Jón Gnarr, Icelandic actor and politician; 20th Mayor of Reykjavik City

Jón Gnarr: From Comedian to Reykjavík's Maverick Mayor

Jón Gnarr (Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈjouːn ˈknarː]), born Jón Gunnar Kristinsson on 2 January 1967, is a multifaceted Icelandic personality renowned for his transitions between acting, comedy, and politics. His most notable political role was serving as the Mayor of Reykjavík, the capital city of Iceland, from 2010 to 2014.

The Evolution of a Name: Jón Gnarr's Personal Journey

Jón Gnarr's unique personal and legal journey with his name reflects aspects of Icelandic naming conventions. Originally named Jón Gunnar Kristinsson, he legally changed his middle name in 2005. This deeply personal decision was driven by his desire to adopt the pronunciation his mother used when he was a boy, which was 'Gnarr'. Furthermore, he explicitly preferred to be addressed as Jón Gnarr as he did not wish to carry his father's traditional patronymic surname, "Kristinsson."

Navigating the Icelandic legal system regarding names proved to be a complex process. In Iceland, names are regulated by the Icelandic Naming Committee (Íslensk málstöð), an official body that oversees naming conventions to preserve the Icelandic language and cultural traditions. Under national law overseen by this committee, Jón Gnarr was initially not permitted to legally drop "Kristinsson" from his name as seen on official documents, such as his passport, until 2015. It was even later, in 2018, that "Gnarr" was formally recognized as a legitimate surname by the Icelandic courts, solidifying his chosen identity.

A Beloved Figure in Icelandic Entertainment

Before his foray into politics, Jón Gnarr had already established himself as a prominent and beloved figure in Icelandic entertainment. Starting in the 1990s, he gained widespread recognition as a comedian and actor. A significant part of his comedic legacy was his partnership with Sigurjón Kjartansson, forming the highly popular duo Tvíhöfði. This satirical pairing captivated audiences across both radio and television, becoming a household name in Iceland and cementing Gnarr's reputation for unconventional humor and keen social commentary.

Unconventional Politics: The Rise of The Best Party

In 2009, Jón Gnarr made a surprising and impactful leap into the political arena by forming The Best Party (Besti flokkurinn). This political party began as an audacious act of political satire, designed to mock the established political system and highlight its perceived absurdities. However, what started as a joke quickly transformed into a formidable political force due to its unprecedented electoral successes.

The swift and unexpected rise of The Best Party was widely interpreted as a direct reaction to the severe 2008–2011 Icelandic financial crisis. This crisis, which saw the collapse of Iceland's major banks and plunged the nation into deep economic turmoil, led to widespread disillusionment and anger among the Icelandic populace towards traditional politicians and institutions. The Best Party, with its satirical platform, unconventional promises (like free towels in all swimming pools and a polar bear for the Reykjavík zoo), and Jón Gnarr's charismatic, anti-establishment persona, resonated deeply with voters who felt betrayed by the old guard. Their success culminated in Jón Gnarr's election as the Mayor of Reykjavík in 2010, a testament to the public's desire for a radical departure from conventional politics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jón Gnarr

Who is Jón Gnarr?
Jón Gnarr is an acclaimed Icelandic actor, comedian, and politician, most famously known for serving as the Mayor of Reykjavík from 2010 to 2014. He first rose to prominence in the 1990s as a comedian, notably as half of the duo Tvíhöfði.
Why did Jón Gnarr change his name?
Jón Gnarr changed his middle name in 2005 to "Gnarr" because it was how his mother pronounced it when he was a child. He also preferred this name as he wished to distance himself from his traditional patronymic surname, "Kristinsson," which was derived from his father's name.
What was The Best Party, and what role did Jón Gnarr play in it?
The Best Party was a political party founded by Jón Gnarr in 2009. It initially began as a satirical movement mocking traditional politics but gained significant electoral success, largely as a public reaction to the 2008–2011 Icelandic financial crisis. Jón Gnarr was the party's leader and, through its unexpected popularity, was elected Mayor of Reykjavík.
How did the Icelandic financial crisis influence Jón Gnarr's political career?
The 2008–2011 Icelandic financial crisis played a crucial role in Jón Gnarr's political ascent. The widespread public anger and disillusionment with traditional politicians created a void and a desire for radical change. The Best Party, with its unconventional, satirical, and anti-establishment approach, tapped into this sentiment, allowing Jón Gnarr to successfully campaign and become Mayor of Reykjavík.