What Retired German TV Stars Are Doing Now

1. Dieter Thomas Heck (1937–2018)

Dieter Thomas Heck, born Carl-Dieter Heckscher, was a renowned German television presenter, singer, and actor. He gained immense popularity as the host of the “ZDF-Hitparade” from 1969 to 1984, a show that became a staple in German households. Beyond hosting, he ventured into acting, with notable roles in productions like “Das Millionenspiel” (1970). Heck was honored with several awards, including the Goldene Kamera and the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. He passed away on August 23, 2018, in Berlin at the age of 80.

2. Uschi Glas (Born 1944)

Uschi Glas, born Helga Ursula Glas, is a celebrated German actress and singer. She rose to fame with her role in “Go for It, Baby” (1968), which resonated with the youth of that era. Throughout her career, she has appeared in numerous films and TV series, including “Zwei Münchner in Hamburg” and “Fack ju Göhte”. Even in her 80s, Glas remains active in the entertainment industry, recently working on a film project set in a senior residence. She is also known for her advocacy against anti-Semitism.

3. Wolfgang Lippert (Born 1952)

Wolfgang Lippert is a German entertainer, singer, and actor who gained prominence in East Germany. He was known for hosting various TV shows and had a successful music career. Lippert continues to be active in the entertainment scene, engaging in music and television projects.

4. Thomas Gottschalk (Born 1950)

Thomas Gottschalk is a legendary German television host, best known for presenting the long-running entertainment show “Wetten, dass..?” from 1987 to 2011. After retiring from the show, he continued to make occasional TV appearances and took on acting roles in films like “Zookeeper” (2011). Gottschalk remains a prominent figure in German media and continues to engage in various entertainment projects.

5. Anne Will (Born 1966)

Anne Will is a respected German journalist and television presenter, known for hosting the political talk show “Anne Will” from 2007 to 2023. After stepping down from the show, she launched a weekly interview podcast titled “Politik mit Anne Will” in 2024, continuing her engagement with political discourse in a new format

6. Nina Ruge (Born 1956)

Nina Ruge is a German journalist, TV presenter, and author, renowned for her work on the lifestyle magazine “Leute heute.” After leaving the show in 2007, she ventured into entrepreneurship and co-founded the biotech startup Tomorrowlabs GmbH, focusing on skin and hair regeneration products. Ruge has also authored several books on health and wellness

7. Christoph Waltz (Born 1956)

Christoph Waltz is an Austrian-German actor who gained international acclaim for his roles in Quentin Tarantino’s films “Inglourious Basterds” and “Django Unchained,” earning Academy Awards for both performances. He continues to act in major Hollywood productions, including the James Bond films “Spectre” and “No Time to Die.”

8. Katharina Thalbach (Born 1954)

Katharina Thalbach is a renowned German actress who recently portrayed a fictionalized version of Angela Merkel in the TV series “Miss Merkel,” where the former chancellor becomes a detective solving crimes in her retirement. The show, based on novels by David Safier, has garnered attention for its unique premise and Thalbach’s performance.