Ismo Leikola’s Ritva mother sees her son twice a year – One tradition has survived –

Ismo Leikolan’s Ritva mother arrived at her son’s film’s invited guest night. Antti Nikkanen

Stand up comedian Ismo Leikolan In the evening of my invited guest of the new movie, my mother Ritva Leikola warmly welcomed the guests. Ritva has seen it herself ISMO – the world’s funnest outsider -film already on Monday at the press screening.

Ritva tells Iltalehte that she signs everything that is in the film. However, he brings up one thing that was perhaps left out of the film.

– Of course, Ismo’s father had a great influence on him. But he has died four years ago. I sometimes wondered if his father had taken my place, if he would have been able to tell me something more about Ismo.

Ismo started his stand-up career in Jyväskylä Teemu Vesterinen at the club. Soon, Ismo, a university student at the time, began to perform more frequently in clubs. Ritva remembers thinking at the time that comedy was a nice hobby for her son.

– Then his blood was drawn in that direction. We really encouraged him. But of course there was a thought, whether he should get some degree from the university. Just in case the comic doesn’t work. But it did take over him so much that he stopped studying, Ritva says.

– He studied there for four years. Ismo said that there wasn’t much missing from the box, but he hasn’t had time to finish it, the mother laughs.

As the gigs expanded across Finland, Ritva and her husband lent Ismo a car and offered food from their fridge when the boy’s was empty. Years later, Ismo’s career expanded to international waters, when he moved to the United States. At no point was Ritva scared for her own son.

– I’ve trusted him all the time, because I think he’s handled newspaper matters and all other matters in a matter-of-fact and respectable manner. There have been no sensations in his life, says the mother.

– I have an awful lot of faith in him in the future. Now if only he would rest more or take a vacation, he continues.

Ritva has followed her son’s career with great interest. He has noticed that Ismo is working hard for the goals he has set for himself, and understands that it is difficult for his son at times.

– I have sometimes seen his tiredness – of course not anymore, after he has lived in America for nine years. But I can’t help but be happy for his success. It has required work, but I have always been involved and encouraging, says Ritva.

In addition to his parents, one of Ismo’s pillars of support has been his ex-wife Angelika Leikola. The couple broke up in the spring of 2021. According to Ritva, she and Angelika still have a good relationship, although they have had less contact.

– I don’t remember him badly at all. Marriage and living together have certainly been a place of growth for both of them. They must have learned about life. It must have been hard for both of them at times, says Ritva.

According to the mother, they usually meet with Ismo about twice a year: during Ismo’s summer and autumn tours. It is still a family tradition to spend Midsummer together.

– Our summer place is by the lake and we always have good food. We heat the sauna and the bonfire burns, unless there is a ban on bonfires. Then it is usually celebrated until the wee hours, Ritva lists their midsummer traditions.

– When we meet, we talk and eat well, he says.

Finally, Ritva says that Ismo taught her a lot.

– As a housewife, I was perhaps too caring and did things for myself. But I gained more confidence in all three of our boys. I don’t have to worry about them today. It has taught me to relax. I’ve done everything parenting has to offer.

– All the boys, including Ismo, have put their feet under their own table, so to speak, and I no longer take care of them. I just enjoy when they succeed.