Edvard Johannes Brost Forssell (25 September 1946 – 4 January 2018) was a Swedish actor and comedian whose career spanned television, film and theatre. He is widely remembered for portraying the bartender Joker in the long-running television soap opera Rederiet, a role that brought him national recognition and endeared him to several generations of viewers.

Career and notable roles

Brost worked across multiple formats: serial television drama, feature films and stage productions. On screen he combined comic timing with an ability to play darker characters; notably, he took on antagonist roles in two entries of the popular Swedish crime-comedy series Jönssonligan. His performances were often described as warm, earthy and grounded, qualities that made supporting characters memorable even when they were not central to the plot.

Background and early life

Born in Stockholm, Sweden, Brost carried his full name, Edvard Johannes Brost Forssell, through a long public career. He became a familiar face on Swedish television and in regional theatre circuits. Over time his work contributed to contemporary Swedish popular culture by bridging broad comedy and character-driven drama.

Legacy and death

Johannes Brost died on 4 January 2018 in Lund at the age of 71. His death was attributed to complications from pancreatic cancer, and news of his passing prompted tributes from colleagues, media and fans across Sweden. Obituaries and remembrances noted both his comic gifts and his steady presence in dramatic works.

Quick facts and resources

  • Full name: Edvard Johannes Brost Forssell. See profile: brost profile.
  • Birthplace: Stockholm, Sweden. More on Stockholm: Stockholm.
  • Signature role: Joker, the bartender in Rederiet.
  • Cause of death: complications of pancreatic cancer; health context: pancreatic cancer.
  • Place of death: Lund. Local information: Lund.

Although best known for a few standout screen roles, Brost's career is an example of a working actor who moved fluidly between comedy and drama, leaving a recognizable imprint on Swedish entertainment during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.