Erik Balling facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Erik Balling
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| Born | 29 November 1924 |
| Died | 19 November 2005 (aged 80) Gentofte, Denmark
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| Burial place | Gentofte Churchyard, Gentofte Municipality, Denmark |
| Occupation | Film director |
| Years active | 1952 – 1984 |
Erik Balling (born November 29, 1924 – died November 19, 2005) was a famous Danish TV and film director. He created some of Denmark's most loved TV shows, like Matador and Huset på Christianshavn. He also made the super popular Olsen Gang movies, which many people still enjoy today!
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Who Was Erik Balling?
Erik Balling was a very important person in Danish film and television. He was born in Nyborg, Denmark, and grew up to become a director who made movies and TV shows that are still famous.
Starting His Career
Balling started working at Nordisk Films Kompagni in 1946. This is the oldest and largest film company in Denmark. He later became the boss of the company, which shows how talented he was!
His first movie as a director was Adam & Eva (1953). This film was even nominated for a Bodil Award, which is a big prize for Danish films.
In 1956, Erik Balling directed Kispus. This was a special movie because it was the very first Danish film ever made in color!
The Olsen Gang Movies
One of the biggest things Erik Balling is known for is the Olsen Gang film series. He created these movies with Henning Bahs. The films are comedies about three small-time crooks who are always trying to pull off a big heist.
The first Olsen Gang movie came out in 1968. There were 13 movies in the series, with the last one released in 1981. These movies were so popular that they were even remade in other languages!
Famous TV Shows
Besides the Olsen Gang, Erik Balling also directed two of Denmark's most popular TV series:
- Matador: This show tells the story of a family and a town in Denmark during the 1930s and 1940s. It's a classic that many Danes still love.
- Huset på Christianshavn: This TV series was a comedy about people living in an apartment building in Copenhagen. It was very funny and popular.
Awards and Recognition
In 1998, Erik Balling received an Honorary Robert Award. This award recognized his amazing work and contributions to Danish film and television throughout his career.
Erik Balling's Key Works
Erik Balling directed many films and TV shows. Here are some of his most well-known works:
- Adam and Eve (1953) – His first film as a director.
- Qivitoq (1956) – This film was nominated for a Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival and even for an Oscar!
- Kispus (1956) – The first Danish movie filmed in color.
- Den kære familie (1962)
- The Olsen Gang (1968) – The start of the famous movie series.
- Huset på Christianshavn (1970) – A popular TV comedy series.
- The Olsen Gang's Big Score (1972)
- The Last Exploits of the Olsen Gang (1974)
- The Olsen Gang on the Track (1975)
- The Olsen Gang Sees Red (1976)
- The Olsen Gang Outta Sight (1977)
- Matador (1978) – One of Denmark's most beloved TV series.
- The Olsen Gang Goes to War (1978)
- The Olsen Gang Never Surrenders (1979)
- The Olsen Gang Long Gone (1981)
- In the Middle of the Night (1984)
