A.W. Yrjänä

A.W. Yrjänä is a Finnish actor and director who has been active in Finnish cinema and television since the early 1990s. He is best known for his roles in the movie 'The Man Without a Past' (2002) and the television series 'The Bridge' (2006-2008).

Yrjänä was born in Espoo, Finland in 1970. He studied drama at the University of Tampere and began his career in the early 1990s with small roles in television and film. He quickly gained recognition for his performances in the films 'Kolme Vainajaa' (1995) and 'Tulitikkutehtaan Tyttö' (1996). Yrjänä then went on to star in a number of independent films and television shows.

In 2002, Yrjänä was cast in the critically acclaimed 'The Man Without a Past'. Directed by Aki Kaurismäki, the film won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Yrjänä's performance was praised by critics and audiences alike and he received a Jussi Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Yrjänä then went on to star in the television series 'The Bridge' (2006-2008). The series received positive reviews and won several awards, including a Peabody Award in 2008. Yrjänä was nominated for a Jussi Award for Best Actor for his performance.

In recent years, Yrjänä has directed several short films, including 'The Day of the Tiles' (2014) and 'The Eyes of the Night' (2015). He has also continued to act in films and television, most recently appearing in the series 'The Protector' (2016-2018).

Yrjänä is highly respected in Finland and is considered one of the country's most talented actors. He is known for his ability to create nuanced, multi-dimensional characters and his dedication to his craft. He is an inspiration to many aspiring actors in Finland and abroad.