Ismo Laitela

Ismo Kalervo Laitela is a controversial character in popular Finnish TV-drama Salatut Elämät, played by Esko Kovero. He appeared in the serie in years 1999–present.

Recently, Ismo has caused controversy over his racist and xenophobic comments, as well as his violence as father and husband. These controversial aspects have made the character immensely popular and one of the most important Finnish internet memes.

Character's background

He has two children, Miia (15 December 1981 – 23 May 2001) and Kalle (b. 7 September 1979) with his late wife Liisa Laitela (16 November 1956 – 10 October 1988) Miia is now dead and Kalle lives in Brazil. Ismo hasn't been very lucky with his love life. After Liisa's death he spent a long time not dating anybody.

His first serious relationship was with Rauni Koivukuja, who was a priest. Their affair was rocky and finally ended because of Ismo's violent behaviour. Rauni then moved to Angola, Africa.

Ismo's second relationship was with strict Jaana Nieminen. She got a job in Ismo's shop called 'Ismon valinta' (Ismo's Choice). They started to go out and soon moved in together. They seemed to be very happy until Jaana slept with her old lover Jukka, who was also Ismo's friend. That was the end for this couple. Jaana moved to Turku with her daughter and Jukka. Ismo was once again left alone.

References

External links

* [http://www.mtv3.fi/salatutelamat Offical homepage of Salatut elämät (in Finnish)]