Kari Kyösti Väänänen (born 17 September 1953 in Ivalo)[1] is a Finnish actor and director.
Domestically he is a member of the Ryhmäteatteri group of actors.
He was introduced to international audiences by Aki Kaurismäki, and belongs to the list of his "trusted" stable of actors.
[1] His performance as the monster Gollum in Yle's 1993 television series Hobitit was praised in Helsingin Sanomat.
[3] In 1992–1998 Väänänen was a professor at the Helsinki Theatre Academy.