Raili Rusto, legendary Yle children’s program director, dies at 97
Raili Rusto, the long-serving director of children’s programs at Yle, has died at the age of 97. Her passing on Friday in Helsinki was confirmed to Yle by her spouse, Timo Tiihonen (Yle, Ilta-Sanomat).
Rusto’s career at Yle spanned over four decades, during which she directed more than 30 films. She began as an actress before joining Yle’s TV1 children’s and youth department in 1965, where she became a defining figure in Finnish children’s television (Yle).
Among her most beloved works were the 1965 adaptation of Pessi and Illusia, Vinski of the Whole Town (1969), the classic comedy Villahousupakko (1977), and four Uppo-Nalle films (Yle, Ilta-Sanomat). In a 2014 interview with Yle, Rusto reflected on her extensive career, which left a lasting impact on generations of Finnish viewers.