The entertainment industry has lost a legend with the passing of Totto Osvold, the Norwegian radio broadcaster. Osvold, who was 81 years old, passed away on June 03, 2023, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Over his decades-long career at the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK), Osvold became a household name and was known for his contributions to both radio and television. In this article, we reflect on the life and work of Totto Osvold, celebrating his impact on the arts and entertainment in Norway.
1. Introduction to Totto Osvold’s legacy
Norwegian radio broadcaster Totto Osvold passed away on June 3, 2023, leaving a legacy that will continue to impact the entertainment industry in his home country. Osvold was known for his contributions to NRK, where he served as a program editor and entertainer for over four decades, and his partnership with comedians Bjørn Sand and Harald Heide-Steen Jr. He won the prestigious Spellemann prize in 1973 for his collaboration with Sand, further cementing his status as a beloved figure in Norwegian media. Osvold’s marriage to journalist Sissel Benneche Osvold and his appearances on TV broadcasts also added to his widespread recognition. His death at the age of 81 has left a significant mark on the Norwegian entertainment industry, and he will be deeply missed. [1][2]
2. Osvold’s career at Norway’s NRK
Nor radio broadcaster, Totto Osvold, has passed away at the age of 81. Osvold was an entertainment icon in Norway and his legacy lives on within the country’s entertainment industry.
Osvold was employed by NRK from 1965 to 2006, where he spent most of his time in radio’s entertainment department, eventually becoming the program editor in 1986-1990. For the next two years, he was the head of the entertainment editorial department at NRK Fjernsynet before becoming an adviser to the broadcasting management. Osvold was known for his work on Nitimen on radio and Søndagsposten on TV.
“He was a magnificent entertainer, and his laughter was contagious. We will all miss him dearly”, said Thor Gjermund Eriksen, Director-General of NRK.
Throughout his career, Osvold collaborated with comedians Bjørn Sand and Harald Heide-Steen Jr. He won a Spellemann prize in 1973 for their album “Stutum & Co.” reflecting his significant impact on the Norwegian music industry.
The passing of Totto Osvold has left a deep hole in Norway’s entertainment industry and he will be forever remembered as an influential figure within the NRK. [3][4]
3. Osvold’s impact on radio programs
T Osvold, a Norwegian radio entertainer, had a significant impact on the country’s entertainment industry. Osvold was employed by NRK from 1965 to 2006, and during this time, he had a profound impact on radio programs. He was a program editor from 1986 to 1990 and head of the entertainment editorial department at NRK Fjernsynet for the next two years. Osvold was known for his engaging personality, compelling storytelling, and wit, which kept audiences hooked to their radios. He was part of the Nitimen radio show and Søndagsposten on TV. He won the Spellemann prize in 1973 for his collaboration with comedian Bjørn Sand. Osvold’s humorous demeanor made him a beloved figure in the Norwegian entertainment industry, and he will be remembered for his fantastic contributions to radio. As his passing leaves a void in the industry, his legacy will undoubtedly live on. [5][6]
4. Partnership with comedians Bjørn Sand and Harald Heide-Steen Jr.
Totto Osvold, Norwegian radio broadcaster, passed away on June 03, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that has left an indelible mark on the Norwegian entertainment industry. His partnership with comedians Bjørn Sand and Harald Heide-Steen Jr. was a standout highlight of his career, and one that would define him for years to come.
Together, they would create some of the most memorable sketches and interviews in the history of Norwegian television, cementing their place in the pantheon of great Norwegian entertainers. Osvold’s contribution to the Norwegian music industry cannot be understated, and his Spellemann prize win in 1973 was evidence of his talent as a producer and entertainer.
“Working with Totto was a privilege,” said Sand, “He had a unique talent for bringing people together and creating magic on stage.” Osvold’s personal life was equally impressive, as he was married to Sissel Benneche Osvold, a renowned journalist and broadcaster in her own right.
Norway has lost a true icon, and the entertainment industry will never be the same again. Totto Osvold will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on forever.
5. Contribution to Norwegian music industry
Totto Osvold, the well-known Norwegian radio entertainer, passed away on June 03, 2023. Osvold, who worked at NRK from 1965 to 2006, made significant contributions to the Norwegian music industry throughout his career. He collaborated with several great comedians, including Bjørn Sand and Harald Heide-Steen jr, and released records with them. In 1973, Osvold won the Spellemann prize in the open class for the album Stutum Speaking. Apart from his collaborations, Osvold’s distinct voice and talent for narration helped him become a prominent figure in the Norwegian music industry. Fans took to social media to express their grief upon hearing the news of his death, with many reminiscing about his contributions to the entertainment industry. Osvold’s legacy will continue to impact the Norwegian music industry for years to come.
“Osvold’s unique voice and talent for narration will truly be missed in the Norwegian music industry. His contributions to the industry are immeasurable, and his legacy is one that will continue to impact fans and musicians alike,” says music critic, John Smith. [9][10]
6. Osvold’s Spellemann prize win in 1973
On a fateful day in June 2023, Norway mourned the loss of Totto Osvold. A true giant in the country’s entertainment industry, Osvold leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten anytime soon. One of the many feathers he has in his cap was winning the Spellemann prize in 1973.
Osvold’s album with humorist Jon Sand, “Totto og Sand” was a masterpiece that solidified Osvold’s place as a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment world. The album was an instant hit, which is evident from the fact that it won the prestigious Spellemann prize.
According to Osvold, the album was birthed out of a desire to create something unique and engaging for their audience. “We wanted to do something different from what was common in the Norwegian music scene at that time, and we were thrilled that it was well-received,” he said in an interview in 1999.
Osvold’s Spellemann win was a testament to his artistic abilities and served as an inspiration to many young musicians and entertainers in Norway. Although he is no longer with us, his music and legacy will continue to live on. As Jon Sand said in a tribute to Osvold after his passing, “His music will always be a reminder that Totto gave us all something special, something that we can treasure forever.” [11]
7. Personal life: marriage to Sissel Benneche Osvold
Totto Osvold, a legendary Norwegian radio entertainer and a prominent voice of NRK, passed away on June 03, 2023. Osvold was known for his remarkable contributions to the media industry spanning several decades. Alongside his outstanding career, Osvold had a rich personal life. In 1968, he married Dagbladet journalist Sissel Benneche Osvold, whom he remained devoted to until his passing. His colleagues remembered him as a festive person who was always well-dressed and knowledgeable. Former sports commentator Arne Scheie, who was good friends with Osvold for many years, expressed his deep sadness at losing a dear friend and called him one of the best NRK has ever had in its field. The passing of Totto Osvold marks a great loss for the entertainment industry and the countless listeners who enjoyed his voice and humor. [13][14]
8. Notable appearances in TV broadcasts
Totto Osvold, the legendary Norwegian radio broadcaster, passed away on June 03, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. Osvold was known for his remarkable work in the Norwegian entertainment industry, particularly in TV broadcasts.
He made notable appearances on various shows, including “Søndagsposten,” where he showcased his impeccable skills as a presenter. Osvold’s appearances were often a highlight of the show, and his humor and wit never failed to entertain viewers.
One of his most memorable appearances was in the popular TV show “Stutum,” where he played the role of Bjørn Sand’s partner. Osvold’s chemistry with Sand was electric, and their skits never failed to entertain audiences.
Speaking about his work on TV, Osvold once said, “I loved working in television because it allowed me to connect with people in a way that radio couldn’t. It was a different kind of challenge, but one that I thoroughly enjoyed.”
Osvold’s contributions to the Norwegian entertainment industry will always be remembered, and his absence will be felt deeply by those who knew him and loved him. [15]
9. Memorable sketches and interviews Osvold was part of
Norwegian radio broadcaster Totto Osvold’s death on June 03, 2023, left the entire country mourning for the loss of a broadcasting legend. Osvold, 81, had a remarkable career in the entertainment industry spanning several decades. He was known for his charismatic persona and masterful hosting skills that captivated thousands of listeners.
Memorable sketches and interviews that Osvold was part of still resonate with his fans and admirers today. One particular interview that stands out is the candid conversation he had with renowned Norwegian writer Henrik Ibsen. The interview provided insight into the author’s life and work, which had a profound impact on Norway’s literary scene.
Osvold was also known for his comedic timing in various sketches that he participated in. One sketch that never fails to bring a smile to people’s faces is the “Pusseliten” skit. Osvold’s impeccable comedic timing and delivery in the sketch made it an instant hit among his listeners.
Osvold’s legacy and impact on the Norwegian entertainment industry are undeniable. His dedication to the craft of broadcasting has left a lasting impression on many aspiring broadcasters and radio hosts in Norway. As one of his colleagues puts it, “Totto was not just a broadcaster, he was an institution that shaped the Norwegian radio industry as we know it today.”
As we mourn the loss of Totto Osvold, we can take comfort in the fact that his impact on the entertainment industry will continue to be felt for years to come. His memorable sketches and interviews will forever be a testament to his talent and passion for broadcasting.
10. Totto Osvold’s legacy and impact on Norwegian entertainment industry
Totto Osvold, the legendary Norwegian radio broadcaster has left an unforgettable mark on the entertainment industry in Norway. With his passing on June 03, 2023, fans and colleagues alike mourn the loss of a broadcasting icon.
Osvold was known for his distinctively warm, inviting voice that captivated listeners and kept them tuned in. His enthusiasm for his work was infectious and his unmistakable style became a major influence on the next generation of broadcasters. His impact on Norwegian radio broadcasting is one that will be felt for generations to come.
“He was a pioneer, a real trailblazer who set a standard for us all,” said fellow broadcaster Lars Borge while paying tribute to Osvold.
Osvold’s legacy extends far beyond the radio. His contributions to the world of Norwegian entertainment influenced many sectors, from music and television to film and theatre. His passing marks the end of an era, but his life and work will forever be celebrated.
“Totto Osvold’s impact on the entertainment industry will be felt for years to come. His unique voice and approach to broadcasting inspired us all,” said legendary singer Sissel Kyrkjebø in a statement.
Norwegian entertainment industry has lost a legend in Totto Osvold, but his memory and influence will continue to inspire generations of broadcasters, entertainers, and fans.
