Actress Anita Kupsch, known for her mischievous charm, has passed away.
Anita Kupsch, a prominent German actress whose career spanned over six decades and left a significant impact on German television, theater, film, and voice acting, passed away on July 3, 2025, at the age of 85.
Born on May 18, 1940, in Schöneberg, Berlin, Kupsch began her career in theater, film, and television in the 1960s. Her screen career gained momentum in the 1960s, with early roles in international films like Robert Siodmak’s *Tunnel 28* (1962) and the German TV series *Okay S.I.R*, where she played the memorable character Biggi.
Kupsch's defining role came in 1987 when she starred as Gabi Köhler in the television series *Praxis Bülowbogen*. This role made her a household name in Germany, with the series running until 1996 and captivating millions with her sharp wit and charm. Kupsch was popular in "Praxis Bülowbogen" for her bold character who didn't take nonsense from her boss.
Beyond *Praxis Bülowbogen*, she starred in her own comedy show on ZDF called *Anitas Welt* in 1998, showcasing her versatility as a leading television personality. Throughout her career, she appeared in nearly 100 film and TV productions, including roles in popular German crime series like *Tatort* and the film *Die Spezialisten* (2017).
In theater, audiences voted her the favorite actress of the 2013-2014 season at Essen’s Theater im Rathaus, highlighting her acclaim on the stage as well. Kupsch was also a prolific voice actress, lending her distinctive voice to international stars such as Goldie Hawn in *Reisen mit Anita*, Liza Minnelli in *Rent-a-Cop*, and the character Joan Landor in the anime *Captain Future*.
Her contributions earned her several prestigious honors, including a Bambi award, two Goldener Vorhang awards, and the BZ-Kulturpreis. Kupsch, when asked about the nickname, said she was just honest and sometimes shocked people.
Kupsch was married three times: to journalist Henno Lohmeyer (with whom she had a daughter, actress Daniela Lohmeyer), then to French production manager François Chevreuil, and later to interior designer Klaus-Detlef Krahn. Kupsch and Krahn were married for almost 40 years, since 1986. In her final years, she faced health challenges including dementia, with her husband Klaus-Detlef Krahn caring for her until her death.
"Praxis Bülowbogen" was a popular series launched in divided Berlin in the 1980s and 1990s. Kupsch enjoyed working with her colleague Günter Pfitzmann, who played Dr. Peter Brockmann in the series. The pair were reported to have had an affair in the series.
Anita Kupsch, the actress known for her role as Gabi Köhler in "Praxis Bülowbogen" (1987-1996), will be remembered for her intelligence, charm, and wide-ranging talents across mediums. She was a small woman, delicate and witty, with a history of long blonde hair and later short haircuts. Kupsch, when asked about the similarity between herself and her character Gabi Köhler, revealed that the only similarity was a "big mouth."
Kupsch had many theater performances, including ones with Claus Biederstaedt in a comedy at the Kurfüstendamm. In her final years, she lived in a care facility in Berlin. Her husband, Klaus-Detlef Krahn, confirmed her death to the German Press Agency. Krahn struggled to maintain his composure when speaking about his wife's death, but also expressed relief as her health had been declining.
Over more than 50 years, Kupsch played nearly 100 roles on camera. She was a sassy Berlin girl, often referred to by newspapers, who took ballet lessons as a child and danced with the famous choreographer Tatjana Gsovsky. Her career and notable roles have left an enduring legacy in German television and theater.
After her significant impact on German television and theater, Anita Kupsch ventured into other forms of entertainment, such as voice acting, where she lent her distinctive voice to celebrities like Goldie Hawn and Liza Minnelli. Despite her wide-ranging talents across mediums, Kupsch will be most remembered for her role as Gabi Köhler in the television series "Praxis Bülowbogen."
