The self-illustrated children's book Byen som laget brannbil, released in 1959, marked the literary debut of Odd Børretzen. Born in Fister in 1926, he spent his life establishing a multifaceted career in Norway as an author, singer, painter, and illustrator, leaving behind a creative legacy that spanned over five decades across various mediums and disciplines.
Formative Years and Early Career
Born to preacher Jacob Børretzen, Odd moved to Grorud in Oslo at age three. His early life serves as the subject of his autobiographical work, Min barndoms verden, published in 1997 and later adapted into the 2000 film Da jeg traff Jesus … med sprettert. Before dedicating his life to the arts, he worked as a telegrapher between 1946 and 1952. He refined his technical skills at the Norwegian National Academy of Craft and Art Industry.
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Børretzen entered the recording industry in 1974, releasing his debut album following an extensive collaboration with folk singer Alf Cranner. In 1981, he initiated a partnership with Lars Martin Myhre that influenced the Norwegian musical landscape. Beyond music, he gained public notice for his radio and television performances alongside Julius Hougen, portraying a pensioner named Braathen. He also served as the narrator for the animated series Kalles klatretre on NRK.
Literary and Theatrical Contributions
As a writer and playwright, Børretzen maintained a reputation for creating hand-written manuscripts characterized by sharp, witty commentary on contemporary and universal issues. In 1994, Teater Ibsen staged his play Synd og skam. His career as a creator of books, lyrics, and stage productions resulted in significant recognition, including the Vestfolds Literature Prize in 2005 and the Humanist Prize in 2002.
Accolades and Later Life
Throughout his career, Børretzen received numerous awards from the Spellemannprisen organization, including honors for lyricist of the year in 2008 and male artist of the year in 1974. He received the Jury Honorary Award and hit of the year in 1996, followed by the Spelleman Folk music Award in 2002. He was also honored with the Leonard Statuette in 2002 and the Herman Wildenvey Poetry Award in 2005. He lived in Holmestrand and maintained a long-term partnership with sculptor Eva Bødtker-Næss before his death in Tønsberg in 2012.
Fast facts
- Born: 1926, Fister
- Died: 2012, Tønsberg
- Citizenship: Norway
- Education: Norwegian National Academy of Craft and Art Industry
- Key Literary Debut: Byen som laget brannbil (1959)
- Notable Awards: Leonard Statuette (2002), Humanist Prize (2002)
- Musical Partners: Alf Cranner, Lars Martin Myhre
Questions readers ask
What was the nature of Børretzen's pensioner sketches?
He performed these sketches on radio and television with Julius Hougen, but eventually ceased performing them due to ethical concerns.
Where did Odd Børretzen live during his career?
He resided in Holmestrand and shared his life for over thirty years with the sculptor Eva Bødtker-Næss.
Achievements
- Vestfolds Literature Prize — 2005
- Humanist Prize — 2002
