Jussi Award-winning actor Petri Poikolainen dies at 50

Finnish actor Petri Poikolainen, known for his role in the film Sokea mies, joka ei halunnut nähdä Titanicia (The Blind Man Who Didn’t Want to See Titanic), has died at the age of 50, public broadcaster Yle reports.

His death was confirmed to Yle by film director Teemu Nikki, who collaborated with Poikolainen on the 2021 dark comedy. The actor won Finland’s prestigious Jussi Award for Best Leading Actor in 2022 for his performance in the film.

“Petri was a wonderful, unique actor,” Nikki told Yle. “Everyone who knew him will remember him.”

Poikolainen had been battling an aggressive form of multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease affecting the central nervous system.

Born in Pieksämäki, eastern Finland, Poikolainen was a respected figure in Finnish cinema and theatre.