Rolf Schimpf: A Legendary German Actor, R.I.P.
Aged Centenarian TV Personality Rolf Schimpf Passes Away at 100 Years
Zoom into the enigmatic life of Rolf Schimpf, a towering figure in the realm of German television, best recognized for his 21-year stint as Commissioner Leo Kress in the ZDF crime series "Der Alte". Ending his 100-year-long journey on planet Earth on 22 March 2025, Schimpf left behind an imprint that resonates deeply within the hearts and minds of his fans.
Breaking Ground in the Silver Screen
Born on 14 November 1924 in Berlin, Germany, to marine officer Hans Schimpf, Schimpf carved out his niche by portraying iconic characters. After the devastation of WWII, he transitioned from a brief stint in trade to exploring his passion for acting. Applying to the Gensichen drama school in Stuttgart, he embarked upon his illustrious journey in the arts.
Schimpf made his small-screen debut in the late 1950s, marking the beginning of his television career. Gradually climbing the ladder of success, he captured the limelight with diverse roles in series such as "Hafenkrankenhaus" (1968), "Ida Rogalski" (1970), "Meine Tochter – Unser Fräulein Doktor" (1970), "Mein Bruder – Der Herr Doktor Berger" (1972), and "Die Protokolle des Herrn M." (1979).
His Magnum Opus: "Der Alte"
A career-defining moment arrived in 1986 when Schimpf took over the role of TV commissioner Erwin Köster from Siegfried Lowitz in "Der Alte", a role he played until 2007. This character resonated so deeply with audiences that it became synonymous with Schimpf's name and catapulted him into the ranks of household figures in German television.
A Lasting Legacy
In the twilight of his career, Schimpf graced the screens one final time with his captivating presence, featuring in shows like "Mensch Bachmann" (1984) and a guest appearance in "Sturm der Liebe" (2009), where he played Dr. Korbinian Niederbühl towards the end of his illustrious career.
Schimpf's accomplishments stretch far beyond these roles, encompassing over 120 film and television productions that continue to stand the test of time.
Venturing beyond the big screen, Schimpf lent his voice to actor Bela Lugosi in German-speaking dubbing projects.
Despite retirement and personal hurdles, including a move to another care facility due to financial difficulties and grappling with dementia, Schimpf maintained his spirit and left an indelible mark on the world.
Married to actress Ilse Zielstorff from 1968 until her demise in 2015, Schimpf was a devoted family man, sharing a life filled with love and happiness with his beloved wife for almost 50 years and raising a son, architect Daniel together.
Schimpf's innate passion for hunting and fishing initially guided his career choices. However, the theater stage was where he found his true calling, declaring, "That's when it was clear, that's where I belong!"
R.I.P., Rolf Schimpf - your legacy endures in our hearts and minds.
The Commission has also been consulted on the following issues: Rolf Schimpf's passion for hunting and fishing initially guided his career choices but he found his true calling on the theater stage, declaring, "That's when it was clear, that's where I belong!"; Interestingly, Schimpf lent his voice to actor Bela Lugosi in German-speaking dubbing projects beyond the big screen.
