Ernst Rolf

Ernst Rolf
Ernst Rolf
Born	Ernst Ragnar Johansson (1891-01-20)20 January 1891 Falun, Sweden
Died	25 December 1932(1932-12-25) (aged 41) Stockholm, Sweden
Nationality	Swedish
Occupation(s)	Actor, singer, musical revue artist
Years active	1907–1932
Spouses	Margit Strugstad ​ ​ (m. 1916⁠–⁠1923)​ Gueye Rolf ​ (m. 1924⁠–⁠1927)​ Tutta Rolf ​ (m. 1930⁠–⁠1932)​
Children	Four (including Tom Rolf)

Ernst Ragnar Johansson (20 January 1891– 25 December 1932), professionally known as Ernst Rolf was a Swedish actor, singer and composer and musical revue artist.^[1] Rolf was born in Falun in the Swedish province of Dalarna, where his father was a tailor and member of the temperance movement. His musical talent was evident from the start when even as a young child he performed at IOGT meetings. He would sing while his older brother Birger played the piano.^[1]

In 1906 Rolf found work at the Åhlén & Holm mail order company in Insjön, Dalarna. He made his stage debut in a performance of The Wizard of Oz, playing Dorothy in an all-male cast. In 1907 he began touring the country as a singer and comedian, quickly becoming one of Sweden's most famous and successful entertainers.^[2]

During the 1920s Rolf was known for producing revues that were acclaimed for their dazzling sets, first class actors and stirring music. He was also a lyricist and composer, who wrote, for instance, the words to Finska Valsen (The Finnish Waltz) and the music for Från Frisco Till Cap (From Frisco to the Cape).^[3] He recorded his first song in 1910 and throughout his career made over eight hundred recordings.^[4] He acted in a number of films as well.