Esa Pakarinen Junior, a notable Finnish actor, has died at the age of 78. According to Warkauden Lehti, he succumbed to illness in Helsinki on February 12, 2023. Born on December 12, 1947, in Varkaus, Pakarinen had a prolific career in theater, television series, and film, appearing in well-known productions such as 'Jäniksen vuosi' and 'Koeputkiaikuinen'.

Pakarinen was also recognized as a significant figure in Finnish puppetry and was the son of famous actor Feliks Esaias "Esa" Pakarinen, known for his role as Pekka Puupää. He became particularly famous for creating the character Hipsis Hapsiaisen in the television series 'Hapsiainen', aired by Yle from 1985 to 1992. Pakarinen, who used his hand to portray the character, highlighted that Hapsiainen was often rerun due to its low production cost, which made it memorable to many viewers.

The death of Esa Pakarinen Junior marks the loss of a colorful figure in Finnish entertainment, with a legacy that includes contributions to film, television, and puppetry. His works, particularly in the popular children's programming, left a significant imprint on Finnish culture, connecting with audiences spanning generations. His passing brings to light his father's influential career and how the family has contributed to the arts in Finland over the years.