantly to Estonia's cultural landscape.

Getter Jaani is a talented Estonian singer and actress who gained recognition for representing Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 with the song "Rockefeller Street". She has established herself as a prominent figure in the music industry, known for her powerful vocals and captivating performances. Getter has continued to pursue her passion for music, releasing several successful singles and albums. In addition to her music career, she has also showcased her acting skills in various projects, showcasing her versatility as an artist.

Koit Toome is an Estonian singer and musical actor known for representing Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest twice. In 1998, he finished 12th with the song "Mere lapsed". Nearly two decades later, in 2017, he sang a duet with Laura Põldvere, titled "Verona". Toome has demonstrated a strong presence in the music industry with his performances and contributions to Estonian music culture. His participation in Eurovision showcases his talent and versatility as a performer on an international stage.

Lembit Ulfsak was a highly acclaimed Estonian stage and film actor with a distinguished career spanning almost 100 films. He gained international recognition for his role in the 2014 film "Tangerines," which received nominations at prestigious awards such as the Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards for Best Foreign Language Film. Ulfsak's talent and versatility were evident in his diverse range of performances, solidifying his reputation as one of Estonia's most prominent actors. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring actors and film enthusiasts worldwide.

Andrus Kivirähk is a prominent Estonian writer known for his works as a playwright, topical satirist, and screenwriter. His novel "Rehepapp ehk November" (Old Barny or November) became a bestseller with 25,000 copies sold by 2004, establishing him as the most popular 21st-century Estonian writer. Another successful book, "Mees, kes teadis ussisõnu" (The Man Who Spoke Snakish), further solidified his reputation as a top-selling author in Estonia. Since 1996, he has been an active member of the Estonian Writers' Union.

Eda-Ines Etti, also known as Ines, is an Estonian singer and songwriter known for representing Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2000 with the song "Once in a Lifetime", achieving fourth place, which was Estonia's best result until the following year. Throughout her career, Ines has showcased her musical talents and captivated audiences with her powerful vocals and engaging performances. She continues to be a respected figure in the Estonian music industry, leaving a lasting impact with her contributions to the music scene.

Ita Ever was an esteemed Estonian actress known for her contributions to film, radio, theatre, and television. With a career spanning several decades, she established herself as a versatile talent, appearing in a wide range of productions from Estonian and Russian cinema. Ever showcased her acting prowess in adaptations of works by renowned authors such as Agatha Christie, Oskar Luts, and William Shakespeare. Her performances in stage and film productions solidified her reputation as a respected figure in the Estonian theatre scene, earning her the title of the "Grand Old Lady of Estonian theatre."

Juhan Viiding, also known as Jüri Üdi, was a prominent figure in Estonian literature and theater. As a poet, he crafted poignant verses that reflected his deep introspection and emotional depth. His works were known for their unique style and powerful themes. In addition to his literary contributions, Viiding was also recognized for his talent as an actor, showcasing his versatility and creativity on stage. Throughout his professional life, he left a lasting impact on Estonian culture through his artistic endeavors.

Lauri Pedaja is a versatile Estonian professional known for his work as an actor and hairdresser. He made his debut in the 2007 film "The Class," directed by Ilmar Raag, showcasing his talent in a lead role. His foray into television included a notable appearance on the third season of "Tantsud tähtedega," the Estonian version of Dancing with the Stars. Throughout his career, Pedaja has demonstrated his skills both on screen and in the world of hairdressing, earning recognition for his diverse talents.

Kaljo Kiisk was a versatile Soviet and Estonian professional, known for his work as an actor, film director, screenwriter, and politician. His most notable roles include Kristjan Lible in the film adaptations of Oskar Luts' novels and as Johannes Saarepera in ETV's long-running series Õnne 13. With a career spanning over five decades, from 1953 to 2007, Kiisk left a lasting impact on Estonian cinema and television, showcasing his talent and dedication to the arts.

Indrek Saar is an Estonian actor and politician who has had a diverse and successful professional career. He transitioned from being an actor and director at the Rakvere Theatre to a prominent role in Estonian politics, serving as the Minister of Culture and later as the leader of the Social Democratic Party. Saar's contributions include leading efforts to increase wages for culture and arts professionals, representing Estonia in international organizations like the Council of Europe, and participating in election monitoring missions across various countries.

Mart Sander is a versatile Estonian artist with a diverse professional background. He is known for his talents as a singer, actor, director, author, artist, and television host. Sander has showcased his musical abilities through various performances and recordings, while also demonstrating his acting skills in theater productions and on-screen projects. As a director, he has worked on a range of creative projects, and as an author, he has shared his insights and stories through written works. Additionally, Sander has engaged audiences as a television host, bringing entertainment and information to viewers.

Kirill Valeryevich Käro is an accomplished Estonian Russian actor known for his notable roles in several popular TV series. He gained recognition for portraying the lead character in 32 episodes of the crime drama The Sniffer from 2013 to 2017. Additionally, he impressed audiences with his performance as George Safronov in 16 episodes of the sci-fi series Better than Us in 2019. Karo further showcased his talent by playing Sergey in the thrilling series To the Lake in 2020.

Lenna Kuurmaa is an Estonian singer-songwriter and actress known for her work in the music industry. She gained fame as a member of the girl group Vanilla Ninja and continued her career as a solo artist after the band went on hiatus in 2009. Lenna also formed a band named "Lenna" and released their debut album in June 2010. Throughout her professional life, she has showcased her talent in music, acting, and songwriting, establishing herself as a versatile and successful artist.

Jüri Järvet was an Estonian actor who began his professional career in the 1930s, initially using the name Georgi Kuznetsov before adopting the Estonian form in 1938. He gained recognition for his versatile acting skills and appeared in numerous films and theater productions throughout his career. Järvet was known for his ability to portray a wide range of characters with depth and authenticity, earning critical acclaim for his performances. His legacy as an accomplished actor continues to be celebrated in Estonia and beyond.

Tanja Mihhailova-Saar, also known as Tanja, is a Russian-Estonian pop singer and actress with a successful professional career. With roots in both Russia and Estonia, she has been a member of various bands, showcasing her versatile musical talents. Tanja has also displayed her acting skills through performances in several stage musicals. Notably, she represented Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2014, where she performed the song "Amazing." Despite finishing in 12th place in the semi-final, Tanja continues to captivate audiences with her music and performances.

Ivan Triesault was an Estonian-American actor known for his work in film and television. He had a successful career spanning several decades, appearing in a variety of roles that showcased his talent and versatility. Triesault's performances were often praised for their depth and authenticity, earning him a reputation as a skilled character actor. He was recognized for his ability to bring complexity and nuance to his characters, making him a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Evelin Võigemast is a versatile Estonian artist excelling in stage, film, television, and voice acting, as well as singing. With a career spanning various mediums, she has showcased her talent and versatility to audiences. Known for her compelling performances, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the Estonian entertainment industry. Through her work in both theatrical and on-screen productions, Võigemast has demonstrated her passion and dedication to her craft, earning recognition and admiration from fans and peers alike.

Volli Käro is a prominent Estonian actor known for his extensive career in the performing arts. He gained recognition for his significant contributions as a stage actor at the Rakvere Theatre in Lääne-Viru County, Estonia. In addition to his theatrical achievements, he has also showcased his talent in various film and television roles. Käro's versatile performances have solidified his reputation as a respected and accomplished artist within the Estonian entertainment industry.

Pärt Uusberg is a prominent Estonian composer, conductor, and actor known for his leadership as the chief conductor of Chamber Choir Head Ööd, Vend. He has gained recognition for his choral music, characterized as both accessible and emotionally compelling. Uusberg's work has resonated with audiences for its powerful and evocative qualities. In addition to his musical pursuits, he has also showcased his talents on screen, notably playing the role of Joosep in the film The Class.

Sulev Nõmmik was a prominent Estonian theatre and movie director, actor, humorist, and comedian. He is best known for his iconic character Kärna Ärni and the fictional village of Uduvere. Nõmmik made significant contributions to Estonian cinema by writing scripts for popular movies such as Mehed ei nuta, Siin me oleme!, and Noor pensionär. His comedic talents and creative storytelling skills earned him recognition and awards, including the prestigious Meie Mats in 1988. Nõmmik's professional legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences.

Tiit Lilleorg was an Estonian actor known for his work in stage, film, and television. He was also recognized as the co-founder and director of the Ida Dance School. Throughout his career, Lilleorg made significant contributions to the performing arts industry, showcasing his talent and passion for acting. His involvement in both traditional and contemporary forms of entertainment highlighted his versatility and dedication to the craft. Lilleorg's impact extended beyond the stage, leaving a lasting legacy in the artistic community.

Iiris Vesik, known professionally as Iiris, is an Estonian singer, songwriter, and stage actress. She gained recognition with the release of her debut album "The Magic Gift Box" in March 2012 under EMI Music Finland. In addition to her solo career, Iiris is the lead singer of the group Night Tapes. With a versatile talent that spans across music and theater, Iiris continues to captivate audiences with her unique vocals and artistic expressions, solidifying her presence in the music industry.