Finland’s groundbreaking Hollywood superstar, Taina Elg, passed away peacefully at a Helsinki nursing home on May 15, at the age of 95. Born in 1930 in Helsinki, Taina Elg’s iconic career began as early as the 1950s, reinforcing her unique status as Finland’s first genuine actress to succeed in Tinseltown.
Taina Elg didn’t initially step into the show business as an actress; her roots trace back to the world of ballet. A devastating injury prematurely ended her ballet career, propelling her into uncharted professional territory. The abrupt halt to her dancing aspirations precipitated an unexpected turn of events that led her to the gates of Hollywood.
Elg’s invitation to an audition in the heartland of the film industry was the initial turning point. At merely over 20 years of age, she signed a hefty seven-year contract with Hollywood heavyweight Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) studios, marking an auspicious start to her acting career.
During the time when Elg joined MGM, television was a novel technology, gradually coaxing audiences away from traditional cinema. MGM’s astute response was to produce large-scale musicals, and it was in one of these productions that Taina Elg was offered her most significant role.
The impactful musical comedy, ‘Les Girls’, released in 1957, was helmed by director George Cukor. The film boasted a star-studded cast including names like Gene Kelly, Mitzi Gaynor, and Kay Kendall, with Taina Elg holding her own among them. The film’s compelling soundtrack owed its brilliance to the genius of legendary composer, Cole Porter.
The alluring appeal of ‘Les Girls’, extended beyond its captivating cinematography, resonating in its music and wardrobe. The film was celebrated at the Academy Awards for its exceptional costume design and received nominations in two more categories, cementing its place among Hollywood’s distinguished works.
Taina Elg’s performance in ‘Les Girls’ was not only applauded but also recognized by industry peers, culminating in her receipt of a Golden Globe award. In the same year, 1957, she clinched another Golden Globe in the ‘Female Foreign Newcomer’ category for the equally enchanting film, ‘Gaby’.
In a candid conversation in the early ’90s, Taina Elg expressed fond memories of her Hollywood peers, including famed actresses Elizabeth Taylor and Lana Turner. Turner, in particular, she revealed, had been instrumental in imparting significant lessons about acting for the big screen.
Her success in Hollywood transcended geographical borders, turning Elg into a veritable superstar in her native Finland. During the ’50s, her visits back home were nothing short of monumental media events, reflecting the immense public adoration she enjoyed.
Emerging gracefully from the high-paced Hollywood culture, Elg relocated to New York City towards the conclusion of the ’50s. The change of scene did not translate into insignificant roles; instead, she made her presence felt powerfully in the city’s vibrant Broadway musical industry.
The 1960s saw Elg grace Broadway stages and assume a leading role in the western television series, ‘Wagon Train’. This diverse portrayal of her acting prowess attests to her adaptable and versatile theatre skills, defying the constraints of typecasting.
Taina Elg’s illustrious career thrived across multiple mediums, spanning theatre, film, and television. As the world changed around her, she remained a constant force in the industry, her formidable presence felt until the 1990s.