Who’s Still Alive from the Original 1960s ‘Pippi Longstocking’ Cast?
It’s been over five decades since the beloved Pippi Longstocking TV series first aired in 1969, followed by its companion films. The story of the freckled, fearless Pippi and her kind-hearted neighbors Tommy and Annika charmed audiences all over the world, bringing Astrid Lindgren’s classic character to life. Alongside the adventurous trio, a colorful supporting cast helped make the Swedish production a timeless favorite.
In honor of the beloved film, let’s find out how many of the original cast members are still with us today.
Inger Nilsson (66)
Pippi Longstocking
G.G. Communications/Everett Collection; Michael Campanella/Getty Images for SkyShowtime
Nilsson became an international icon as the spirited, self-reliant Pippi. After the whirlwind of fame that came with the role, she stepped away from the spotlight for a time. In later years, she worked as a medical secretary in Stockholm while occasionally accepting small acting parts. Her career took a new turn in 2007 when she began portraying forensic pathologist Ewa in the long-running German TV series The Inspector and the Sea. She continues to act now, mainly in German productions.
Maria Persson (66)
Annika Settergren
G.G. Communications/Everett Collection
Persson was chosen from over 8,000 hopefuls to play Annika, Tommy’s gentle and cautious sister who was always ready to join Pippi’s adventures, even if a little reluctantly at times. She went on to appear alongside her co-stars in Pippi in the South Seas and Pippi on the Run, which were just as beloved as the original series. Not long after, she stepped away from acting entirely and built a private life away from the cameras.
Pär Sundberg (67)
Tommy Settergren
G.G. Communications/Everett Collection
Sundberg played Tommy, Annika’s adventurous and loyal older brother, who was always ready to lend a hand in Pippi’s wild schemes. Like his co-stars, he reprised his role in the follow-up films before leaving acting behind by the age of 13. He later built a successful career in business, eventually overseeing a marketing firm in Malmö. These days, he is said to be enjoying life in Alicante, Spain.
In Memoriam
Beta Film/Warner Bros. Television Distribution/Everett Collection
Beppe Wolgers (Captain Efraim Longstocking) – The towering and jovial actor who played Pippi’s sea captain father passed away on August 6, 1986, at the age of 57. In addition to acting, he was a poet, songwriter, and beloved figure in Swedish entertainment.
G.G. Communications/Everett Collection
Margot Trooger (Mrs. Prysselius) – Known for her role as the well-meaning but meddlesome Mrs. Prysselius, Margot Trooger died on April 24, 1994, at the age of 70. She was also a respected stage and film actress in Germany.
Now tell us, who was your favorite character in the film?
Kid Stuff
June 2018
Unleash your inner child by reliving your favorite kids TV shows, cartoons, toys and more!
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