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BORN
1930
DIED
2025
Taina Elg Obituary
Taina Elg, the Finnish actress who starred in "Les Girls" and the 1950s' remake of "The 39 Steps," and who was nominated for a Tony Award for her work in the Broadway production of "Where's Charley?," died May 15, 2025 in Helsinki, Finland at the age of 95.
Born in Finland, Elg began her acting career there, but came to the U.S. after MGM signed her to a contract in the 1950s. Success quickly followed, with a Golden Globe win in 1957 for Foreign Newcomer (for "Gaby") and another Golden Globe win in 1958 for her work in "Les Girls." She landed roles in the remake of "The 39 Steps"?and the popular 1960s TV series "Wagon Train," and later, she appeared on TV in shows like "Murder, She Wrote" and in a 26-episode stint on "One Life to Live." Elg was nominated for a Tony Award in 1975 for her work on Broadway in "Where's Charley?" opposite Raul Julia. She also toured with productions of "Gigi" and "Titanic," among many others.
"She was great in 'Les Girls,'" X user jhpcine said on the social media platform. "I was at awe at the plasticity of her dance (and I was thrilled to see her years later as guest star in Murder, She Wrote)."
By Eric San Juan
(Image: Everett Collection)
3 Entries
Mary Normand
June 19, 2025
REST IN PEACE Taina.. a most wonderful woman and friend. My love to Raoul and Cosmo. I cherish many years of our friendship.. in New York and Boston area visits. So many beautiful memories.
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Zoya Kachadurian
June 14, 2025
Taina was a lovely woman, a beautiful performer and a gentle spirit. And I experienced all of that by only briefly working with her in 1979/1980 when she replaced in a lead role in a very short-lived musical on Broadway called STRIDER. Subsequently we lived in the same neighborhood, and on the rare occasion when our paths crossed, it was lovely to see her. I see she died in her home country. And I´m happy to see that because I know how much she loved that. Rest in peace, lovely lady.
Helaina Pisar McKibbin
June 2, 2025
I am Dr. Lailee Bakhtiar's niece. Lailee was adopted by my grandmother Dr. Jessie Marmoston. I knew Taina and always liked her. She was a lovely lady. I also have fond memories of her husband, the Italian sociologist. I'm sorry to hear that she died. My condolences to the family.
Helaina Pisar McKibbin
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