Finnish actress Seela Sella, known for voicing Disney characters in Finnish translations over a career spanning more than six decades, died on Monday, September 28, at the age of 89. Her death came less than a week after the publication of a book in which she discussed her own death and funeral arrangements.
Career and Final Roles
Sella voiced the wicked stepmother in Cinderella, Grandmother Fa in Mulan and its sequel, and the witch in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. The Digital and Population Data Services Agency reportedly confirmed her death to news agency STT. While no cause of death was disclosed, she had been diagnosed with throat cancer.
Despite her illness, she continued working, returning to the stage in August for the Tampere Theatre Festival production of Love Letters. She also took part in the play Rakkauskirjeitä at the same festival, though later performances were taken over by Sinikka Sokka after she had to withdraw. She was readmitted to hospital at the end of August this year. Her final big-screen appearance, Teräsleidit - kuin viimeistä päivää, hit cinemas in 2025.
Book on Life and Death
On September 22, less than a week before her passing, she published the book Keskusteluja hyvästä elämästä, co-authored with Jarkko Martikainen. The book features dialogues between the two Finnish artists on life, survival, and humanity, including her reflections on death.
In the book, she referred to her funeral as "Seela's last premiere" and expressed that everyone should be welcome to attend. However, she also declared: "I like life so much that I have no wish for death."
Fans Pay Tribute
Heartfelt tributes poured in for the performer as fans discovered the news. On Instagram, one wrote: "Rest in peace Seela Sella. You were one of the best Finnish voice actors. You were one of my favorites. Thank you for the childhood memories you gave me."
Another wrote on Facebook: "This is a big loss for the movie scene of Finland, not just for the voice acting roles. She was an absolute legend in the field and will be greatly missed by the Finns." A third added: "She was a legend in Finland. She wasn't just a voice actor. She was in many Finnish movies, TV shows and performed in theatre. R.I.P Seela. You're truly missed." Meanwhile, a fourth fan wrote: "RIP queen. You carried me through my childhood, teenage years, and now, I'm an adult who still ain't got his s**t together, but the point is I'm gonna miss her voice acting."
