Swedish actress Birgitta Andersson, best known for her comedic roles and beloved portrayal of “Teskjekjerringa” (Mrs. Pepperpot), has died at the age of 92. The news was confirmed on Monday, February 23, 2026, by Jan Göransson, press director of the Swedish Film Institute, who described her passing as “incredibly sad.”
Andersson’s career spanned over five decades, beginning in 1954. While she initially aspired to perform serious dramatic roles, she found widespread acclaim and affection for her comedic timing, and versatility. She became a staple of Swedish entertainment through her work in revues with Povel Ramel and Karl Gerhard, and as a key player in the celebrated productions of Hasse & Tage, including “Gula Hund,” “Docking the Boat,” “Spader,” “Madame!,” “The Apple War,” “Ägget är löst,” “The Adventures of Picasso,” and “Häxan Surtant.”
However, it was her role as the titular character in the 1967 Swedish advent calendar, “Gumman som blev liten som en tesked” (The Lady Who Became Small as a Teaspoon), based on Alf Prøysen’s stories, that cemented her place in Swedish popular culture. The series proved immensely popular and was later adapted into a full television series in 1973. The character, a woman who mysteriously shrinks to a tiny size at inopportune moments, resonated with audiences and continues to be fondly remembered.
Prøysen’s original “Teskjekjerringa” story was first published in Swedish in 1956, predating its Norwegian release by a year. The tale quickly became a classic, and Andersson’s portrayal brought it to life for a new generation of viewers and listeners, even finding a place in Norway’s “Barnetimen for de minste” (Children’s Hour for the Littlest Ones) on NRK radio.
Beyond her iconic role as Teskjekjerringa, Andersson continued to work prolifically in Swedish film and television. She is also remembered for her portrayal of Doris in the popular “Jönssonligan” (Olsen-banden) films, a comedic crime series that became a national favorite. Her voice work included Lady Kluck in the Swedish dub of Disney’s “Robin Hood” and Blomhåret in “Dunderklumpen.”
Andersson’s talent wasn’t limited to comedy. She demonstrated her range with more serious and character-driven roles throughout her career, showcasing a depth that often went unnoticed amidst her comedic successes. Her characteristic use of the Västergötland dialect (västgötska) added a unique flavor to her performances and contributed to her widespread appeal.
In 2016, Andersson received the Guldbagge Honorary Award, the Swedish film industry’s lifetime achievement honor, recognizing her significant contributions to Swedish cinema and entertainment. According to Jan Göransson, the award was long overdue, and the celebration at Cirkus was marked by enthusiastic applause and appreciation for her enduring legacy.
Throughout her career, Andersson collaborated with some of Sweden’s most prominent comedic figures, including Povel Ramel and Hasse & Tage. Ulf Brunnberg, who co-starred with her in the “Jönssonligan” films, described her as irreplaceable, emphasizing her professionalism, dedication, and integrity. Eva Rydberg, who worked alongside Andersson on the Christmas calendars, remembered her as a cherished colleague and a source of inspiration.
Birgitta Andersson’s passing marks the end of an era in Swedish entertainment. Her ability to connect with audiences through laughter and warmth, coupled with her versatility as an actress, ensured her lasting impact on the cultural landscape. She leaves behind a rich legacy of performances that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. She is survived by her two children, pianist Matti Bye (born 1966) and Hanna Z Gradin, from her relationships with Anders Bye and Carl Zetterström, respectively.
