Jotaarkka Pennanen was born on May 17, 1946 in Helsinki, Finland as Jotaarkka Aleksis Vissarion Pennanen. He is a director and actor, known for Mommilan veriteot 1917 (1973), Työväenlaulaja (1973) and Orimattila 1935 (1972). He has been married to Kristiina Elstelä since 1979. They have one child.