Writing Härkönen gained significant publicity with her debut novel,
Häräntappoase (
The Ox-Killer), which was published in 1984 while she was in her second year at . The book was awarded the
J. H. Erkko Award for best debut novel that same year. Härkönen graduated from high school in 1985.
Häräntappoase has been adapted into two television series, one in
1989 and another in , as well as a theatre adaptation. Härkönen has long written columns for magazines such as
Anna and
Image. Her columns often explore the lives of young urbanites, their relationships, or the differences between men and women. She frequently depicts womanhood with self-irony and exaggeration, incorporating humorous everyday anecdotes. Härkönen has also authored autobiographical works. In 2001, she published ''
(Weakly Positive
), which focuses on motherhood, and in 2005, (Finalized''), which addresses her sister suicide. In 2014, Härkönen released
Takana puhumisen taito (''The Art of Talking Behind Someone's Back''), a campaign book published by the . It was available only during the international
World Book and Copyright Day on 23 April 2014 and the two following days.
Acting Härkönen studied acting at the
University of the Arts Helsinki's Theatre Academy and the
University of Tampere's . She graduated with a in 1989. Härkönen gained public recognition as an actress through
Mikko Niskanen's film ''
(Mona ja palavan rakkauden aika'', 1983), in which she played a young high school girl who discovers
Jesus. In 1988, Härkönen starred in the title role of
the television film based on
Minna Canth's play
Anna Liisa, directed by . Härkönen is also known for her role as Liisa Metsola in the television series
Metsolat (1993–1995). In the 2000s, Härkönen appeared in supporting roles in films such as
Lovers & Leavers (2002),
Beauty and the Bastard (2005), and '''' (2005). ==References==