See how your favorite stars have changed over the years

Eva Herman – Born in 1959

“Tagesschau” anchor Eva Herman ended her career in 2007, though this may not have been entirely of her own volition. That was several years ago now. After 18 years as a news anchor at NDR and several political statements that divided the audience into two camps, Eva Herman has reinvented herself as an author and columnist, albeit only for smaller newspapers. The news anchor has earned the title “icon of the conspiracy scene”—a label that is neither polite nor ironic—navigating between controversial topics and far-right ideas. A decline shaped by Eva—driven solely by pride and stubbornness—begins with a striking trait and ends in public condemnation that will follow her for as long as the public remembers.

Eva Herman – Born in 1959

Uschi Glas – Born in 1944

When she started out, she worked as a film actress. However, she found her way into television roles, which led to a successful career spanning half a century. Uschi Glas, who is still considered one of the most respected figures in television, has appeared in over eighty productions, including films, TV series, and several music singles. Despite her age, Uschi continues to participate in television productions and appears on several entertainment shows. On one of these shows, she states that her best friends in her free time are animals; Uschi volunteers at animal shelters. In addition to the fact that it is a charitable act, the routine is another driving force. Time marches on, but her joy in this work remains undiminished!

Uschi Glas – Born in 1944

Katja Ebstein – Born in 1945

Since her debut, Katja Ebstein has shown herself to be a versatile singer capable of adapting to any genre. After three consecutive years in which she placed among the top finishers at the Eurovision Song Contest, her meteoric career took off, keeping her on German stages for over 50 years and ending in 2019 with her final television appearance. On this occasion, it becomes clear that time has not changed her: Although she has left the music world behind to devote herself to her social work for children, she has kept her beautiful red hair and still knows how to command the stage.

Katja Ebstein – Born in 1945

Nastassja Kinski – Born in 1961

Natassja Kinski was a child star from the very beginning and, being both androgynous and hyper-feminine, became a muse of European arthouse cinema—a feat not easily achieved. She was an icon of the 1980s. With her pouting beauty, Natassja made her way to Hollywood and displayed her nomadic and anti-commercial spirit, which later found expression in films such as “Paris, Texas” and “Tess.” But Hollywood isn’t the right place for her. Natassja travels to film sets across Europe and extends her film career through 2012, while continuing to appear on television for another five years. She has been a member of “AMPAS,” a film academy, since 2016 and prefers teaching to acting herself.

Nastassja Kinski – Born in 1961

Ulrich Wickert – Born in 1943

Wickert returned to television on “Tagesschau,” though only to congratulate his colleagues. The German journalist ended his tenure as anchor in 2006 after 15 years and handed the reins over to Caren Miosga. Despite having been retired for many years, he has maintained his connection to “ARD” and his honorary title, and has applied his knowledge at universities and colleges. Wickert is a member of various organizations, including “Jugendpresse” and the “PEN Center”. He regularly donates to organizations that advocate for children’s rights and appears as a guest speaker on “NDR” and “ARD” to discuss important issues. In this way, he continues to serve as a leading figure in German journalism.

Ulrich Wickert – Born in 1943

Helge Schneider – Born in 1955

This multi-talented entertainer, who has dominated German stages since the 1980s, is returning to Germany in 2022 with a brand-new comedy show, showcasing his signature humor in everything he does. Helge Schneider, the actor, painter, and cabaret artist, seems to be in better shape than ever and has not retired, as he is also booked for 202 major venues. Over the course of more than a year, we’ll watch as “A Man and His Guitar” —the title of his show—once again reaffirms his status as the “King of Absurd Humor” (see also) and donates a portion of the proceeds to charity.

Helge Schneider – Born in 1955

Sepp Maier – Born in 1944

Sepp Maier’s role model status for resilience and confidence on the soccer field would be the first of his numerous records worth mentioning. The goalkeeper for the German national team and “FC Bayern Munich” played 473 consecutive games for his club. His most memorable performances were undoubtedly those in the “Champions Cup,” although he also won four German championships and four German Cups. Off the soccer field, Sepp Maier is an entertaining person who is always up for a laugh and willing to work on himself. He is now enjoying his retirement and, aside from a few soccer-related interviews, does not reveal much about how he spends his free time.

Sepp Maier – Born in 1944

Hella von Sinnen – Born in 1959

Hella von Sinnen will continue to appear on television screens for several more years. It’s been 40 years since her debut, and there’s no end in sight. She now appears in roles different from those we know her for as a host and comedian—most notably in “Alles nichts, oder?!” —and is returning to television to draw attention to sensitive topics such as discrimination and tolerance toward homosexuals. Her trademarks—her platinum-blonde hair, her extravagant look, and often her glasses—are always part of the act. The entertainer plans to return to “Genial oder Daneben” two years after her last appearance on the show.

Hella Von Sinnen – Born in 1959

Corinna Harfouch – Born in 1955

The German TV sensation known for her roles as a policewoman has confirmed her return to the crime series “Tatort” in 2022—one of numerous series in which she has already appeared. Corinna Harfouch, who comes from a theater background and only rose to fame after German reunification, received the recognition she deserved for her roles in the films “Lara” and “Vera Brühne.” In 2001 and 2003, she received two awards for “Best (Supporting) Actress.” The German actress has appeared in over twenty TV roles, but that doesn’t seem to be enough for her. We’re all looking forward to the adventures Corinna will experience in the coming years!

Corinna Harfouch – Born in 1955

Senta Berger – Born in 1941

Senta Berger’s career began almost as a game and was made possible thanks to the unwavering support of her father, with whom she had a very close relationship. Senta voluntarily turned down a Hollywood career—first in theater and then in film—to appear in international and national films as well as television series, in which she played more than 150 roles over the course of her 70-year career. Since her last film role in “An seiner Seite” (2021), leaving cameras and scripts behind to enjoy a simple life with her children, while occasionally appearing in interviews for newspapers and magazines.

Senta Berger – Born in 1941

Freddy Quinn – Born in 1932

The idol of the ’50s and ’60s, who sold 60 million records and captivated audiences in the film “Sharks On Board,” is celebrating his 90th birthday. A number that doesn’t suggest Freddy Quinn is simply enjoying his retirement now. Even though he no longer acts or sings, he enjoys lovely romantic trips with his partner, with Africa and Asia being his favorite destinations. In his free time, he devotes himself to repairing antique watches, which gives him great pleasure. As a New Year’s resolution for his birthday, he wishes for good health, even though he claims he’s already reserved his coffin. Let’s hope that’s just his usual sense of irony!

Freddy Quinn – Born in 1932

Tine Wittler – Born in 1973

With her show “Einsatz in vier Wänden,” Tine Wittler demonstrated just how deeply her passion for painting and decorating is rooted in her artistic streak, ready to lend a hand with paint and support. Tine had made several theater appearances and published eleven books, but then came a lull during which she disappeared from television. She then made a dramatic comeback and is ready to make a difference in her own small way. She has transformed her appearance, exudes much more self-confidence, and, through her organization, openly takes a stand against body shaming. In short, a feisty widow who runs her small business—a restaurant and her own fashion label.

Tine Wittler – Born in 1973

Linda de Mol – Born in 1964

One scandal, and her career is over. When some truths about Linda de Mol and her former partner came to light, some media outlets speculated about it, but fortunately we can breathe a sigh of relief: Linda is back on TV! After more than 22 years away from hosting, the TV host is returning to her cult show “Miljoenenjacht.” A return to other TV shows has not yet been announced, so her last appearance on ZDF in “Traumhochzeit” dates back to 2008, although Linda de Mol is best known in the Netherlands for publishing the women’s magazine of the same name, of which she is the editor-in-chief.

Linda De Mol – Born in 1964

Mario Adorf – Born in 1930

Mario Adorf, born in 1930, is one of the best-known and most beloved German actors, both at home and abroad. In his career spanning more than sixty years, he has appeared in over 200 films with renowned directors, delivering outstanding performances. He juggles music and four languages, which has earned him the nickname “Der gute Bär” (The Good Bear). “The Shadow Man” made his final appearance in the 2021 TV movie “Real Fight” before retiring from the stage and embarking on a permanent journey between Italy, Germany, and France to pursue his talk show engagements, which focus primarily on literature—a passion that has accompanied him since childhood.

Mario Adorf – Born in 1930

Paul Breitner – Born in 1951

At age 23, Breitner was one of the world’s greatest soccer players and the first true all-around player in history, as although he had to play left back, he could be found anywhere on the field. At just 18, he became a star with “FC Bayern Munich” and soon with the national team as well. Even years later, Breitner remains a revolutionary, with the hairstyle that earned him the nickname “The Afro”—even though his hair is now white. At 71, he serves as an expert on television and in the press, and he returns to the stadiums, but this time he watches the game from above.

Paul Breitner – Born in 1951

Dieter Hallervorden – Born in 1935

“Didi” has grown up; we’ve seen him in black-and-white and then in color. Comedian Dieter Hallervorden’s “Nonstop Nonsens” is a cult show on German television. Anyone who thinks he’s retired from the stage is mistaken. Dieter is more active than ever—though on different stages—since his theater career is a flame that doesn’t go out so easily. In 2022, Hallervorden opened his new theater in Dessau, the city where he spent his childhood and youth. In keeping with his strong and determined personality, his answer to the question of retirement is always “never,” since he views retirement as giving up.

Dieter Hallervorden – Born in 1935

Hugo Egon Balder – Born in 1950

Hugo Egon Balder is known to everyone, especially for “Tutti Frutti,” in which the actor’s talent made the series a success, as it did with every TV show in which he appeared. By 2021, after an 18-year hiatus, Hugo was back on “Genial daneben”; the revolutionary lived his life with the same spirit as in his youth, balancing charisma and debate. There were also major changes in his personal life: His new love led to the famous “I do,” and in 2019, Hugo Egon and Elena Sumischewskaja exchanged wedding rings. So he’s enjoying everything in the moment without worrying too much about the future. The only certainty? He’s happy to be back in the theater; as for the rest… carpe diem.

Hugo Egon Balder – Born in 1950

Thomas Gottschalk – Born in 1950

Thomas Gottschalk became famous primarily as the longtime host of “Wetten, dass…?” He began his career in radio and made his television debut in 1976 with the music video show “Szene.” He has been a fixture on the German entertainment scene ever since. After living in the U.S. for an extended period, he returned to Germany in 2019 and now lives in Baden-Baden with his partner, Karina Mroß. He continues to work in radio and television today. Since 2022, he has been the host of the RTL show “Die Puppenstars,” and he has his own radio show on SWR, “Gottschalks Playlist,” which airs every other Friday.

Thomas Gottschalk – Born in 1950

Elke Sommer – Born in 1941

German actress Elke Sommer became known as a sex symbol of the 1960s. She was discovered while on vacation in Italy in 1958 and crowned Miss Viareggio. This led her initially to Italian cinema, and she later also acted in Germany. With the film “Das Mädchen und der Staatsanwalt” (The Girl and the District Attorney), she made her way to Hollywood in 1962, but her big breakthrough never materialized. Elke Sommer played the sexy type of role in almost all of her films. She later worked as a painter and in theater as well. Today, she has retired from the film industry and spends her retirement with her husband, Wolf Walther, alternating between Los Angeles and Marloffstein in Middle Franconia.

Elke Sommer – Born in 1941

Heino – Born in 1939

Heino, who became known as a pop singer, nevertheless continually reinvented his music—and continues to do so to this day. He made his breakthrough in 1965 with his group “Comedian Terzett.” He began his career as a solo artist, and his hits, such as “Blau blüht der Enzian,” remain legendary to this day. In 2013, he released the album “Mit freundlichen Grüßen,” on which he reinterpreted well-known songs from the genres of pop, hip-hop, and rock. A year later, he released an album featuring metal-style reinterpretations of his hits. He went on a farewell tour in 2019 and planned to stop performing concerts afterward. However, he has since distanced himself from those plans.

Heino – Born in 1939

Herbert Grönemeyer – Born in 1956

Herbert Grönemeyer began playing the piano at the age of eight. However, he initially worked as an actor before becoming known as a singer. In 1981, he had his big breakthrough with his role in the film “Das Boot,” in which he starred alongside Martin Semmelrogge and Uwe Ochsenknecht. He later shifted his focus increasingly to his music. He wrote numerous major hits such as “Männer” and “Flugzeuge im Bauch,” which are still played constantly on the radio today. After the deaths of his brother in 1998 and then his wife, he initially withdrew from the public eye and later processed these tragic losses in his album “Mensch.” He continues to make music to this day and was last on tour in 2019.

Herbert Grönemeyer – Born in 1956

Ingrid van Bergen – Born in 1931

After graduating from high school, Ingrid van Bergen trained as an actress and singer. Her husky voice was her trademark. Her career took off quickly, and she appeared in numerous national and international productions. In 1977, she shot and killed her lover and was sentenced to prison for manslaughter. After her release, she initially struggled to resume her career, but gradually began receiving offers for film roles again. In 2009, she participated in the reality show “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” and won the “Jungle Crown.” Today she lives in the Lüneburg Heath as a Buddhist and is an advocate for animal rights.

Ingrid Van Bergen – Born in 1931

Michael Fassbender – Born in 1977

Although Michael Fassbender was born in Germany, he grew up in Ireland. As a result, he speaks English better than German. In 2008, he landed his first leading role in Steve McQueen’s drama “Hunger.” His big breakthrough, however, was his role in Quentin Tarantino’s film “Inglourious Basterds.” Since then, Michael Fassbender has appeared in numerous other productions, earning him many awards and even an Oscar nomination. Today, he competes in car races, fulfilling a childhood dream. He participated in the 2021 Porsche Supercup and the 2022 24 HoursLe Mans 24-Hour Race. He finished 16th out of 51 participating teams.

Michael Fassbender – Born in 1977

Diane Kruger – Born in 1976

Diane Kruger began her career as a model and worked in Paris. There, she started taking acting lessons on the side and initially landed minor roles in films. She achieved a major international breakthrough with her portrayal of Helena in Wolfgang Petersen’s film “Troy.” Diane Kruger has been a constant presence on the big screen ever since. In 2017, she appeared in her first German-language film, “In the Fade,” directed by Fatih Akin. The director says this won’t be their last collaboration. Diane Kruger now lives with her family in the U.S., but is currently in Paris for a film shoot and plans to stay there until the end of the year.

Diane Kruger – Born in 1976

Ilja Richter – Born in 1953

Ilja Richter was hired as a voice actor and singer for radio at the age of eight. He landed his first television role in 1961 in the series “Till, the Boy Next Door.” Before that, he was active in theater. He became best known for his later role as host of the music show “Disco,” which aired for eleven years. Today, Ilja Richter is once again appearing more frequently on theater stages and works as a voice actor. For example, he voices Mike Glotzkowski in Disney’s “Monsters, Inc.” and “Monsters University.” He also publishes books, most recently his 2022 autobiography “Take It Personally: Portraits of People Who Shaped Me.”

Ilja Richter – Born in 1953

Franka Potente – Born in 1974

Franka Potente made her big breakthrough as an actress in 1998 with the film “Run Lola Run.” She initially began acting training in Munich but dropped out after graduating from high school to move to New York. She has appeared in numerous Hollywood films, including “Blow” with Johnny Depp and “The Bourne Identity” with Matt Damon. Today, she also works as a screenwriter and director, as seen in the drama “Home,” which was released in German theaters in 2021 and was nominated for various film awards. Her husband, actor Derek Richardson, has a role in the film. She currently lives with him and their two children in Los Angeles.

Franka Potente – Born in 1974

Daniel Brühl – Born in 1978

Since his father, Hanno Brühl, was already working as a television director, it was no surprise that Daniel Brühl would follow in his footsteps. He appeared on camera from a young age and gained international recognition in 2003 for his performance in “Good Bye Lenin.” This was followed by roles in Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds” and the Spanish science fiction film “Eva.” Since 2018, he has played the lead role in the Netflix series “The Alienist,” for which he received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor. Daniel Brühl is also active as a producer today. He made his directorial debut in 2018 with the dark comedy “Nebenan.”

Daniel Brühl – Born in 1978

Jürgen Prochnow – Born in 1941

After completing his acting studies, Jürgen Prochnow initially began working in theater. In the 1970s, he made the switch to television. His leading role as a submarine commander in “Das Boot” marked his breakthrough, and he received several international offers. Among other roles, he appeared in “Dune” and alongside Madonna in “Body of Evidence.” Jürgen Prochnow also works as a voice actor. For example, he can be heard as the German voice of Sylvester Stallone in the 2022 film “Samaritan.” He has been active in theater again since 2004 and, in 2018, played the role of the Hun king Etzel in “Siegfried’s Heirs,” among other roles.

Jürgen Prochnow – Born in 1941